Connectivity
Bluetooth
I tested the M1 Plus with the Astrotec S80 5.0 IEMs, an LG Q70, and a Huawei P40.
Pairing the M1 Plus was quick and easy to figure out thanks to the straightforward menus. Once connected, the pairing was rock solid. Despite the Astrotec and LG being older devices, I haven’t experienced a single drop or stutter.
The sound quality from the S60 5.0 when paired with the M1 Plus is as good as always, despite the Astrotec’s limited codec support.
The range was also quite impressive with a solid connection present anywhere in my apartment, except when putting a few rooms between the two devices.
That said, the experience hasn’t been flawless. On a few occasions, my Huawei P40 could not find the M1 Plus to pair.
Cycling Bluetooth on and off on both devices resolved the problem when it cropped up. I’m unsure if this was due to the M1 Plus, the Huawei, or both.
USB-DAC
To use the M1 Plus as a USBD AC with a Windows-based computer, you need to download drivers from Shanling’s website, set the device to USB DAC mode, and if you want, have the Shanling Control Panel running in the background.
Most other DAPs I’ve tested are plug-and-play, installing any needed drivers automatically, and as a result, the M1 Plus feels behind the times in this regard.
Pairing it with a phone over USB is simpler, requiring nothing more than connecting the two devices with a Type-C to Type-C cable. Just remember to turn off charging over USB so you don’t drain your phone’s battery.
Once set up, the M1 Plus makes for a fantastic DAC. While you lose access to most of the products’ features, including skipping and pausing tracks, you can still adjust volume, check the time, choose whether you want it to charge while acting as a DAC, and view the bitrate.
Using it this way is a welcome improvement over the basic output from a laptop or phone. You gain access to a balanced connection and the swathes of power the M1 Plus provides.
Synergy
Thanks to the M1 Plus’s clean output and ability to be run single-ended and balanced, its impressive power output, Bluetooth capabilities, and ability to be used as a DAC, it is a very versatile product that pairs well with a wide array of products.
Efficiency
Pairing the M1 Plus with a picky earphone like Campfire Audio’s Andromeda 2020 revealed a clean output. From the single-ended 3.5mm port, even after dropping the volume to 1, there was no audible hiss.
Plugging the Andromeda 2020 into one of Campfire Audio’s balanced Time Stream cables so we could test the M1 Plus’s 4.4mm balanced out, at volume 1 there was just the teeniest hint of hiss which was easily masked at normal listening volumes. That’s impressive.
With earphones more appropriate to pair with the M1 Plus’s balanced out, such as the TERRA or VOLARE, there was no hiss at any volume or during silent moments on a track. The M1 Plus’s output is very clean and efficient.
Power
While it doesn’t offer as much power as the M5 Ultra, the M1 Plus is no slouch. From its single-ended output, it provides up to 195 mW @32Ω, and up to 660 mW @ 32Ω from its balanced output, along with a high gain option for an extra bump in volume if necessary.
This power is delivered efficiently enough to allow interference-free, extremely low-volume listening, alongside blisteringly loud volumes if that’s your thing. I found it comfortably ran everything from easy-to-drive IEMs like the VOLARE to more demanding gear like the 150Ω He 150PRO.
The Astrotec Phoenix is a hybrid earphone with obscene power requirements that shame many full-sized headphones. Most sources fail to push the dynamic properly leaving it sounding anemic, and the electrostatic drivers end up splashy and uncontrolled.
The M1 Plus has no problems running it properly through the 4.4mm balanced output, allowing the dynamic to stretch its legs with deep, pounding bass, and the estats to sound tight and precise.
The 3.5mm output does a decent job but isn’t ideal for the Phoenix and is best used with less demanding earphones.
The M1 Plus is not a DAP that’s lacking in output. I can’t think of many instances where you’ll need to pair it with an external amp or DAC to gain additional driving power or a cleaner output.
Pairings
After using the M1 Plus with various headphones and IEMs, I didn’t find it preferable with anything in particular. It was just as happy with easy-to-drive gear as with more demanding headphones, with no preference for any specific tuning signature.
It was just at home being paired with a cheapo Knowledge Zenith as it was with a flagship Campfire Audio or a vintage set of 150Ω Pioneer SE-4. It’s an exceptionally versatile DAP.
Select Comparison
Hiby R1
Technical
The M1 Plus provides PCM decoding up to 32BIT/768kHz with DSD 512 support. The R1’s decoding ceiling is lower at PCM 32BIT/384kHz with DSD 256 support.
The M1 Plus is packed with an ESS ES9069Q DAC and dual SGM8262 op-amps compared to the R1’s Cirrus CS43131 DAC and an Ingenic X2000 processor rather than a Lumissil Microsystems X1600E processor.
Through the single-ended output, the R1 provides a maximum output of 101mW to the M1 Plus’s 195mW. The R1 lacks a balanced output, unlike the M1 Plus which bumps its potential output to 660mW.
There is a slightly larger 3.2″ screen on the M1 Plus compared to the 3-inch version on the R1 but the resolution is lower at 480 x 320 compared to 800 x 480.
The M1 Plus can drive your headphones to a considerably higher volume, especially from the balanced output. The maximum volume from the R1 is limited out of the box.
You can get around that by tapping the Hiby logo in the “About” section a few times to turn on “Developer Mode”, then returning to the “System” menu, going to “Developer Options”, and turning off the volume lock.
Design
The R1 is a less expensive device, apparent in the choice of building materials. The M1 Plus has an aluminum shell with angular sides, a glass touch screen, and a frosted glass back.
Alternatively, the R1 is mostly plastic with beveled edges and a glass screen. Despite the use of plastic, the R1 still feels weighty and solidly built with excellent fit and finish, just not to the same extent as the M1 Plus.
The controls also support the M1 Plus’s more premium designation with three metal buttons and a metal control dial/button. The R1 is equipped with two plastic rocker switches and a plastic power button.
The visual appeal of both models is strong but for different reasons. The M1 Plus is the more serious-looking device aimed at audiophiles with it being a thick, hefty all-black slab with Hi-Res branding on the back.
The R1 is aimed at a more casual crowd with its smaller size, lower weight, rounded, soft edges, and colorful buttons and frame surrounding the screen.
Both have good ergonomics, though I find the M1 Plus has an advantage thanks to the buttons being on one side, easily controlled with your fingers, and the control dial on the other, controlled with your thumb.
All the R1’s physical controls are lined along the right side of the device, requiring some thumb gymnastics to reach the track skip rocker.
Performance
These DAPs offer a similar signature, which is neutral with a minor mid-bass bump adding warmth. The R1’s presentation is thicker in the lows and the M1 Plus’s improved components and specifications give it a technical advantage.
Like the M1 Plus, the R1 offers good upper-end extension allowing products to reach as high as possible without feeling stunted. Detail and clarity are good on both, but through the M1 Plus, these elements are more dynamic and layered with better control.
I also found that cymbals and other abrupt effects displayed a harshness through the R1 that was missing in the M1 Plus.
The mids out of the R1 are thicker and warmer with a reduction in overall clarity. I noticed the M1 Plus is less forgiving of sibilant tracks, a quality the R1 tends to smooth and take the edge from.
Both models have a natural timbre that does not skew the product you are listening through. They maintain an unbiased presentation without shifting to being overly bright or dark, bassy or anemic, unnaturally dry in the mids, etc. though the R1’s extra warmth somewhat colors female vocals.
Extension into sub-bass regions is better on the M1 Plus, with deep notes providing a more punchy, visceral response. The R1 is lighter and less flamboyant with reduced texturing, though not to the extent I found it lacking or hindering products that excel in these areas.
The M1 Plus’s sound stage is larger with the greatest difference heard in the mids, where vocals have a default positioning further from the ear. Its more prominent sub-bass region also helps widen the stage floor.
The R1 matches imaging accuracy, moving sounds from channel to channel just as smoothly and accurately as the M1 Plus. It falls behind when it comes to layering and instrument separation though.
My Verdict
The M1 Plus is visually attractive, affordable, performant, and surprisingly versatile DAP. it contains a lot of other features I’ll never use, like support for Airplay and the Eddict Player companion app. It reflects much of what I’ve come to love about Shanling DAPs, and I’ll happily recommend it.
There are some quirks though. We have the low-resolution screen, a couple of software bugs, such as the clock being wrong more often than not, and having to organize my music into folders to get all the tracks to show up in the “All Music” list.
Those qualms aside, I quite enjoyed my time with the M1 Plus with its intuitive and ergonomic control system as well as the excellent control wheel.
The most recent iteration of MTouch OS is nicely laid out too, and the addition of Tidal streaming support will please those that use the service.
The option to run your headphones single-ended or balanced with plenty of power on tap is nothing to scoff at, nor is the reliable bi-directional Bluetooth performance. I also love that the M1 Plus functions as a DAC over USB.
Honestly, there is some great value in the M1 Plus, some pros and cons for sure, and the competition is strong, but otherwise the refined listening experience is well above expectations.
Shanling M1 Plus Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 86 x 61 x 17 mm
- Weight: 116 g
- DAC: ESS ES9069Q
- Amplifier: Dual SGM8262
- Platform: Ingenic X2000
- System: MTouch developed by Shanling
- Screen: 3.2-inch 320 x 480 Touchscreen
- Memory: MicroSD card slot
- Hi-Res Support: PCM 32 bit / 768 kHz & DSD512
- Wi-Fi: 2.4/5G, supporting DLNA, Airplay and OTA Updates
- Bluetooth: Upgraded 5.2 with Bi-Directional support of LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC
- Companion app: Eddict Player app through SyncLink
- Connectors: 3.5mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm Balanced, USB-C
- Battery: 2100 mAh
- Battery life: Up to 12.5 hours
Single-Ended Output:
- Power: 195 mW @ 32 Ohm
- THD+N: 0.0007%
- Channel Separation: 74 dB
- SNR: 122 dB
- Output impedance: 0.6 Ohm
Balanced Output:
- Power: 660 mW @ 32 Ohm
- THD+N: 0.0007%
- Channel Separation: 100 dB
- SNR: 122 dB
- Output impedance: 1.2 Ohm
