[Shanling]

Introducing EA5 Plus​

Originally released in 2021, EA5 was an All-in-One home streamer to sit alongside our EM5. Simplifying the headphone output in exchange for adding an integrated amplifier for use with passive speakers. Unfortunately, due to a lack of amplifier parts, the EA5 was discontinued in 2022.

But now it’s time to welcome our EA5 Plus, an upgraded version with a new and more powerful speaker amplifier.

While the original EA5 offered 2x 50W @ 4 Ohm, the new EA5 Plus pushes it up to 2x 100W @ 4 Ohm, thanks to its class-D speaker amplifier 100AS2 from Danish ICEpower. EA5 Plus can be easily matched with more demanding speakers and the overall sound quality took a step up.

Rest of the Streamer is identical to the original EA5, combining our closed Android platform with streaming services, AKM AK4493EQ DAC, 6.35mm Headphone output and separated power supply design. Making for an ideal all-in-one solution for a wide range of Hi-Fi setups.

Available now at Shanling International distributors.

MSRP 980 USD

Visit EA5 Plus product page for all the details

​

 

[glassmonkey]

Not enough information to even consider getting excited about. Needs power specs for the amplifier and more detail on the streaming capabilities and software. The announcement seems premature.

Also having the touchscreen control on the back of the unit is bad bad bad design.

 

[Shanling]

Not enough information to even consider getting excited about. Needs power specs for the amplifier and more detail on the streaming capabilities and software. The announcement seems premature.

Also having the touchscreen control on the back of the unit is bad bad bad design.

It will have same streaming and software capabilities as our M30.

Touchscreen on back of device? It will be on top.

 

[glassmonkey]

It will have same streaming and software capabilities as our M30.

Touchscreen on back of device? It will be on top.

That is the back of the top. Both of these devices are designed for headphone user ergonomics. The integrated amp isn't necessary in most desktop setups, as powered speakers can be used with a DAC in a nearfield monitor setup. For a living room 2 channel, putting the capacitative buttons at the back is an error in judgement and a missed opportunity to appeal to a broader audience. A touch screen with album art is fully in your capabilities; you make DAPs for Pete's sake.

 

[crabdog]

These look awesome! Can't wait to see final prices.

 

[Shanling]

That is the back of the top. Both of these devices are designed for headphone user ergonomics. The integrated amp isn't necessary in most desktop setups, as powered speakers can be used with a DAC in a nearfield monitor setup. For a living room 2 channel, putting the capacitative buttons at the back is an error in judgement and a missed opportunity to appeal to a broader audience. A touch screen with album art is fully in your capabilities; you make DAPs for Pete's sake.

There is full touch screen on front of the top, running closed Android system. There are no capacitive buttons.

 

[CK Moustache]

@glassmonkey

One can see the touchscreen's outlines in the first rendering/mock-up. If @Shanling doesn't mind, I've highlighted for illustration below:

What can be seen in the upper half looks more like the internal component layout's schematic, but I have to say that I initially mistook it for the touchscreen as well.

@Shanling

Is the volume controlled digitally or fully analogue (with the typical disadvantage of some channel imbalance in the analogue volume potentiometer's lower attenuation range)?
How many inches is the screen?


While I'm personally not in the market for any of the two devices (if I were, I would get a Raspberry Pi and external touchscreen for my RME ADI-2 DAC or alternatively a RasPi and inexpensive tablet PC), the concept and pricing seems interesting.

 

[Wildcatsare1]

There is full touch screen on front of the top, running closed Android system. There are no capacitive buttons.

I can’t wait for the launch, love Shanling’s tuning, best in the business. We’d love to set up an experience tour on AudioTiers.com!

 

[Dietmar Görtz]

Is the top made of real glass or plastic?

 

[itsnein]

What streaming options will have em5?
- tidal / dlna / e.t.c ?

 

[glassmonkey]

That touchscreen needs to be as big as the schematic to look visually balanced. I would still hold that having touchscreen on front fascia, like NAD10 is better. Also, smooth volume knobs don't tend to feel as premium. Put some texture on that thing. Personally, I would have hearkened back to the first generation Shanling DAPs and put a bigger volume wheel (bigger diameter, but flatter than knob), top-mounted in a corner, with the 'tread' of the wheel just over the edge of the front fascia, potentially with some Naim Uniti style lighting. That would allow both units to use the same chassis, but have a big touch screen on the front.

The aesthetics of this look like they are copycatting a Sony Headphone amp. It's the wrong target for an all in one integrated amp for speakers. It's probably fine for headphone only people.

 

[Gamerlingual]

That touchscreen needs to be as big as the schematic to look visually balanced. I would still hold that having touchscreen on front fascia, like NAD10 is better. Also, smooth volume knobs don't tend to feel as premium. Put some texture on that thing. Personally, I would have hearkened back to the first generation Shanling DAPs and put a bigger volume wheel (bigger diameter, but flatter than knob), top-mounted in a corner, with the 'tread' of the wheel just over the edge of the front fascia, potentially with some Naim Uniti style lighting. That would allow both units to use the same chassis, but have a big touch screen on the front.

The aesthetics of this look like they are copycatting a Sony Headphone amp. It's the wrong target for an all in one integrated amp for speakers. It's probably fine for headphone only people.

I own the TA-ZH1ES by Sony and this is far from being a copycat. I wish Shanling good luck with this device. Looks awesome.

 

[zeissiez]

Can’t wait, love Shanling’s sound

 

[Shanling]

@glassmonkey

One can see the touchscreen's outlines in the first rendering/mock-up. If @Shanling doesn't mind, I've highlighted for illustration below:

What can be seen in the upper half looks more like the internal component layout's schematic, but I have to say that I initially mistook it for the touchscreen as well.

@Shanling

Is the volume controlled digitally or fully analogue (with the typical disadvantage of some channel imbalance in the analogue volume potentiometer's lower attenuation range)?
How many inches is the screen?


While I'm personally not in the market for any of the two devices (if I were, I would get a Raspberry Pi and external touchscreen for my RME ADI-2 DAC or alternatively a RasPi and inexpensive tablet PC), the concept and pricing seems interesting.

I'm waiting for some photos that will show it clearly, will post it here when I get it.

Volume is controlled in digital domain.
For now we are running with 4.2 screen, but it might be adjusted.

Is the top made of real glass or plastic?

Glass.

What streaming options will have em5?
- tidal / dlna / e.t.c ?

Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon HD, more to be added.
DLNA, Airplay, Bluetooth.

 

[Gamerlingual]

If i already own the Sony TA-ZH1ES, would i just need your streaming device to maximize my experience? I’m looking into getting Spotify forifs variety