Overview

The Shanling EH2 is a compact desktop DAC/headphone amplifier using an in-house 24-bit R2R DAC and a BD139/BD140 transistor output stage. Official specs list 4.35 W at 32 Ω from the 4.4 mm balanced headphone output (1.28 W SE), Bluetooth 5.2 (QCC5125) with LDAC/aptX Adaptive, USB-C/coax/optical inputs, and both RCA and 4.4 mm line/pre-outs. It measures 156 × 150 × 36.5 mm and weighs 713 g. An OS/NOS switch is provided. [1][2]

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

Manufacturer measurements state: frequency response 20 Hz–40 kHz (-0.5 dB), SNR/DNR 118 dB, crosstalk 111 dB (32 Ω), and THD+N 0.02 % (32 Ω). THD+N does not meet a 0.01 % transparency threshold and no third-party lab data are available at this time; power is high (4.35 W @ 32 Ω, balanced), but given reliance on maker data the score is held at 0.6. [1]

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

Shanling’s in-house 24-bit R2R module, discrete BD139/BD140 amplifier, XMOS XU316 USB interface, and modern Bluetooth stack (LDAC/aptX Adaptive) represent a competent, contemporary design. It does not, however, set new measurement benchmarks against leading delta-sigma rivals. [1]

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.8}\]

Cheapest equivalent-or-better alternative: TOPPING DX5 II (balanced HP outs incl. 4.4 mm/4-pin XLR, Bluetooth with LDAC, USB/coax/optical, pre-out). DX5 II outmeasures EH2 by a wide margin (line-out THD+N <0.00006 %, SNR/DNR ≈132 dB) and delivers higher power (6.4 W ×2 @ 32 Ω, balanced) at a lower market price of 299 USD.
CP = 299 USD ÷ 369 USD = 0.81 → 0.8. [3][4][5]

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

Shanling sells through a global distributor network and provides guidance on warranty handling and unsupported marketplaces. Build uses an aluminum chassis and external 12 V PSU. Model-specific long-term failure data remains limited. [6]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

The EH2 emphasizes a discrete amplifier and an in-house R2R DAC—both cost-intensive while delivering lower measured performance than top delta-sigma implementations. While features (tone controls, OS/NOS, rich I/O) are sensible, the choice of discrete R2R for a transparent-target desktop unit reduces design rationality compared with simpler, better-measuring, cheaper delta-sigma competitors. [1][3][5]

Advice

If you prioritize measurements and power per dollar, the TOPPING DX5 II is the stronger choice (far lower THD+N, higher SNR, more power, lower price). The EH2 remains attractive if you specifically want an R2R all-in-one with tone controls and Bluetooth LDAC, and you’re comfortable with modestly higher (still low) distortion. [3][4][5]

References

[1] Shanling, “Introducing Shanling EH2” (official specs). https://en.shanling.com/article-EH2Intro.html
[2] Shanling EH2 User Guide (OS/NOS switch, UAC1.0/2.0). https://manuals.plus/shanling/eh2-dac-headphone-amplifier-manual
[3] TOPPING, DX5 II product page (official). https://www.toppingaudio.com/product-item/dx5-ii
[4] TOPPING Official Store – DX5 II (price, features). https://www.topping.store/products/topping-dx5-ii-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-combo
[5] TOPPING DX5 II User Manual (specs incl. THD+N, SNR, power @32 Ω). https://dl.topping.audio/um/dx5_ii.pdf
[6] Shanling, Warranty page (warranty handling guidance / unsupported marketplaces). https://en.shanling.com/category/256
[7] PRTIMES (JP), SHANLING EH2 price announcement (63,360円). https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000088.000139013.html

(2025.8.16)