Shanling SMT1.3

Shanling SMT1.3

The Shanling SMT1.3 is a high-quality streamer and digital transport solution for music lovers who seek maximum sound purity and flexibility in combination with an external DAC. The device is designed entirely around pure digital performance and avoids internal DA conversion, so that the digital signal is sent to your DAC bit-perfect and undistorted. Thanks to FPGA-supported I2S output and an advanced upsampling system, the SMT1.3 offers excellent compatibility with a wide range of high-quality DACs.

At the heart of the SMT1.3 is a powerful 64-bit Rockchip ARM Cortex processor, combined with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The system runs on a deeply customized Android 12 environment, specially optimized for audio. The user-friendly interface ensures fast, smooth navigation via the integrated Full HD touchscreen or via the Eddict Controller app for iOS and Android. The revamped interface is clear and focused on direct access to music playback, settings, and streaming services, making operation feel intuitive and relaxed.

The SMT1.3 supports a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Apple Classical, Amazon Music, and more. It is also fully compatible with NAS systems, Samba (SMB), DLNA, and AirPlay 2, allowing it to be easily integrated into virtually any home network environment. Support for AGLO via DLNA and AirPlay 2 ensures accurate and lossless audio playback.

In terms of connectivity, the SMT1.3 offers a high degree of flexibility for wired networks and local storage. The Gigabit Ethernet port ensures a stable and reliable network connection. For storing and playing local music files, the device features an internal M.2 SSD slot and a USB port for external storage devices, allowing the SMT1.3 to function as a full-fledged music server.

For precise timing and minimal jitter, the SMT1.3 is equipped with an XMOS XU316 USB interface and two high-quality Accusilicon clocks. The special CT7302CL upsampling system allows you to convert audio to high PCM resolutions or DSD, tailored to the capabilities of your external DAC, resulting in extremely precise and refined sound reproduction.

The design of the SMT1.3 is both elegant and functional. The aluminum housing exudes solidity and quality, while the sharp Full HD touchscreen ensures clear display and responsive operation. Internally, everything is powered by a high-quality linear power supply with a custom-made 31W transformer, which guarantees a stable and clean power supply and minimizes unwanted noise and distortion.

The Shanling SMT1.3 is therefore a versatile, future-proof digital hub that combines uncompromising digital audio performance with modern streaming functionality and a refined user experience.

Hifi.nl Rating: 4.5 out of 5

"The Shanling SMT1.3 is a solidly built digital transport that offers extensive connectivity and features. In practice, what stands out most is the calm and controlled sound, with a stable stereo image and clear placement of instruments and vocals. When considering the sound quality and features you get for the price, there is little to criticize. In fact, its performance level is more reminiscent of higher-end streamers. This makes the SMT1.3 a highly compelling choice for anyone seeking a solid digital foundation."Read more...