The Shanling SM90 DAC is a compact network player that combines streaming, digital-to-analog conversion, and modern touchscreen control in a single device positioned under $1,000. Released around April 2026, it directly competes with Eversolo’s popular DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 models while introducing HDMI ARC—a feature that sets it apart in the crowded sub-$1k streamer wars.
Key Takeaways
- Shanling SM90 DAC features dual AKM DACs in a compact form factor under $1,000
- HDMI ARC integration enables direct TV audio connection, differentiating it from rival streamers
- Touchscreen interface matches premium competitors like Eversolo DMP-A6 for intuitive control
- Targets upgrade-focused listeners tired of phone-based streaming and dongle DACs
- Competes directly with Eversolo, WiiM Pro Plus, and iFi NEO Stream 3 in the network player category
Why HDMI ARC Matters in the Streamer Wars
The Shanling SM90 DAC’s HDMI ARC connectivity is the headline feature that separates it from most rivals in its price tier. This input allows the streamer to receive audio directly from a TV, eliminating the need for separate audio cables or additional components. For living room systems, that integration matters. You plug one cable into your TV and the SM90 handles both music streaming and TV audio in a unified setup.
Eversolo’s DMP-A6, priced at $899, remains the category benchmark for polished Android OS, sound quality, and value, but it lacks HDMI ARC. WiiM Pro Plus offers budget-friendly appeal with an AKM 4493SEQ DAC capable of 768kHz PCM and DSD512 playback, yet also omits TV integration. The SM90’s inclusion of HDMI ARC at a comparable price point signals Shanling’s intent to address a genuine gap in how modern streamers fit into home entertainment setups.
Shanling SM90 DAC Hardware and Connectivity
The device centers on dual AKM DACs, placing it in the mid-to-premium performance tier for network players. Its compact design and touchscreen interface echo the user experience of more expensive streamers, making it accessible for listeners who want intuitive control without complex app navigation. The form factor suits tight equipment racks or shelf spaces where bulkier streamers prove impractical.
Connectivity extends beyond HDMI ARC. Like competing models such as iFi NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3, the SM90 supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet inputs for network audio, allowing flexibility in how users integrate it into existing systems. This multi-input approach appeals to listeners running mixed setups—some using wireless convenience, others prioritizing Ethernet stability for dedicated music listening.
Positioning Against Eversolo and the Broader Market
Eversolo’s DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 have dominated the sub-$1,000 streamer conversation since their release, offering refined Android-based interfaces and strong DAC performance. The Shanling SM90 DAC enters a market where Bluesound and Cambridge Audio cover the basics competently, but where Eversolo’s polish and feature density have set a high bar. Shanling’s strategy—packing dual AKM DACs, HDMI ARC, and a modern touchscreen into a compact package—directly targets listeners who want Eversolo’s capabilities but appreciate the TV integration angle.
WiiM Pro Plus remains the budget alternative, sacrificing some refinement for a lower entry cost, while higher-end options like Naim’s NS1 and CXN series push into premium territory with ESS DACs and preamp outputs. The SM90 occupies the middle ground effectively: not the cheapest, not the most expensive, but differentiated by a practical feature most rivals skip.
Who Should Upgrade to the Shanling SM90 DAC
The SM90 appeals to listeners currently relying on phone-based streaming or USB dongle DACs, both of which introduce friction and sound quality compromises. Phone streaming drains battery and ties your device to audio playback, while dongle DACs clutter your setup and limit integration options. A dedicated network player solves both problems, and the SM90’s HDMI ARC adds the bonus of unified TV and music control.
Existing Eversolo users upgrading from older streamers will find the SM90 familiar in philosophy but might weigh the HDMI ARC advantage against Eversolo’s established software ecosystem and user base. For new buyers, the choice hinges on whether TV integration matters—if it does, the SM90 pulls ahead; if not, the DMP-A6’s proven performance and interface polish remain compelling.
Does the Shanling SM90 DAC support high-resolution audio?
Yes, the Shanling SM90 DAC supports high-resolution audio playback through its dual AKM DACs, positioning it alongside other premium streamers in its category. Exact PCM and DSD rate specifications are not detailed, but the dual AKM architecture aligns with industry-standard high-res support found in comparable devices.
How does the Shanling SM90 DAC compare to the Eversolo DMP-A6?
Both devices target the same sub-$1,000 market and offer touchscreen control and strong DAC performance. The key difference: the SM90 includes HDMI ARC for TV integration, while the DMP-A6 focuses on refined Android OS and proven sound quality. Choose the SM90 if TV audio matters; choose the Eversolo if you prioritize software polish and established ecosystem support.
Is the Shanling SM90 DAC compact enough for small spaces?
Yes, the Shanling SM90 DAC is designed as a compact network player suited for tight equipment racks and shelf setups, similar in philosophy to the iFi NEO Stream 3 and ZEN Stream 3. Its form factor prioritizes integration into existing systems without dominating physical space.
The Shanling SM90 DAC enters a heated market where Eversolo’s dominance is real but not unassailable. By adding HDMI ARC and dual AKM DACs to a compact, touchscreen-equipped design under $1,000, Shanling offers listeners a practical alternative that solves the TV integration problem most rivals ignore. For anyone building or upgrading a living room system, that feature alone warrants serious consideration.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
