Shanling UA4 - Portable USB DAC/AMP with Newest ESS DAC, Full screen and Hardware Buttons

[drx75]

Hello everyone,

First post here after many many readings.

I just bought ua4s following the reviews I’ve read, and so far I’m very impressed. Question though : does your units have a bit of loose usb-c port? Mine very slightly moves and “clicks” on the case if I move the cable (regardless of whether I’m using the cable it comes with or another one)

I’m using it with both old BW over the ears headphones (very very pleased) and with AKG k242hd which seems to be harder to drive (way less impressive bass and needs a close to 100% power output). Am I missing something here or are the AKGs too power hungry for the ua4?

Source is AM by the way.

Thanks!

 

[Shanling]

Hello everyone,

First post here after many many readings.

I just bought ua4s following the reviews I’ve read, and so far I’m very impressed. Question though : does your units have a bit of loose usb-c port? Mine very slightly moves and “clicks” on the case if I move the cable (regardless of whether I’m using the cable it comes with or another one)

I’m using it with both old BW over the ears headphones (very very pleased) and with AKG k242hd which seems to be harder to drive (way less impressive bass and needs a close to 100% power output). Am I missing something here or are the AKGs too power hungry for the ua4?

Source is AM by the way.

Thanks!

That's normal for our USB connectors.

For gain, few things to check:

- Make sure high gain is turned on.
- Check that system volume is at maximum.
- Check that your software isn't limiting the volume in any way ( Volume normalization, some DSP, some apps have their extra volume setting for USB DAC(UAPP))

 

[Shanling]

New Firmware update for Shanling UA4

Improved compatibility with iOS18

Note: If you are not using iOS18 device, please do not update

Download links on our official website: https://en.shanling.com/article-UAFviOS.html

 

[DiableRo91]

Hello everyone, I’d like to address the Shanling company with a request to add the ability to switch tracks by long-pressing the volume buttons. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available yet—currently, it’s either volume control or track switching. However, it would be much more convenient if short presses adjusted the volume, while a long press switched the track. It’s not always practical to reach into a pocket, pull out the phone, and change the track. With this setup, a long press could switch tracks, and a short press could increase or decrease the volume by one step. I hope you’ll implement this in future updates for Android OS.

Sincerely, a user of this device.

 

[carliber1]

I got so excited that I ordered the UA4 when they were announced. Took Shenzhen Audio almost a month to deliver to Canada. In the meantime I got to know about the bad noise floor with 4.4 Balanced output.
After using UA4 for a couple weeks, I can say now that the 4.4mm balanced output is almost useless on this dongle. You can hear the noise on low volumes, its ridiculous.
This is what you get with untested hardware.
I cannot even return these now because the shipping cost to return it back to China is more than the dongle itself.
For reference, I have tried these with Moondrop Blessing 3. I tried Tripowin 4.4mm cable, android, iphone, with two different Type-C cables. But everytime I got the same results.
Good thing is the 3.5mm SE output is still usable.
Pretty disappointed.

If at all possible, you ought to try the DDHiFi TC09S in addition to the two different Type-C cables you have already tried but without good results -TC09S is good at eliminating signal artifacts, noise (particularly power supply noise), helps maintain signal purity besides its other Pros. No, I do not have Shanling UA4 but use this cable on my Onix Alpha XI1, Colorfly CDA M1P and AKLIAM PD6 with very good results. YMMV

 

[Wahid]

With UA4 we combined all the favourite features from our previous UA models, added in a brand-new ESS DAC and priced it to be extra competitive in this quickly growing market of ultra-compact USB DACs

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We understand our users demand more controls directly on the DAC, so the UA4 comes with a 0.87-inch display, providing information on current playback and quick access to a range of settings. Helping with this is a trio of buttons, that not only serve for menu navigation, but can be configured to control the playback, hardware volume or software volume (functions can differ depending on the paired digital source).

Audio circuit utilizes our favourite dual Ricore RT6863 headphone amplifiers for balanced output and up to 211 mW @ 32 Ω of output power. This time paired with a brand-new ES9069Q DAC from the latest generation of ESS’ DACs. Tuned by our highly experienced engineers, with an extra focus on the clean and hiss-free output for all the high-efficient earphone users.

MSRP 99 USD

Available In November

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Shanling UA4 – Portable USB DAC/AMP

- New Design, available in Silver or Grey version

- Brand new ESS ES9069Q DAC

- Dual Ricore RT6863 Headphone Balanced Amplifier

- Three buttons for Hardware Volume Control / Software Volume Control / Playback Control

- 3.5mm Single-ended & 4.4mm Balanced Outputs

- Up to 211mW @ 32 Ohm Output power

- Compatible with Android, Windows, Mac and iOS.

- Shanling L3 Lightning cable needed for use with iOS Lightning devices

- UAC2.0 and UAC1.0 mode compatible, for use with Nintendo Switch and other gaming systems or older devices.

- Hi-Res support up to 32/768 and DSD512

- Universal USB-C Connector

- Compatible with Eddict Player app

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Is there any difference with the blue Chinese version?