Shanling SMT1.3

The Shanling SMT1.3 is a high-quality streamer and digital transport solution for music lovers seeking maximum sonic purity and flexibility in combination with an external DAC. The device is designed entirely around pure digital performance and avoids internal D/A conversion, so the digital signal is sent to your DAC bit-perfect and undistorted. With an FPGA-supported I2S output and an advanced upsampling system, the SMT1.3 offers excellent compatibility with a wide range of high-quality DACs.

At the heart of the SMT1.3 is a powerful 64-bit Rockchip ARM Cortex processor, combined with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The system runs on a deeply customized Android 12 environment, specially optimized for audio. The user-friendly interface ensures fast, smooth navigation via the integrated Full HD touchscreen or the Eddict Controller app for iOS and Android. The redesigned interface is clear and focused on direct access to music playback, settings and streaming services, making operation feel intuitive and relaxed.

The SMT1.3 supports a very wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Apple Classical, Amazon Music and more. It is also fully compatible with NAS systems, Samba (SMB), DLNA and AirPlay 2, so it can be effortlessly integrated into virtually any home network environment. Support for AGLO via DLNA and AirPlay 2 ensures accurate and lossless audio playback.

In terms of connectivity, the SMT1.3 offers a high degree of flexibility for wired networks and local storage. The Gigabit Ethernet port guarantees a stable and reliable network connection. For storing and playing local music files, the device has an internal M.2 SSD slot and a USB port for external storage media, allowing the SMT1.3 to also function as a full-fledged music server.

For accurate timing and minimal jitter, the SMT1.3 is equipped with an XMOS XU316 USB interface and two high-quality Accusilicon clocks. The dedicated CT7302CL upsampling system makes it possible to convert audio to high PCM resolutions or DSD, matched to the capabilities of your external DAC, resulting in extremely precise and refined sound reproduction.

The design of the SMT1.3 is both elegant and functional. The aluminum housing exudes solidity and quality, while the sharp Full HD touchscreen provides a clear display and responsive control. Internally, everything is powered by a high-quality linear power supply with a custom 31W transformer, which guarantees a stable and clean power supply and keeps unwanted noise and distortion to a minimum.

The Shanling SMT1.3 is therefore a versatile, future-proof digital hub that combines uncompromising digital audio performance with modern streaming functionality and a refined user experience.

Hifi.nl Rating 4.5 out of 5

"The Shanling SMT1.3 is a solidly built digital transport with extensive connections and features. In practice, what stands out most is the calm and controlled sound, with a stable stereo image and clear placement of instruments and vocals. Looking at the sound and capabilities you get for the money, there is little to criticize. In fact, the level of performance is more reminiscent of more expensive streamers. This makes the SMT1.3 a very convincing choice for anyone looking for a solid digital foundation." Read more...