Better than a dongle DAC | Shanling UP5 review

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

I bought the UP5 and it's a great little device that paired easily, sounds great and it just an easy device to live with. The sound is very good and it just allows you to enjoy the music without thinking what my DAC is doing.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Totally agree

[@pepegadragon3152]

I hope you review Ifi Go Blu in the future, they have 4.4 mm balanced too!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I hope I do too! 🎵

[@dilbyjones]

Haha! Your icon is hilarious.

[@theodorezurla496]

The ifi go blue is sooo good 👍

[@jeremyabramson4343]

@@theodorezurla496 go blu or UP5 for sound quality?

[@pepegadragon3152]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Update: I just bought Shanling UP5 yesterday for 110$ and I'm really satisfied with it's performance (except for that shitty case), thank you prime audio review!

[@bigjt37]

So, are you really impressed with it's performance overall, i.e., I take it that you think it's a good step up on up4 in sound quality and technical ability?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, this is a wonderful device. It gives you much more control compared to UP4.

[@lanemiddleton9]

Enjoying the sound of my Tin HiFi T4 driven by a Lotoo Paw S1 dongle DAC 😎

[@juanblanco7898]

Nice review! Would have been great to see a comparison with the BTR5 too, though. Could you say that the UP5 is closer in its signature/tonality to the UP2 rather than UP4? It's "apodizing filter", btw)

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes it does. Where it differs most is in resolution, instrument separation, soundstage and of course, output power. That's especially noticeable when comparing the UP2 single-ended to the UP5's balanced outputs.

[@juanblanco7898]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Sounds great! I liked my UP2 very much for it's great feel in the hand, usability and sound (although the soundstage was noticeably lacking, as well as the power output). I think I'll go for the UP5 for its better battery life, PENTACONN socket and that sweet sweet volume dialing wheel, when my BTR5 gives up on me. That is if the former doesn't sound "warmer" then the latter and I won't have the funds for the Aune BU2. It's nice to see Shanling finally implementing proper USB DAC functionality too, as that is my main use case and probably the main reason I chose BTR5 over UP4.

[@sachinmajotra9665]

@@PrimeAudioReviews What about the quadelix 5k how does it compete with those portable dacs

[@kabirdevnm4850]

How does up5 compare to the qudelix 5k?

[@TheWorldTeacher]

David, the Sanskrit word, "sundara", is bereft of long vowels.

[@theodorezurla496]

I own shanling UP5/ ifi go blue /btr5 and I loooove them all !!! 😍🔥❤

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's the only way to roll!

[@jeremyabramson4343]

Do you prefer UP5 over go blu?

[@ozzieblackcherry0707]

What do you think is better between Fiio btr5 2021 vs Shanling up5 ? Thank you.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@ozzieblackcherry0707 FiiO didn't send me BTR5 2021 so I can't say.

[@ozzieblackcherry0707]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks, i hope you get a chance to compare soon.

[@sorcerermax5111]

How does it compare sound wise to Hidizs S9 pro and Beam 2 in usb dac mode when used in single ended?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Similar to both but it has better treble extension and more output power.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

Shanling knows how to offer options in their products.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, Shanling got great gear and they give regular firmware updates too.

[@Tripster369]

The irony of an audiophile video sounding distorted (basswise) on properly EQ'd Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X headphones....

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

You lost me at "properly EQ'd". 😉

[@matusjurcik6974]

Hi :), whats the quality of the sound bluetooth vs wired (up5)? Also are u going to review the hidizs dh80/dh80s? If so could u also compare it with this shanling up5? Wired vs wired sound? I quess wired will be a little bit better still.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

The difference is WAY less than you would think. The BT sound is so good I'm not even certain if I could hear the difference in a blind test.

[@letrantrung1]

Hey, I am owning an DH80S and looking forward to buy an Bluetooth Dac - Amp also. Currently considering this item UP5 now, they look attractive.

[@enzotibirica8458]

Does the UP2 perform on to the same level as the UP4 when it comes to easy to drive IEMs/Headphones?

[@enzotibirica8458]

I will only use the SE output btw

[@raymondbaldon9984]

I got BTR5 from FiiO and I'm looking for an upgrade with better battery life and a neutral sounding BT/DAC, or maybe this time I push my budget to have an dedicated DAP? I'm eyeing for Sony A55

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Sony A55 is nice (and I LOVE my NW ZX-300) but I hear its output power is very low and the battery life is pretty bad. Take that with a grain of salt because I haven't tried the A55 myself but from what I've seen and read it looks disappointing.

[@mrfrosty3]

I've been using a BTR5 over the past 18 months, I love how it sounds but, yes battery isn't the best. I charge it with a mini powerbank while it is playing. I thought about getting the Shanling but bought the new IFI Go Blu instead, tiny and sounds great.

[@davidcoons89]

@@mrfrosty3 how do you find the battery life compares with your BTR5? That’s one of my primary criteria for another portable and I have BTR5 and the es100 and the EarStudio is definitely about 50% longer lasting in the battery dept. I absolutely love my BTR5 but it’s frustrating that the battery life is as poor as it is compared to similar devices. I hope you’ve been enjoying your Go Blu a bunch still!

[@Idontevenknowmyslf]

can i used my microphone on my headset while connected via wired usb-mode? BTR5 cant do this and it is bugging me off, so i sold it

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I don't think u can with this one either. I tried but windows doesn't recognize any external mic.

[@Mr.Samurai-]

Hello, thank you for the wonderful review you brought us! I purchased the Shanling UP5 and I was very satisfied with what it delivers, but in dac mode connected to the cell phone the battery is lasting a maximum of 3 hours, this is disappointing me a lot... Can you tell me if this is right? Is this using the 4.4mm with high gain? Thank you and congratulations for the wonderful work!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Using balanced out, high gain and high volume will drain the battery faster. I’m guessing you must be using IEMs/ headphones that are hard to drive. You might need a beefier amp!

[@Mr.Samurai-]

Hello, I have a bluetooth module for use with iem, the Shanling UP5 will only be used in dac mode, it contains a very demanding iem (Aq7 Pro and Moondrop Variations), I found the battery life on high gain with volume on 60% waited at least 6 hours...

[@taviqmasteringonline2754]

If you never want to use the Bluetooth on it and just use it as a standard dac to amp headphones, will you ever have to charge it? Or does it have to be charged to use it in both Bluetooth or wire mode?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It will charge automatically when plugged in to a PC but you can turn the Charge mode off in the menu if you want. However, I believe it still needs to be charged if you're using it wired with a phone but I can't check now because I'm not at home and don't have a USB to lightning cable with me.

[@bobc2960]

Will a dongle DAC boost or help a LG V60 that has a DAC built in? I mean if it doesn't help out then why get one?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

LG V60 does have a good DAC already. I'm not sure what the power output is or what its output impedance is (for IEMs lower OI is better)). It would probably be a minor upgrade if any - LG phones are unique in this area. The advantage of the UP5/UP4 though is that it's Bluetooth so you can have your phone in your pants pocket or on the kitchen counter and have extra mobility. In addition, you can skip/rewind songs without having to pick up the phone or turn on the display. How useful that is will be different for each person but it's a big advantage for me.

[@420247paul]

amplification

[@MrB10N1CLE]

When you're using a dongle or a BT receiver, you're not using the built in dac (and amp) in your phone, so it's not "boosting" your dac. It's using a different one. Every phone already has a dac (and amp) of some sorts. LG phones just have good ones. Can't promise that a dongle or a BT dac/amp would be better, but obviously BT is more convenient. The real improvement of BT dac/amps comes from the better amplification, as built-in or dongle solutions tend to be power-limited by the phone.

[@krayozmines]

if u use easy to drive iems on an LG phone, I wouldn't look into a dongle dac if I were you. u already have a good dac.

[@d0nj03]

Probably not, there's already a fantastic DAC in the V60.

[@josheun2928]

Hi, nice video! Did you use UP to connect to PC via USB? I am just wondering whether UP is usb powered or battery powered when connected to pc.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it's USB powered when connected to pc

[@nukert658]

quite a bit of trouble getting it out again eh... I had trouble with the help of a friend! that thing was tight af. I got the ifi go blu and I ended up sending up5 back. I had high hopes for and it IS a good device but id say the ifi is more suited to what I was looking for. pros and cons of both for sure but 1 thing i loved about up5 is I could plug in 3 different iems/headphones at same time if I want and can listen with a friend or just swap between headphones for myself. the go blu seems too close together I dont know I can plug 2 things in. Maybe if you have smaller connectors?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Heck yes! 😆

[@mrfrosty3]

I would own a up4 and probably a up5 but I bought neither for the same reason, no decent clip. I use a BTR5 a lot and a good clip makes it so much more convenient. That case with the up5 looks like the one I had on my cellphone in 1993. They are great looking devices and that trick with the dual dac in single ended is impressive.

[@learnyee]

yah....without the clip, I guess I will pass

[@TheEchelon]

Qudelix 5k my dude. Smokes all of these

[@spamcan9208]

It's the little things that can make or break something. I've used the clip on my ES100 in all sorts of ways, from clipping to my shirt while I put on shorts to the inside pocket in my hoodie. Clips are a must imo

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

Hey, I returned ifi xdsd gryphon because I thought it's not worth for it's price also not much better than btr5 2021. Does up5 sound as good as gryphon also how does it compare to btr7 they're the same price.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I didn't try Gryphon or btr7 lol. FiiO shafted me hard.

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

@@PrimeAudioReviews in your experience is up5 best Bluetooth dac\amp under $600 purely in sound ?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Nope

[@bobc2960]

Thanks for the great video Sir...

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Welcome!

[@matusjurcik6974]

Hi :) and what about this vs the hidizs s9pro? Just the sound.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

They're both very similar in sound i.e. transparent and uncoloured. That is with the UP5 plugged in of course. If you're only using wired on desktop or with your phone I'd rec going with the S9 to save some cash. But if you want the added utility of Bluetooth then UP5 kicks azz.

[@matusjurcik6974]

@@PrimeAudioReviews ok so now i have a good perception of the up5 sound cause i own the s9pro already :) thanks

[@suntanglory]

This dongle is the same spec as the shanling m3x that l have. I don't know if l bought a faulty m3x because l find the headphones driving capability lacking. On 16 ohm earphones l can drive this thing to 90/100 volume to appreciate the sound and dont feel like it's loud. My older ipod that lasted over a decade, hardly boast of any headphones driving power yet l would never listen to it at 80 to 100 volume without feeling uncomfortable. Even my hip dac is more powerful and that 400 at 16 ohm. So yes, l don't understand when reviewers boast of this things driving power or l bought a faulty player....Nice review though. Cheers.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Have you changed it to high gain in the settings? Also, if you use the balanced output it will be louder too.

[@suntanglory]

@@PrimeAudioReviews lt's on high gain mode yet struggling to bush a 16 ohm earphone.l don't even bother using anything 32 ohm with it. I love shanling sound and their build quality alot, waiting on their next flagship, but l expected better driving power from 240 @32 ohm player. Anyways. Thanks mate!

[@krayozmines]

@@suntanglory i own this dap. i can drive my planar headphones on this without going over 40/100 in volume. maybe you should check with shanling if your dap is indeed faulty.

[@christianmichaud280]

In comparison wich one is the best , that’s gonna my first dac and i’m confuse , i love bluetooth for audio compatibility in car but when i listen with my headphone i’m not a fan of bluetooth But wish one in this 4model Ua3 Ua5 Up4(22) Up5

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

First DAC you should start with UA3.

[@beehype46and2]

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 69 (Heh)

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Ooh, that cheeky video! 😆🍹

[@StenLingerts]

Great review, thanks! Considering that Android has a limit of 48kHz (if you do not use UAPP), is there any advantage in running wired from the phone in comparison to LDAC or APTX HD? My (not opened yet) UP4 is limited 16/48 wired I´m on Deezer that run 16-Bit/44.1 kHz FLAC and using Beyerdynamic DT177X with 2.5mm balanced cable. Do I benefit with the UP5 with better specs wired, or will I not notice any difference VS LDAC (considering Deezer 16-Bit/44.1).. Long question short, is it worth upgrade to UP5?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's only really worth it if you would get value out of the extra 4.4mm jack. Otherwise the audio quality alone is not worth the extra spend. I would never run my UP4/UP5 wired from a phone!

[@Soundoverload]

Why not a DAP instead?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Mainly because a lot of DAPs don't have internet access (unless on WiFi) and people like to stream Spotify/Tidal etc. from their phone. Also, this is a lot smaller than most DAPs so it's easier to carry around if you're on the go.

[@kenjiseanbaya8870]

Do you think Up5 wired mode is good than other dongle dacs like fiio ka3?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I would choose UP5 over KA3. The sound is as good (maybe not better) but you get the benefit of Hi-Res wireless as well which makes it way more versatile, in my opinion.

[@kenjiseanbaya8870]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks for your answer!

[@moriopl6176]

Why haven't u took a look at fiio btr?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I did BTR3 ages ago. As to why I didn't do other ones, ask FiiO why they didn't send me. 😄🎵

[@kiritokyle1084]

Hey man, any recommendation for a good cable with mic for my moondrop aria?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Check out this OKCSC cables on Amazon. There are some good ones on AliExpress too in the NiceHCK and AK Audio stores. There's 1 in the official Moondrop AE store too.

[@kiritokyle1084]

Okay, thanks for this good recommendations man, keep up the this reviews man, you are helping a lot of people.

[@wardaug_]

is UAC 2.0 on laptop (windows) detected on your device?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, it is.

[@wardaug_]

I’ve got problem for mine. if it’s set to UAC 1.0 there’ll be no problem, but if it’s on UAC 2.0, it’s said as a malfunction USB

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@wardaug_ Not sure why that is. I just double-checked and mine is set to UAC 2 and I'm listening to it on my Windows 11 laptop right now. Maybe you could try updating or reinstalling your USB drivers. Also try a different USB port and cable is you have others available.

[@julianfrancofarinas4280]

Have you tried usb mode with an iPhone?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yes, I've tried it but it didn't work.

[@julianfrancofarinas4280]

@@PrimeAudioReviews interesting. Initially mine didnt work as well. But for some reason after i used it with my desktop and it started working with my iphone now. Thank you for your recomendation btw. I am using it with my Sundara

[@samsonman2000]

Hi mate. Might be a silly question. But do you have any idea if this connects to a smart tv through Bluetooth. Like I want to connect this to my iPhone. Then I just want to disconnect it from phone and connect it to the tv for movies etc. I’m trying to find a nifty dac device that does this!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It should work fine with your TV, just the same as a pair of Bluetooth headphones.

[@samsonman2000]

@@PrimeAudioReviews great thank you yes I thought so I just haven’t used any of these Bluetooth dacs yet. Just getting back into the hobby. Hey have you tried the sennheiser 560s? Think it would make a good pair with this shanling? I got lot of different inputs as well that’s why I think I would like this little device too.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@samsonman2000 I don't have the 560s but I'm confident they would be fine with the UP5 (using the balanced output). Yes, the different outputs are super convenient.

[@samsonman2000]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks prime! Really appreciate your time. I’ve definitely subbed and turn on notifications! I’m using your reviews to figure out my next iems 😂

[@prabalvasudev6967]

Unrelated to this video but as a beginner what iems would you recommend to me. I listen to mostly classic rock and smtimes edm.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

What price range are you looking at?

[@prabalvasudev6967]

@@PrimeAudioReviews less than 100$... but not too cheap.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I suggest you look at the Moondrop Aria or Whizzer HE01.

[@prabalvasudev6967]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you kind sir. I will look into them.

[@mitebbots]

If using wired will it use the phone battery at all? Mainly would use wired - phone to IEMs

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It will not use the phone battery if you turn "Charge" to OFF in the menu.

[@mitebbots]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Nice for a long flight if I get to come back to LOS soon!

[@nathangavino9559]

Just want to confirm, does UP4 and UP5 capable to use wired to phone?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I was trying it just now and I can't get it to work with iPhone unless using Bluetooth. Maybe I'm missing something?

[@nathangavino9559]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Oh, thanks for trying. Was planning to use this wired to phone as well. Maybe I'll hold it off for now. Do you have any recommendations for Bluetooth dac that can be used wired on phone? Thanks!

[@datboizippy5502]

I need some help I'm looking for new head phones for work (move around a lot and lift heavy boxes) but I am trying to get into iems because they might have better sound quality. I have like a $150 to $200 range. I'm looking at the moondrop arias / but open for other opinions ... so my main problem is what if anything do I need besides the iems like a dac / amp or will my phone plug work just fine

[@MrB10N1CLE]

phone is fine, but a dedicated dac/amp gives better sound quality. In your case, hooking the arias to something like the UP5 (or any BT dac/amp) and clipping it to your shirt/belt might be easier to move around than hooking the arias straight to your phone. The cable might be caught onto something too. I'll look into cheaper BT dac/amps like the UP2 or BTR3K for your use case. UP5 is overkill.

[@Yergs]

So i have the arias and am not sure what the fuss was about. I find they have a decidedly boxy sounding midrange, like shouting through cupped hands, that makes them sound cheap. I wonder about reviewer group think. I paid a little more for the fiio fh3, and they are in another league. Put the money toward something else is my recommendation. Unless you are looking to damage your ears, with the fh3 you wont need this up5 either.

[@MrB10N1CLE]

@@Yergs because personal taste is a thing. Harman tuned stuff (aria) has more midbass focus, while the fh3 is more subbass focused. So fh3 mids might not sound as recessed. It all comes down to taste

[@Yergs]

@@MrB10N1CLE i take your point. No, my experience of them is not that they are recessed. I'm referring to the qualitative aspects of the sound - as i am experiencing it in an absolute sense but also compared two several other iems i have. I dont think they were knock offs, but i cant remember where i bought them either. Do you have a pair?

[@MrB10N1CLE]

@@Yergs I don't own the aria, but I've heard of other Harman tuned stuff. Not sure if it's just a quality of the aria. It's possible

[@adrianhartanto5755]

i got UP4 right now, is the different really worth to spend $200 more or should i wait for next generation? i mean i already spend money for UP4

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Nah bro. UP5 basically adds 4.4mm and the OLED display. No need to upgrade from the UP4 IMO.

[@adrianhartanto5755]

@@PrimeAudioReviews thanks bro 👍

[@pulgmaz4564]

How does it compare to the btr5? Is the btr5 better in some ways? Worse? I'm deciding if I should go for one or the other

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I don't have the BTR5.

[@pulgmaz4564]

@@PrimeAudioReviews ig have any opinnions on any reviews about the btr5?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

@@pulgmaz4564 I never really watched/read any btr5 reviews. I was hoping to get one to review but it never panned out.

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done Any chance the ifi go blue is heading your way for review/compare. Thanks

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Not at this stage (go blue) but we shall see. 🎵