amazon Shanling UP4 reviews
DESIGN AND COMPLETE OF SHANLING UP4
Shanling UP4 is the bigger brother of Shanling UP2. Both will share the same design language but the only difference in size.
The whole body of Shanling UP4 is made from monolithic metal covered with fine black paint. The front and back of the glass help to increase the reception of the device as well as increase the elegance and luxury of the product. On the front, we have a status indicator, NFC antenna area and Shanling Logo.
The Shanling UP4 status indicator is an RGB LED capable of changing colors according to the currently connected codecs, a very clever and sophisticated design.
The right edge places the versatile volume knob. This is probably the most typical feature of Shanling’s design as it has appeared throughout M-series music players. At the top are two audio output ports and a filter adjustment button of DAC. The bottom edge is the USB Type-C charging and data port.
As for finishing, Shanling always shows its abilities and refinement. Glass and metal details on Shanling UP4 reach near perfection, without any deviations, no bubbles appear. Precision machined metal surfaces. The physical buttons, connectors are set on short and tight.
It is hard to find any point to be blamed for appearance and perfection on Shanling UP4.
CONFIGURATION AND FEATURES OF SHANLING UP4
Compared with the previous version, Shanling UP4 is most upgraded in audio decoding hardware. Equipped with a full-balanced decoding circuit, using up to 2 ES9218P DAC chips for each audio channel. This is the chip on players like Shanling M0, Hidizs AP80 or LG V30.
When you don’t have a Balanced standard headset, Shanling UP4 still allows you to get the most out of your hardware decoding power with Dual DAC mode. Shanling UP4 will always use both decoding chips even when you use conventional single-end headphones to maximize the detail and dynamics of the two DAC chips.
The amplifier circuit has also been upgraded for twice the power of Shanling UP4. 91mW at 32 Ohm with Single-End 3.5mm and 160mW at 32 Ohm with Balance 2.5mm. Thanks to these upgrades, Shanling UP4 promises to bring the best audio experience ever.
Regarding connectivity, Shanling UP4 uses Qualcomm’s most advanced Bluetooth chipset, CSR8675, Bluetooth 5.0 standard and supports all popular to high-end codecs such as LDAC, HWA LHDC, aptX HD for connection quality and capability. Extremely wide compatibility. Shanling UP4 also supports simultaneous connection to 2 devices which are very useful for those who use 2 phones.
Besides Bluetooth, Shanling UP4 also supports wired connection via USB Type-C port to use as a USB DAC / AMP when necessary. No need to install drivers, just plug and play.
Shanling UP4 is equipped with Knowles’ high-quality SiSonic noise-canceling microphone combined with Qualcomm’s cVc digital noise cancellation algorithm to provide crystal clear speech in any environment.
In addition, Shanling UP4 is equipped with NFC quick connection, LED status color change according to the connection codec, 4 digital filters, 3 gain modes.
The maximum battery life is 15 hours in the SBC codec and about 10 hours in the LDAC codec. Battery standby time is up to 300 hours. Fully charge the device in 2 hours only.
DAC / AMP chip: 2x ESS Saber ES9218P
Output: 3.5mm Single-ended and 2.5mm balanced output
Mode: High gain / Low gain / Dual DAC mode
Microphone: SiSonic Knowles noise-cancellation microphone
Capacity: 91 mW @ 32Ohm Single-Ended in Dual DAC mode and 160 mW @ 32Ohm Balanced
Quick connection: NFC
Bluetooth chipset: Qualcomm CSR8675
Supported codecs: Supports LDAC, HWA LHDC, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX, AAC and SBC codecs
USB DAC maximum bitrate: 16bit / 48kHz
Battery capacity: 550 mAh
Weight: 37g
EXPERIENCE THE CONNECTION AND SOUND OF SHANLING UP4
With the first use, connecting on Shanling UP4 is very simple, you just need to press and hold the Volume button until the status light flashes blue and red and you can pair with the phone. Once connected, Shanling UP4 will remember the old connection and automatically reconnect the phone every time the power is turned on.
Battery life announced by the manufacturer is up to 15 hours with Single-End port and 10 hours with Balanced port. I have tested and the results are quite satisfactory, 14 hours and 9 hours with 2 modes. I also realized that LDAC is the fastest battery-draining codec and SBC, aptX is the 2 codecs for the longest usage time.
Shanling UP4 does not automatically power off when not in use. Instead, it goes into deep sleep mode and is always ready to resume operations when needed. So if not in use, you should turn it off completely.
Like Shanling UP2, UP4 has no built-in application, so you will not be able to customize many smart features via your phone. In return, you can still adjust and know all operating status of Shanling UP4 via status lights.
When listening to music in Bluetooth mode, the status light will blink steadily to let you know what codec you are connecting with:
SBC: Blue
AAC: Cyan
aptX / aptX Low Latency (LL): Purple
LDAC: Green
LHDC / HWA: White
aptX HD: Gold
When switching between gain modes:
Low gain mode: Blue
High gain mode: Green
Boost mode: Gold
When switching back and forth between DAC filters:
Linear phase fast roll-off: Blue
Linear phase slow roll-off: Green
Minimum phase fast roll-off: Purple
Minimum phase slow roll-off: Yellow
In terms of sound quality, the overall sound of Shanling UP4 is neutral, colorless, balanced with an emphasis on detail. The Shanling UP4’s sound is also the fullest and most rustic of the Bluetooth DAC / AMP models I’ve heard in this price range.
Shanling UP4 soundstage is clean, without hissing even with high-sensitivity IEM headphones. The power of the amplifier in Shanling UP4 is enough to pull most of the IEM and Earbuds models without any difficulties.
Bass: Fast, powerful and very well controlled. The short decay results in tight and accurate bass. The overall details in this negative range are therefore also improved. Despite the fast pace, the bass is still full and taut. It is technically and technically balanced.
Mids: Love, good control and no color. Emotional factors are always the key to the success of the mid-range, especially in the vocal area. Shanling UP4 reproduces vocals vividly and emotionally. Very good control, no color. This is the factor that can say Shanling UP4 does better than its players in the same price range as Shanling M0 or Q1. The ability to perform musical instruments is also very accurate. Good layering ability and orientation make the listening experience pleasant and refined.
Treble: Soaring, crispy and very high, very fine detail. The high range of Shanling UP4 is expanded with a large amount of space creating a soft, airy feeling without listening to the ears. Treble is also not too smooth, neutral.
CONCLUDE
If you’re looking for a complete Bluetooth DAC / AMP model from design to configuration, preferring a full, colorless sound, Shanling UP4 will be a great choice for an extremely reasonable price. In some respects, it also sounds better than other similarly priced music players.
where can you get a Shanling UP4 online
Shanling UP4 Bluetooth Headphone Amp: Buy it now
UP4 Wireless Headset Amp,Bluetooth 5.0 Ultra Low Latency 60ms,LDAC/AptX/AAC,NFC Pairing,Type-c USB DAC,15h Life,3.5 Stereo and 2.5 Balanced Output for Home TV, Speaker, Car AUX: Buy it now
SHANLING Portable Hi-Fi Bluetooth Amplifier UP4【Japan Domestic Genuine Products】【Ships from Japan】: Buy it now
