Shanling M9 Plus - Flagship Android player

[sutonpu]

I want it but I don't have the budget so I would like to enjoy the shanling H7

 

[claud W]

My M9 4.4 input module crapped out about 2weeks after I got it. Andrew shipped me a new one the day I called him. No issues since.
Shanling rep, is the Plus supposed to sound better than my M9? WHY?

 

[Mhog55]

I want it but I don't have the budget so I would like to enjoy the shanling H7

Me too

 

[Shanling]

My M9 4.4 input module crapped out about 2weeks after I got it. Andrew shipped me a new one the day I called him. No issues since.
Shanling rep, is the Plus supposed to sound better than my M9? WHY?

M9 Plus is using different DACs, in different Quad DAC mode and different amplifier design.
Also the tuning is different, more towards our house sound /M8 / H7.

I would say M9 Plus is bit better, if you like its tuning.

 

[kumar402]

When will it be available in US market.
I love Sony and Shanling DAC and interested to get some impression against WM1Z

 

[Mhog55]

M9 Plus is using different DACs, in different Quad DAC mode and different amplifier design.
Also the tuning is different, more towards our house sound /M8 / H7.

I would say M9 Plus is bit better, if you like its tuning.

Can you go into a little detail as to how the tuning might be different?

 

[Shanling]

Can you go into a little detail as to how the tuning might be different?

Warmer than the neutal M9.

 

[Mhog55]

Warmer than the neutal M9.

Time to sell a kidney. Warmer than M8, or less warm?

 

[Reebonz]

Google translate from Shanling's Weibo:

The Sound of M9 Plus

For the current output DAC AK4191+AK4499EX, the M9 Plus is also equipped with Shanling's self-developed I/V conversion circuit and CPAF low-pass filtering technology. Engineers chose AD45253 high-speed low noise operational amplifier performs I/V conversion, which has the characteristics of low noise, low distortion, and high output current; The OPA1612 dual-channel operational amplifier is used for low-pass filtering, effectively enhancing power output capability and reducing crosstalk.

In the amplification section, the M9 Plus adopts the classic OP+BUF architecture of Shanling, and the much-loved MUSES 8920 operational amplifier+BUF634A combination, which not only makes the sound of the M9 Plus more smooth and delicate, but also significantly enhances the current output, highlighting the "Analog" in the sound. In order to enhance the output capability of the M9 Plus, engineers have equipped dual XC9519 power chips for power supply, which makes the output of the M9 Plus more stable and powerful, and significantly enhances the output power.

Of course, the tuning circuit requires the participation of various valuable tuning components. The M9 Plus adopts the classic Japanese ELNA high-quality Silmic II film capacitor, making its sound smoother and smoother. With the protection of many Panasonic polymer low-loss tantalum capacitors and high-precision film resistors, the M9 Plus's sound becomes more calm.

Finally, we would like to elaborate on the tuning concept and "special circuit" of the M9 Plus.

As the ultra flagship launched on its 35th anniversary, we have incorporated our years of experience into the tuning of the M9 Plus, taking into account the characteristics of DAC and the positioning of the M9 Plus product. We have not only considered the tuning ideas of portable players, but also borrowed from the tuning ideas of classic desktop products such as the 25th-anniversary set. Therefore, the all-new M9 Plus will pursue a more relaxed and warm, surging and solid performance in terms of sound, with better dynamics, while ensuring delicate emotional expression.

As for the "special circuit", engineers have added a section of imported single crystal copper wire commonly used in hi-end equipment to the 3.5mm single-end output port of the M9 Plus for grounding, effectively reducing internal resistance, enhancing the transparency and expressiveness of the single-ended headphone out.

 

[Lu88]

Introducing M9 Plus
https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroM9Plus.html

2959 USD / Available in May / Limited to 999 units worldwide (according to weibo)

Specification:
Size: 147mm x 82mm x 22mm
Weight: 379g
Display: 6-inch 1080x2160
System: Open Android 10
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
Memory: 8G RAM & 256G ROM & Micro SD card slot
DAC System: 2x AKM AK4191 & 4x AKM AK4499EX
USB Input: XMOS XU316
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Bluetooth Transmitter: LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / aptX HD / aptX / SBC
Bluetooth Receiver: LDAC / SBC
WiFi: 2.4G/5G, SyncLink / DLNA / AirPlay / OTA upgrade
Battery life: 18 h SE /11 h BAL
Battery capacity: 8350 mAh, supports QC3.0 fast charging

Single-ended output:
Output Power: 4.08V @ 32Ω (520mW)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz (0.2dB)
THD+N: 0.0008%
Separation: 75dB@32Ω
Dynamic range: 123dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 123dB
Noise floor: >115dB (<1.7uV) (low gain)
Output impedance: less than 1Ω

Balanced output:
Output Power: 6.0V @ 32Ω (1125mW)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz (-0.2dB)
THD+N: 0.0007%
Separation: 115dB@32Ω
Dynamic range: 126dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 126dB
Noise floor: >113dB(<2.3uV) (low gain)
Output impedance: less than 1Ω

 

[Mhog55]

Good power, even from single ended. Way outta my price range.

 

[dsrk]

The modules were interesting idea at the time, when 2.5mm was still favored by many and 3.5Pro seemed like a new contender. It was easier to add modules than to make players with 4 different outputs.

Now with industry pretty much settled at simple 3.5mm + 4.4mm combo, the modules are no longer needed.

Very good decision, never a fan of replaceable modules. 3.5mm and 4.4mm are more than enough these days.

 

[dsrk]

Introducing M9 Plus
https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroM9Plus.html

2959 USD / Available in May / Limited to 999 units worldwide (according to weibo)

Specification:
Size: 147mm x 82mm x 22mm
Weight: 379g
Display: 6-inch 1080x2160
System: Open Android 10
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
Memory: 8G RAM & 256G ROM & Micro SD card slot
DAC System: 2x AKM AK4191 & 4x AKM AK4499EX
USB Input: XMOS XU316
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Bluetooth Transmitter: LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / aptX HD / aptX / SBC
Bluetooth Receiver: LDAC / SBC
WiFi: 2.4G/5G, SyncLink / DLNA / AirPlay / OTA upgrade
Battery life: 18 h SE /11 h BAL
Battery capacity: 8350 mAh, supports QC3.0 fast charging

Single-ended output:
Output Power: 4.08V @ 32Ω (520mW)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz (0.2dB)
THD+N: 0.0008%
Separation: 75dB@32Ω
Dynamic range: 123dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 123dB
Noise floor: >115dB (<1.7uV) (low gain)
Output impedance: less than 1Ω

Balanced output:
Output Power: 6.0V @ 32Ω (1125mW)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz (-0.2dB)
THD+N: 0.0007%
Separation: 115dB@32Ω
Dynamic range: 126dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 126dB
Noise floor: >113dB(<2.3uV) (low gain)
Output impedance: less than 1Ω

Wow, nice to see single ended has that kind of power output.

That's aggressive pricing compared to any TOTL DAPs right now.

 

[davidmolliere]

Spec wise, M9 Plus will be Shanling take on the SP3K components at least for the Quad AK4499EX and AK4191 modulators... spec sheet is reminiscent. Now the amp stage and Shanling tuning will be so very interesting. Ah and modern open android on top... what else could we ask for!?!

This one is high up on my radar, I loved M9 but this one will be on steroids and top contender of flaship delta sigma based DAPs... Exciting!

 

[Shanling]

Spec wise, M9 Plus will be Shanling take on the SP3K components at least for the Quad AK4499EX and AK4191 modulators... spec sheet is reminiscent. Now the amp stage and Shanling tuning will be so very interesting. Ah and modern open android on top... what else could we ask for!?!

This one is high up on my radar, I loved M9 but this one will be on steroids and top contender of flaship delta sigma based DAPs... Exciting!

Interestingly, while both M9 Plus and SP3000 are using 4 DACs, they are utilized in a different ways.
On M9 Plus, we are using all 4 DACs to run in Balanced mode(1 DAC for each channel and +/- variants). SP3000 is using only two DACs for Balanced.