Shanling EH90 Silver Hi-Fi DAC & ADC Interface

Desktop R2R DAC and Balanced Headphone Amplifier

The Shanling EH90 Silver is a desktop R2R DAC and balanced headphone amplifier that combines digital-to-analog conversion, headphone amplification, preamp operation and line-out functionality in one refined component. Built around the Shanling Pro R2R DAC module with an AKM AK4499EX chipset, it targets serious headphone listening and Hi-Fi system integration. The fully discrete balanced MOSFET amplifier stage delivers up to 5.2 W + 5.2 W into 32 ohms, giving it the headroom to drive demanding planar and dynamic headphones with ease.

What Sets the EH90 Apart

Few desktop DACs combine an R2R ladder architecture with a fully discrete balanced MOSFET output stage and HDMI ARC integration in a single chassis. FPGA-assisted I²S input with LVDS signalling and an external clock input add timing precision that is rare at this tier, while a 4.8-inch color display keeps system control visible at the listening position.

Connectivity, Power and Conversion

Connectivity is unusually broad for a desktop unit. USB-B, I²S (LVDS), HDMI ARC, AES/EBU, optical Toslink and coaxial cover every common digital source, while Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX Lossless handles wireless playback. The analog side mirrors that flexibility with balanced 4.4 mm and XLR headphone jacks, a single-ended 6.35 mm jack, plus RCA and XLR line outputs that can run as fixed line-out or variable preamp.

• DAC Architecture: Shanling Pro R2R module with AKM AK4499EX chipset — resistor-ladder conversion for natural, musical playback
• Supported Formats: PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, native DSD512 via USB and I²S — full hi-res coverage for studio masters and high-bitrate downloads
• Headphone Output Power: 5.2 W + 5.2 W into 32 ohms (balanced) — drives planar magnetics and high-impedance dynamics cleanly
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 120 dB (4.4 mm) / 117 dB (6.35 mm) / 118 dB (XLR) / 116 dB (RCA) — quiet background even with sensitive in-ear monitors
• Distortion: <0.003% at 32 ohms with selectable Low / High gain

Who Should Choose This Desktop DAC

The EH90 is the right choice for headphone enthusiasts and desktop Hi-Fi builders who want one component to handle DAC, headphone amplification and preamp duties. It suits listeners running demanding planar magnetics or balanced IEMs through the 4.4 mm output, or active speakers and power amplifiers via the XLR and RCA line outputs. HDMI ARC integration also makes it a natural fit for TV-based two-channel setups, with broad platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.