Get the weekly hi-fi digest — new gear, best reads, and deals.

Shanling UA1 II is a second-generation compact USB DAC/headphone amplifier designed for both mobile and desktop use, featuring onboard controls and display for improved usability.
The device uses dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips, supporting high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD playback up to DSD512.
With output power reaching 240 mW at 32 ohms, UA1 II can drive more demanding headphones beyond typical portable models.
Shanling’s approach with the UA1 II reflects a broader shift in how compact USB DACs are engineered today: no longer just “get sound out of a phone,” but act as a self-contained front end. The use of a dual CS43131 topology is telling here. Cirrus Logic’s chips are known for their low idle noise and integrated headphone stages, but running them in a dual configuration hints at an emphasis on channel symmetry and cleaner differential signal paths rather than brute-force power. Compared to older single-chip dongles, this architecture is aimed at preserving microdynamics and spatial cues, especially noticeable with well-recorded acoustic material and high-quality in-ear monitors.
Another interesting angle discussed by different sources is ergonomics versus software dependence. While many competitors still rely entirely on host-side volume control, Shanling doubles down on hardware-level interaction. This suggests a design philosophy closer to traditional portable players than to disposable adapters. For users juggling multiple sources—smartphones, tablets, laptops—the ability to decouple gain and playback control from the operating system can reduce inconsistencies in output level and digital attenuation, which in turn helps maintain optimal signal resolution across platforms.
From a market perspective, UA1 II sits at an intersection where compact size no longer implies sonic compromise. The inclusion of a balanced signal path in such a small enclosure signals confidence in internal layout and power management, areas that often limit dongle-style devices. Rather than chasing exotic components, Shanling appears to focus on well-understood silicon and practical engineering choices, positioning the UA1 II as a mature evolution of the format—less about headline specs, more about delivering a stable, low-noise, and flexible listening chain for everyday audiophile use.
New gear, best reads, and deals — every Friday.

* Queen will release a 5CD+2LP super deluxe Queen II box set on 27 March 2026 via EMI, expanding the original 1974 album extensively.

* Audio Research I/55 is a compact tube integrated amplifier derived from I/70, succeeding I/50, targeting high-end listeners seeking classic tube sound with m…

* ToxFreeLife tested 81 headphone models from brands including Sony, Apple, JBL, Bose, Samsung, and Temu across European retail and online marketplaces.

* Audio-Technica launches the ATH-CKD7NC USB-C wired earphones on February 27, featuring hybrid noise cancelling and priced at ¥9,680 via direct sales.