Shanling Unveils M8T: New Flagship High-Resolution Audio Player with Dual AK4499EX DACs and Twin Tubes
By HiFi Editorial23 October 2025
Key Highlights
Features dual AKM AK4499EX DACs and JAN6418 tubes for selectable tube or transistor listening modes.
Runs on Android 13 with a 6-inch full HD (2160 x 1080) display for app compatibility and crisp visuals.
Supports high-resolution audio formats up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD 1024 for detailed playback.
Shanling has unveiled its latest flagship in the high-resolution audio player market, the M8T. Building on the legacy of the well-received M8 from 2020, the M8T introduces a sophisticated setup featuring dual AKM AK4499EX DACs and twin JAN6418 tubes. This combination offers audiophiles a versatile listening experience, allowing users to switch between tube-enhanced warmth and pure transistor mode to suit their preferences.
The M8T is equipped with a robust Android 13 operating system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of third-party applications and providing seamless streaming capabilities. The device boasts a stunning 6-inch LCD display with a full HD resolution of 2,160 x 1,080, delivering crisp and clear visuals. Supporting high-resolution audio formats up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD 1024, the player ensures that every detail of the audio is faithfully reproduced.
Connectivity options are extensive, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi for stable streaming and two-way Bluetooth functionality that allows the M8T to serve as both a DAC and an amplifier. Users can enjoy multiple listening modes—transistor, triode, and ultra-linear—and choose between standard and balanced headphone outputs. The impressive 8,350mAh battery provides up to 15.5 hours of playback with single-ended headphones and 13 hours when using balanced outputs, making it a reliable companion for extended listening sessions.
With the upcoming discontinuation of the Shanling M9 Plus in summer 2024, the M8T steps in to solidify Shanling’s position in the portable high-resolution audio player market. Retailing at $1,499 in the US and £1,499 in the UK, the M8T offers a blend of traditional tube amplification and modern digital technology, catering to discerning audiophiles seeking both performance and versatility in their portable audio solutions.
