In this article, I’m checking out the Shanling M0 Pro digital audio player (DAP). The M0 Pro is an updated version of the original M0 and comes with many core upgrades. It features dual ES9219C DAC chips, a special 3.5mm balanced output, Bluetooth 5.0 and supports up to 2TB MicroSD cards. It’s priced at $129.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are based on my experience with the product.
Shanling M0 Pro
Design
While it hasn’t changed in size, the M0 Pro has had some cosmetic changes. The wheel is now slightly bigger and more textured, the left and right sides have indentations and there is a tempered glass panel on the top and bottom. Furthermore, the weight has been reduced from 38g to just 36.8g.
The MicroSD card slot now supports cards up to 2TB in size and that means you can carry a LOT of music around with this thing. Another change from the original M0 is that the 3.5mm headphone output is now balanced, although you need the special adapter (sold separately) to use it.
The screen size is still 1.54 inches with a 240*240 resolution. It’s colours are bright and the touch controls are responsive.
Internals
Shanling has replaced the original ES9218P DAC chip with dual ES9219c, enabling the fully balanced output, 119dB SNR and THD of just 0.0004%. The M0 Pro supports up to 32bit/384kHz and native DSD128.
M0 Pro’s 650mAh battery provides up to 14.5 hours of listening in single-ended and 10 hours balanced. In terms of output power, the M0 Pro’s single-ended output is slightly more powerful than the original at 90mW. The balanced output, however, goes up to 236mW, which is enough for almost any IEM and efficient full-size headphones.
UI and Functionality
The Shanling M0 Pro comes with the MTouch OS which is a mature and stable system that has loads of features such as EQ, dual gain modes, replay gain, vehicle mode and much more.
Navigating through the MTouch OS is easy and intuitive. You can get to whatever screen or setting you need by swiping left, right, up or down. A long press from any page or menu will take you back to the home screen.
Verdict
The Shanling M0 Pro is a fantastic upgraded version of the original M0. Now with dual DAC chips, balanced output and Bluetooth 5.0, this minuscule DAP is even better than its predecessor.
Whether you want to carry your entire music library on a MicroSD card or stream Tidal and Spotify from your smartphone, the Shanling M0 Pro is one audio companion you’ll want to take everywhere with you.
Specifications
- Dual ES9219C DAC Chips.
- Special-Developed 3.5mm Balanced Output.
- High-Resolution 32-Bit/384kHz PCM, Native DSD128 Signals.
- Two-Way Bluetooth V5.0 Connectivity.
- High-Definition LDAC, AptX AAC, SBC Bluetooth Codecs.
- 1.54” Colorful Display.
- Supports 2TB MicroSD card.
- Supports SyncLink function.
- Powerful Headphone Output(Up to 236mW@32Ω.
- High/Low gain modes.
- Ingenic X1000 Master Chipset.
- mTouch OS System.
- Two-Way USB Connectivity.
- Extended Battery Backup(Up to 14.5 hours).