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Flagship Hi-Res Digital Audio Player
Unfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Why Shanling is Special
Designed in China
Established & Reputed
Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!
I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.
With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.
When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.
Born in 1988
Why we love this DAP
I Am Worth It
For the most passionate audiophiles who demand nothing less than audio perfection 💎, these exceptional products represent the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction technology. When I designate something in this category, it means we've identified something truly extraordinary - a piece of equipment that transcends conventional standards of excellence. Think of these as the Rolls-Royce of audio - masterpieces that don't simply meet expectations but establish entirely new benchmarks for what's possible.
These aren't just premium products; they're timeless investments in musical excellence whose value transcends ordinary performance metrics. Each represents a fundamental redefinition of what's achievable in sound reproduction, incorporating innovations and craftsmanship that justify their exclusive status.
When you see "👑 I Am Worth It" products, understand that you're experiencing audio perfection - these masterpieces cater to those who recognise that true excellence knows no compromise.
Serious Audiophiles Only
For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.
Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.
When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.
Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth
I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.
What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.
When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.
Battery Life
In my experience, battery life is one of those things that separates a good day from a frustrating one. It's like having a fuel gauge you can rely on — longer battery life means less charging and more uninterrupted music. Whether you're on a flight or just commuting across town, this is one spec you don’t want to overlook 🔋.
Technically, battery life refers to the hours your device can play music on a single charge. Today’s headphones and DACs can range from 4 to 40+ hours, depending on things like Bluetooth codec, volume, and active features like ANC. More battery life also means better travel and portability, though it might come at the cost of size or weight.
When you see '⏳ Battery Life' products, expect: longer listening sessions, fewer charging breaks, and stress-free portability for music that goes the distance.
Battery Capacity
I usually think of battery capacity like the size of your water tank — it determines how long the tap can run before drying up. In audio gear, higher capacity means more playtime, more power for your amp section, and better performance during high-demand usage 🧠. It’s especially important if your gear also powers powerful drivers or amps.
Measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), battery capacity helps you gauge how long your headphones, DAC, or amplifier will last between charges. Devices with higher capacity (like 3500mAh+) are ideal for extended use or when you’re away from a power source. Just know, larger capacity often means longer charging time and a slightly bulkier design.
When you see '🔋 Battery Capacity' products, expect: more power and longer playtimes — ideal for travel, long workdays, or heavy use without worrying about recharging.
Storage
I tend to think of this like carrying your entire music library in your pocket — no cloud, no streaming, no internet required 📀. When you see “Up to 2TB Storage,” you’re looking at gear that lets you store thousands of high-res tracks, albums, and even DSD files offline, ready to play anytime.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: the device features a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB — that’s a massive amount of local storage. This is especially valuable for portable audio players and offline listeners who prefer to carry their music in the highest quality formats without compromising space. No buffering, no compression — just direct access to your favourite files.
When you see '🐘 Upto 2 TB Storage' products, expect: vast offline music access — perfect for DAP lovers, lossless audio fans, or travel-heavy audiophiles.
Built like a Tank
Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.
I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.
The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.
When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.
Why it Sounds Amazing
DAC Chip
I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.
When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.
Power Output
I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.
Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.
When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.
Balanced Output
I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.
Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.
When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.
DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW & UPGRADED SHANLING M9 PLUS
The Shanling M9 Plus pushes the boundaries of technological innovation, delivering refined and pristine audio. It has been upgraded in design aesthetics and audio architecture to present an unmatched user experience. The M9 Plus features 4 AKM 4499EX DAC chips, along with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core CPU. It also boasts an upgraded operating system and screen. Overall, the M9 Plus is Shanling's flagship digital audio player, featuring the latest and best in the audio industry.

UPGRADED CPU, RAM, STORAGE, AND USER EXPERIENCE WITH ANDROID 10
The all-new Shanling M9 Plus delivers improved performance across the board compared to the previous generation M9. These improvements include bass response, dynamic range, soundstage, and imaging. The M9 Plus also makes a significant leap forward in the Android platform, moving to a newer and more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU with eight cores, and upgrading to Android 10. With Android OS, you can expect better performance and app compatibility for the foreseeable future. RAM has been increased to 8GB for smoother multitasking, and internal memory has been upgraded to 256GB to provide enough space for apps and their data. The M9 Plus also offers a MicroSD slot to expand storage further, with support for up to 2TB of storage.



MQA DECODING COMBINED WITH A FULLY BALANCED AUDIO CIRCUIT
The Shanling M9 Plus supports Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) and is certified to deliver master-quality audio output. The device can decode MQA files to deliver outstanding sound quality. To further enhance the signal path, the M9 Plus is equipped with four AKM AK4499EX DAC chips, allowing for an 8-channel audio design for the independent balanced circuit. The quad DAC design offers an increased current output and overall improved dynamics, better SNR, and lower background noise, with all four DACs being active for the balanced output port. The audio outputs on the M9 Plus are simplified and now offer a standard combination of 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs.



UPDATED AUDIO PROCESSING WITH AN ENHANCED GAIN CIRCUIT
The Shanling M9 Plus has added two units of AKM AK4191 Delta-Sigma modulators, a crucial addition to the AK4499EX that makes this new generation of AKM sound stand out from its legacy. The crystal oscillators have been upgraded to 90.3168MHz / 98.304MHz versions, the in-house developed I/V conversion circuit has been adjusted for ADA45253, and the whole DAC section now has its own independent XC9519 power supply chip. The amplifier section adopts the proven OP+BUF architecture, now featuring the MUSES 8920 J-FET and BUF634 combination for smoother and finer sound, with an improved power supply for increased stability and a total power output of 1120 mW @ 32 Ohm. And of course, all are accompanied by ELNA Silmic II and Panasonic Tantalum capacitors, which are crucial for Shanling's warm and smooth house sound.



DESIGNED WITH AN ALUMINIUM BODY AND FEATURES A 6-INCH SCREEN
The Shanling M9 Plus boasts a sleek and polished appearance that adheres to the high-quality standards of its predecessor, the M9. The CNC aluminium body has been expertly crafted, with a slight reduction in size for a more compact design. Additionally, the 6-inch main screen of the M9 Plus is an impressive display, offering true-to-life colours with a 2K resolution and excellent viewing angles. The screen's stunning appearance is further enhanced by its placement in the "Floating Screen" design of the front panel.





SPECS
WEIGHT | 379g |
DIMENSIONS | 147mm x 82mm x 22mm |
SCREEN | 6-inch 1080x2160 |
SYSTEM | Open Android 10 |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
MEMORY | 8G RAM & 256G ROM & Micro SD card slot |
DAC | 2x AKM AK4191 & 4x AKM AK4499EX |
USB INPUT | XMOS XU316 |
BLUETOOTH | 5.0 |
BLUETOOTH TRANSMITTER | LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / aptX HD / aptX / SBC |
BLUETOOTH RECEIVER | LDAC / SBC |
WIFI | 2.4G/5G, SyncLink / DLNA / AirPlay / OTA upgrade |
BATTERY LIFE | 18 h SE /11 h BAL |
BATTERY CAPACITY | 8350 mAh, supports QC3.0 fast charging |
OUTPUT POWER | 4.08V @ 32Ω (520mW) |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz - 40kHz (0.2dB) |
THD + N | 0.0008% |
CHANNEL SEPARATION | 75dB@32Ω |
DYNAMIC RANGE | 123dB |
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE | 123dB |
NOISE | >115dB (<1.7uV) (low gain) |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | less than 1Ω |
OUTPUT POWER | 6.0V @ 32Ω (1120mW) |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz - 40kHz (-0.2dB) |
THD + N | 0.0007% |
CHANNEL SEPARATION | 115dB@32Ω |
DYNAMIC RANGE | 126dB |
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE | 126dB |
NOISE | >113dB(<2.3uV) (low gain) |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | less than 1Ω |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. Shanling M9 Plus |
![]() Flagship Hi-Res Digital Audio Player
|
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW & UPGRADED SHANLING M9 PLUS
The Shanling M9 Plus pushes the boundaries of technological innovation, delivering refined and pristine audio. It has been upgraded in design aesthetics and audio architecture to present an unmatched user experience. The M9 Plus features 4 AKM 4499EX DAC chips, along with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core CPU. It also boasts an upgraded operating system and screen. Overall, the M9 Plus is Shanling's flagship digital audio player, featuring the latest and best in the audio industry.

UPGRADED CPU, RAM, STORAGE, AND USER EXPERIENCE WITH ANDROID 10
The all-new Shanling M9 Plus delivers improved performance across the board compared to the previous generation M9. These improvements include bass response, dynamic range, soundstage, and imaging. The M9 Plus also makes a significant leap forward in the Android platform, moving to a newer and more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU with eight cores, and upgrading to Android 10. With Android OS, you can expect better performance and app compatibility for the foreseeable future. RAM has been increased to 8GB for smoother multitasking, and internal memory has been upgraded to 256GB to provide enough space for apps and their data. The M9 Plus also offers a MicroSD slot to expand storage further, with support for up to 2TB of storage.



MQA DECODING COMBINED WITH A FULLY BALANCED AUDIO CIRCUIT
The Shanling M9 Plus supports Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) and is certified to deliver master-quality audio output. The device can decode MQA files to deliver outstanding sound quality. To further enhance the signal path, the M9 Plus is equipped with four AKM AK4499EX DAC chips, allowing for an 8-channel audio design for the independent balanced circuit. The quad DAC design offers an increased current output and overall improved dynamics, better SNR, and lower background noise, with all four DACs being active for the balanced output port. The audio outputs on the M9 Plus are simplified and now offer a standard combination of 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs.



UPDATED AUDIO PROCESSING WITH AN ENHANCED GAIN CIRCUIT
The Shanling M9 Plus has added two units of AKM AK4191 Delta-Sigma modulators, a crucial addition to the AK4499EX that makes this new generation of AKM sound stand out from its legacy. The crystal oscillators have been upgraded to 90.3168MHz / 98.304MHz versions, the in-house developed I/V conversion circuit has been adjusted for ADA45253, and the whole DAC section now has its own independent XC9519 power supply chip. The amplifier section adopts the proven OP+BUF architecture, now featuring the MUSES 8920 J-FET and BUF634 combination for smoother and finer sound, with an improved power supply for increased stability and a total power output of 1120 mW @ 32 Ohm. And of course, all are accompanied by ELNA Silmic II and Panasonic Tantalum capacitors, which are crucial for Shanling's warm and smooth house sound.



DESIGNED WITH AN ALUMINIUM BODY AND FEATURES A 6-INCH SCREEN
The Shanling M9 Plus boasts a sleek and polished appearance that adheres to the high-quality standards of its predecessor, the M9. The CNC aluminium body has been expertly crafted, with a slight reduction in size for a more compact design. Additionally, the 6-inch main screen of the M9 Plus is an impressive display, offering true-to-life colours with a 2K resolution and excellent viewing angles. The screen's stunning appearance is further enhanced by its placement in the "Floating Screen" design of the front panel.





WEIGHT | 379g |
DIMENSIONS | 147mm x 82mm x 22mm |
SCREEN | 6-inch 1080x2160 |
SYSTEM | Open Android 10 |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
MEMORY | 8G RAM & 256G ROM & Micro SD card slot |
DAC | 2x AKM AK4191 & 4x AKM AK4499EX |
USB INPUT | XMOS XU316 |
BLUETOOTH | 5.0 |
BLUETOOTH TRANSMITTER | LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / aptX HD / aptX / SBC |
BLUETOOTH RECEIVER | LDAC / SBC |
WIFI | 2.4G/5G, SyncLink / DLNA / AirPlay / OTA upgrade |
BATTERY LIFE | 18 h SE /11 h BAL |
BATTERY CAPACITY | 8350 mAh, supports QC3.0 fast charging |
OUTPUT POWER | 4.08V @ 32Ω (520mW) |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz - 40kHz (0.2dB) |
THD + N | 0.0008% |
CHANNEL SEPARATION | 75dB@32Ω |
DYNAMIC RANGE | 123dB |
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE | 123dB |
NOISE | >115dB (<1.7uV) (low gain) |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | less than 1Ω |
OUTPUT POWER | 6.0V @ 32Ω (1120mW) |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20Hz - 40kHz (-0.2dB) |
THD + N | 0.0007% |
CHANNEL SEPARATION | 115dB@32Ω |
DYNAMIC RANGE | 126dB |
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE | 126dB |
NOISE | >113dB(<2.3uV) (low gain) |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | less than 1Ω |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. Shanling M9 Plus |
![]() Flagship Hi-Res Digital Audio Player
|




Quad AKM AK4499EX
AKM AK4191 x2 & AK4499EX x2
AKM AK4191EQ x2 & AK4499EX x4
Battery Life: Upto 18 Hours
Battery Capacity: 8350mAh
Battery Life: Upto 10 Hours
Battery Capacity: 5050mAh
Battery Life: Upto 10 Hours
Battery Capacity: 4200mAh
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
4.4mm (Balanced)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
4.4mm (Balanced)
2.5mm (Balanced)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
4.4mm (Balanced)
Upto 1120mW @ 32 Ohms
Upto 6.3 Vrms
Upto 6.3 Vrms
256 GB of Internal Storage
Upto 1 TB of Storage
Upto 1.5 TB of Storage
USB-C & Bluetooth
USB-C & Bluetooth
USB-C & Bluetooth
32 Bit/768kHz
DSD512
PCM: 8kHz~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo/DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo
PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz), Stereo
1. Shanling M9 Plus
1. Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T
2. Shrunken Calfskin Case
1. Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000M
Don't sweat it, this
Shanling - M9 Plus comes with a 1 Year warranty
from Shanling that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Shanling's warranty in India.
