Shanling UP4 Bluetooth DAC Review - Like an audio pocket knife

[@The_only_Higgsinspace]

Really enjoying your reviews mate. I just purchased this based on your great overview

[@PassionforSound]

Wonderful! Glad I could help and glad you're enjoying the content. Thanks for letting me know!

[@HungryEatNow]

Am using shanling m0, itz amazing for the price and size!

[@PassionforSound]

I've heard good things about it and was very impressed with the Q1! Glad you're enjoying the M0

[@krayozmines]

After months, I've finally got one! I'm so happy with it. Glad I didnt get the btr5 :D

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying it, Krayoz!

[@TheJrosen520]

Hi thanks for this review I'm using my Lg v30+ with my Beyerdynamic Amiron home and Aventho wireless with aptx hd. And I'm to get a cheap phone and use this instead. Is it good replacement?

[@PassionforSound]

Hi JSR, the UP4 will work well. I'm not sure if it will be an upgrade over the V30+ but it will do much the same job at least

[@link3457]

Please review the e1da 9038s gen3. Seems very good for the price.

[@PassionforSound]

I'll see what I can arrange. Thanks for the suggestion

[@goodnightmoon]

+1

[@hunterjg777]

Do you notice any audible difference using the dual dac mode, for single sided, for the likes of your Beyerdynamic headphones, or in my case the DT 1770 Pros?

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I do find the dual DAC mode to sound better in general. It provides a little more resolution/detail and channel separation too.

[@arryankeshan615]

loved this review just wanted to ask from which port of my desktop will i use it for wire connection c type or a type..thanks and just wanted to ask could you recommend me some good non chihi iem under 100 dollar for good classical music and vocals..is the shure se215 or sennheiser ie40 pro or mee audio mx2 pro good and your recoomendation as well ...pls present your views.........love your work and love from india

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Arryan, so glad you liked the review. The UP4 takes USB-C in, but you can take the output from either USB-A or USB-C - it doesn't matter so go with whatever you have a suitable cable for. As for an IEM recommendation. I haven't really tried much in the sub $100 range that's not ChiFi. The SE215 are a nice enough IEM though so they're not a bad choice and should suit your preferred genres quite well.

[@arryankeshan615]

@@PassionforSound thanks brother......u r just awesome pls keep making such awesome content........thank u

[@nunovale3077]

@PassionForSound, I'm a bit of a beginner, so I would use this device to connect via BT or USB-C to a source of audio in order to plug it to some headphones through 3.5mm? Thank you in advance!

[@PassionforSound]

That's exactly right!

[@wrathseeker647]

Can shanling, drive enough the hifiman he400se? thank you for answering my question.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't recall the exact figures for the Shanling, but it should do fine with the 400SE unless you're listening at dangerous levels or pumping the EQ really high

[@JakTheLombax]

Can you pair bluetooth headphones to the UP4?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't believe so. It's a receiver only. Take a look at the Hidisz AP80 Pro-X for that.

[@albertpolak786]

Hi Lachlan, have You tested whether the 3.5mm jack on the UP4 supports a 4-pole headset with microphone? Can't find that info anywhere, would love to know! Cheers for the detailed review

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Albert, I didn't test that as far as I can remember and don't have one here anymore - sorry!

[@donindiana8504]

Could you tell me more about the volume knob? Is it smooth or clicky when turned? Is the volume independent for the device or does it syncs with the volume of the paired Android phone? Thanks.

[@PassionforSound]

The volume is independent, but I don't remember anymore if it's clicky or smooth - sorry

[@TKDdans]

What about compared to the BTR5? They seem to have similar internals, but the BTR5 has higher output power.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Dan, check out my BTR5 review. I compared them thoroughly in that vid, but didn't have the BTR5 here when I recorded this one.

[@TKDdans]

@@PassionforSound Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

No problems 🙂

[@TKDdans]

@@PassionforSound Thank you for reviewing both and comparing. Because of your commentary on each, I decided to order the Shanling and compare the two for myself. I hope I prefer the shanling. The BTR5, unfortunately, has difficulties with its iOS app support and firmware updating on mac/iOS systems. I also like the minimalism of the shanling having a dial for easy and smooth volume control. The shanling doesn’t allow holding down the volume button, it requires pressing it for each increment of volume change...out of 60 levels. Eesh. Plus, it sounded to me that the BTR5 was almost less resolved than simply going through the apple dongle into the iPhone. I would stick to the dongle if it wasn’t for the lack of volume. Especially for classical, IEM’s seem to need more power for louder volumes.

[@PassionforSound]

No problems, Dan. I'm glad you found it useful. I think you'll be happy with the UP4 - it's a much better device than the BTR5 in terms of raw sound quality (IMO). And that volume control functionality on the BTR5 is a real pain!

[@nuthinbutnikk17]

Hi Lachlan, good review, thank you for making this video. I'm not sure if you mentioned the battery life in this video or maybe I missed it, but have you had any chance in testing out the battery life? Is it any better/worse than BTR5?

[@PassionforSound]

Hi! Glad you liked the video. Unfortunately, both devices were on loan to me so I can't comment on long term battery life. Sorry!

[@nuthinbutnikk17]

​@@PassionforSound I can see the battery life from the specs sheet over the internet but I believe manufacturers blown out the battery life data presented in their website and most of the time real life usage are different from how they get those battery life, but no worries, still a really good review nonetheless. Cheers!

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, some manufacturers overestimate, a few underestimate. It's hard to know till you try, isn't it?

[@Hari-kx2er]

Hai, I am currently using a Hiby R3 Pro Saber DAP and 7hz Timeless iem for my portable audiophile needs. Can you tell me how the Shanling up4 compares to Hiby R3 Pro Saber DAP in 2.5mm balanced mode? Thanks in advance!

[@PassionforSound]

I can't - sorry. I haven't heard the R3 Pro.

[@mkemp01]

Good review thanks.

[@PassionforSound]

You're welcome!

[@LoveBystroem]

Wow, such production value. How does this compare to the fiio btr5? figuring I want one but don’t know if this might be better

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it! I think I mentioned in this video that I prefer the UP4 in most aspects (sound, controls, etc.), but I provided a more extensive comparison here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2PFiHiJpLSCfa8

[@stuartmccrea]

Lachlan, you mentioned built in mics for phone calls - can you comment on the quality of that function? That would be an important consideration for my daily usage. I’m looking at options to replace my BTR3 which has done a stellar job for mobile music listening and phone calls for two years, but recently having some connectivity issues. Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't test that feature, I'm afraid and there's also now a new version of the BTR5 which is likely different. Sorry I can't be of more help

[@stuartmccrea]

@@PassionforSound No worries - thank you for taking time to respond. Built in mic quality seems to be a feature overlooked by most reviewers of similar products, which is a shame - I think it’s a really helpful point to cover, even if it isn’t perceived as a primary purpose of the device. I already took a chance on a HiBy bluetooth dongle dac, and the mic was terrible (as pointed out by the very first client I called using it) - waste of money for my needs.

[@PassionforSound]

It's a tricky one for a channel like mine because, based on the performance of all the videos I produce, the vast majority of my viewers want to know about sound quality and aren't interested in things like wireless range, Bluetooth connectivity quality or mic quality. I think they look to tech channels for that type of content. It's why I'm reviewing less wireless gear these days.

[@shahkhan110]

nice review as always. I am wondering which dac (dongle) you may recommend for planars like he4xx, 400i, sundara, etc with low sensitivity.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review! I'm not sure which dongle I'd specifically recommend. Most should have a reasonable amount of power for these headphones, but they'll also all be limited by the fact that they're driven by USB power only. Ideally, you'd move up a step to something semi-portable like a Mojo or TR-Amp. If not, just stick with whichever dongle you think has your preferred features and sound.

[@PassionforSound]

Personally, I'd recommend an IEM that doesn't need so much adjustment to sound right. I don't mean to be harsh, but that suggests either a pretty flawed tuning or a tuning that's too far from your personal preferences

[@PassionforSound]

The IE600 is being arranged, but stocks have been limited so I can't say when it will happen

[@sayancold]

Hi, can you please tell me about the combination of HiFiMan He400Se and UP4 with balanced Cable. People are telling me that UP4 doesn't have enough power to drive Stealth Magnet fully. Is that true ?

[@amanieux]

does the equalizer works with all bluetooth codecs and also in usbc dac mode ? (btr5 unfortunately does not)

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have the device here anymore, but I believe it does. Best check though because I can't confirm 100%

[@cemilmustafa]

Hi, Can shanling up4 be used as a usb dac with computer efficiently, like fiio btr5?

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely. Think of them as basically identical (referring to the older BTR5)

[@enzotibirica8458]

Do you think this would be a worthy upgrade from a Sonata HD Pro? Taking that I would not use the balanced output anyways from the UP4

[@PassionforSound]

If you're not using balanced, it might not be. It does give you EQ, filters and Bluetooth though so there is that. Sound quality is probably a little better, but not sure how much having not tried them side by side.

[@enzotibirica8458]

@@PassionforSound Thanks a lot, I tried joining your Patreon but somehow south American pay pal does not let me conclude the purchase. So I am donating towards you through youtube comments

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks souch, Enzo! That's strange about Sth American PayPal. It's a shame because there's some great discussion in the Discord chat. Maybe you can find a way to join in future... (I'd offer more assistance if I could, but PayPal is beyond my influence 🙂)

[@enzotibirica8458]

@@PassionforSound It's fine, I will keep donating through youtube, don't worry about it

[@enzotibirica8458]

Hey, I was wondering. I know the UP4 would have worse performance compared to something like an E30+L30. Obviously. But how big do you think is that difference? Are they still comparable or would the E30+L30 be simply in a completely different league? At least for easier to drive headphones

[@SoumyabrataDas90]

Hey guys, can anyone say if the two outputs (balanced and unbalanced) work simultaneously. I want to know if I plug two separate speaker, one through balanced and one through unbalanced, will both of the speakers produce sound?

[@mrfrosty3]

I imagine 50% of a review audience is people trying to decide what to buy, the other 50% already own the review item and want to hear someone praise their choice. If it isn't praise you'll hear about it in the comments.

[@PassionforSound]

I do seem to upset people from time-to-time so I think there's some truth in that. I think there's also a number of people who are just generally curious and maybe not in the market necessarily, but like to see what's out there (I'm often this type of viewer on other channels)

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

A kangaroo once stole my pencil

[@PassionforSound]

That must have sucked! 🤣

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Not sure I understood did you exclude the btr5 because you didn’t have one anymore or the audio quality is so far ahead they are not even worth comparing, that would make this a world beating product so I will do some further investigation as the btr5 gphas excellent sound quality reviews

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Adrian, I've reviewed the BTR5 separately already and also don't have it anymore. The comparison with UP4 was in the BTR5 review. Sorry for any confusion

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@PassionforSound thanks for the quick reply, got it, I have the btr5 and also the hiby R2 so wasent planning on another similar format device, FYI I use the R2 more for its capabilities rather than as a DAP, and also the sabre DAC chips give a noticeably brighter sound than the Fiio btr5. However if the UP4 is significantly better I would definitely consider it. I’ll watch the comparison review, thanks again for your in-depth reviews they are really informative and useful to me.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

OK have viewed the Review, so better sou d by a moderate margin on the shanling so I will continue with the btr5 or consider the Qudelix 5k if I really want an eq that works in usb dac mode which I'm not sure I need as I have eq capability using boom 2 on my ios devices and a couple of eq/shelving systems on my macbook pro

[@PassionforSound]

Glad I can help 🙂🙂

[@PassionforSound]

Perfect. Sounds like a good plan

[@soulsnail2495]

pls elaborate on why it is difficult on the hifi man planar magnetics?

[@PassionforSound]

It's just a lack of power, SS. This will only effect the more difficult planars like the HE400SE. Others, like the Ananda Stealth will be fine

[@soulsnail2495]

@@PassionforSound also how do you setup the up4 with an iphone 12 pro? i have doubts the iphone will allow hifi streaming through bluetooth, is it even possible to stream beyond 320kbs on bluetooth trhough the shanling up4 with an iphone 12

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have an iPhone to test with. Sorry

[@vripiatbuzoi9188]

Does it have a microphone like the BTR5?

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, it does 🙂

[@vunguyenanh5763]

Wow, really like your voice and your review, although im really bad at english

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@KAUSTUBH447]

Can UP4 be used by connecting it to an android phone with a USB type c cable?

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely 🙂

[@KAUSTUBH447]

@@PassionforSound Thank you. How does UP4 (used as I mentioned) compare to Fiio KA3?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the KA3 to comment - sorry

[@xlink010]

Hi. Is it possible to use the USB DAC function of the UP4 on smartphones (type c to type c)?

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely! 🙂

[@midianmid1508]

@@PassionforSound Hi, is it better using USB DAC or Bluetooth? Compare to UA2?

[@PassionforSound]

Wired USB connections will always be better than Bluetooth connections until we get true lossless Bluetooth.

[@midianmid1508]

@@PassionforSound thank you

[@FutilityFS]

Does it work with FLAC like with Hifi Deezer?

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely!

[@FutilityFS]

@@PassionforSound what would you recommend for something that can be used with android to Drive like Sennheiser HD660s

[@PassionforSound]

Depending on whether you want USB or Bluetooth connections and your budget, the Shanling UP4 and UP5 are both great. The iKKO ITB03 is also excellent for a Bluetooth device. If you are going wired, the Shanling UA5 and Questyle M15 are two of my favourites

[@aceofspades6667]

So on your intro you've added the exclusions of everything but power amps and passive speakers. Just curious why you don't review these two products? Is the YT reviewer area just to saturated in these areas, outside of your expertise, or outside of your interests? Just sort of curious the reasons on how you focused your channel

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Ace, it's purely that I'm not setup for it. Particularly now we have a little one in the house. I'm open to bringing that in one day in the future, but need to stick to headphones, etc. for now.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@PassionforSound I have an 9 month old and a 4 year old so have to keep my Magnepans locked in a small room otherwise they would tear them apart. Completely understand your situation!

[@PassionforSound]

Sounds like a wise move! Just last night I discovered that the Drop Pandas I have here for review are now scratched on both earcups and I haven't done the glamour video yet ☹️☹️

[@aceofspades6667]

@@PassionforSound well real world scenarios then... If they scratch that easily then possibly it's a design issue or at least people with kids will understand that stuff happens. My daughter broke a pair of tubes I had last year and before I got angry I at least was glad that she shares my interest and cares enough to listen with her dad.

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, that's definitely cool and hopefully Z will get into some of our hobbies in the future if he wants to. The Pandas aren't too fragile, they just got rubbed back and forth on a bare timber floor (the carpet's up due to a flood last year - long story). There's not many products that would survive that unscathed.

[@arctic6756]

What this be ok with Akg-712 pro

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely!

[@arctic6756]

@@PassionforSound thanks

[@link3457]

Good thing you told me to subscribe:D How does it compare to the sonata HD pro?

[@PassionforSound]

Good question! I don't have the Sonata HD Pro anymore, but I'd say the UP4 is comfortably better based on my memory, particularly if you're using the balanced output.

[@link3457]

@@PassionforSound not related but I think you look like deckard shaw 🤣

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. I'll take that! 😉🤣

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

I've been Stabbed and Almost Murdered, That's Chicago for ya. Could of been a Shanling.