Shanling EH2 Desktop Headphone DAC/Amp - Black

An R2R DAC With Tone Controls Built In

The Shanling EH2 is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier. It's built around an in-house R2R DAC module. Shanling designed it in the spirit of the ladder-style PCM1704 chips used in its higher-end products. That's a deliberate choice, rather than relying on an off-the-shelf delta-sigma chipset.

That R2R architecture is switchable between oversampling and non-oversampling modes. You can choose between a cleaner, more precise presentation or a slightly softer, more relaxed one. Front-panel Bass and Treble knobs add direct tonal adjustment, a feature most desktop DAC/amps leave out entirely.

An aluminum enclosure houses the whole circuit, available in black or silver. A dedicated 12V power adapter is included. Keeping that power supply external helps keep noise out of the compact chassis.

Strong Output, Flexible Connectivity

Inputs cover USB-C through a Hi-Fi grade XMOS XU316 module, plus coaxial and optical SPDIF. Bluetooth 5.2 rounds things out. It supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC codecs for wireless sources.

USB decodes up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD512. On the balanced 4.4mm headphone output, power reaches 2,365mW at low gain, or 4,351mW at high gain, into 32 ohms. The unbalanced 6.35mm output delivers 632mW or 1,280mW at that same impedance.

Line outputs are available via RCA and 4.4mm, at 2.2V and 4.5V respectively. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 40kHz within ±0.5dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise measures 0.02%.

Dynamic range reaches 118dB into 32 ohms. Channel separation measures 111dB, and output impedance stays below 2 ohms. It measures 156 by 150 by 36.5mm and weighs 713 grams.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Francis Adamiak reviewed the EH2 for Stereoindex in June 2025. Testing it with Sennheiser HD800S headphones, he described the midrange as "clear, uncolored, and emotionally engaging" with "excellent detail and separation."

He also found it elevated more affordable gear. It "brought out the best" in a pair of budget-friendly Edifier speakers he tested it with, proving a good source can lift even mid-tier equipment.

Gheorghe Dobrescu reviewed it for Audiophile-Heaven in April 2025. He found the EH2 "very consistent" across volume levels, describing it as "detailed, clean, and refined."

He also compared its two DAC modes directly. Sound in oversampling mode, he wrote, is "much cleaner, more defined and just generally better," while non-oversampling mode gave a "slightly softer" presentation.

Who Is This DAC/Amp Best For?

• Listeners who want to shape their own sound. Front-panel Bass and Treble controls, plus switchable OS/NOS filtering, offer real tonal flexibility.
• Owners of demanding, hard-to-drive headphones. Up to 4,351mW of balanced output covers most dynamic and planar headphones.
• Anyone who wants both wired and wireless sources in one box. USB, coaxial, and optical inputs sit alongside Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC support.
• Listeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance. Two named reviewers at established publications praised its detail, refinement, and consistency.
• Not the right fit for anyone who wants a portable, battery-powered DAC. The EH2 is a desktop unit that runs from an included external power supply.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a computer to the USB-C input, or a transport or streamer to the coaxial or optical input. Pair a phone or laptop over Bluetooth if you'd rather go wireless.

Plug headphones into the 4.4mm balanced or 6.35mm unbalanced jack, matching gain to your headphones' sensitivity. Adjust the Bass and Treble knobs to taste, and try both OS and NOS modes to hear which you prefer.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Shanling EH2:

• Headphones with a balanced 4.4mm or unbalanced 6.35mm cable
• USB cables to connect a computer or digital transport
• Powered speakers for a compact desktop system via its line output

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between OS and NOS mode?

OS, or oversampling, mode gives a cleaner, more precise presentation. NOS, or non-oversampling, mode trades some of that precision for a softer, more relaxed character. Both are selectable from the front panel.

Can I use the Bass and Treble knobs with any source?

Yes. They apply to whichever input you're using, whether that's USB, SPDIF, or Bluetooth.

Can I use this with powered speakers instead of headphones?

Yes. RCA and 4.4mm line outputs let the EH2 feed a pair of powered speakers or an integrated amplifier directly.

What's the warranty?

Shanling and its dealers don't publish a specific warranty period for the EH2. Check with your dealer for current coverage terms at the time of purchase.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about R2R versus delta-sigma DACs, matching a headphone amp to your headphones, or getting the most from your desktop setup? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.