Shanling M1 Plus as only DAC?

[Doorstop5848]

Hi, I have the Shanling M1 Plus, and I want to build a good audio chain to use more powerful headphones. My question is: could I simply use it as a DAC and connect it to a more powerful amp, saving some money in the process? And if that’s possible, how do I do it?

 

[staticV3]

could I simply use it as a DAC and connect it to a more powerful amp, saving some money in the process?

Yes.

And if that’s possible, how do I do it?

 

[DVDdoug]

That should be fine.

I want to build a good audio chain to use more powerful headphones.

Do you mean to work with less sensitive headphones? Your headphones are not currently getting loud enough for you?

When you're comparing headphone amplifier specs, note that power (wattage) is related to voltage AND impedance as Power = Voltage/Impedance. We are usually interested in the maximum output voltage.

It's trickier than with power amplifiers (for speakers) because headphone impedance varies all over the place. Usually headphone sensitivity is specified as a voltage, but sometimes it's mW. It's mostly a question of how much voltage the amplifier puts-out, and if it can put-out that voltage into the headphone impedance. (The voltage may drop with low impedance. It usually "holds up" so it's usually not an issue but headphone amps aren't made to power 4 or 8 Ohm speakers, etc.)

I looked-up the specs for the Shanling and it says 195mW into 32 Ohms (from the regular unbalanced output). That works-out to about 2.5V

 

[Doorstop5848]

That should be fine.

Do you mean to work with less sensitive headphones? Your headphones are not currently getting loud enough for you?

When you're comparing headphone amplifier specs, note that power (wattage) is related to voltage AND impedance as Power = Voltage/Impedance. We are usually interested in the maximum output voltage.

It's trickier than with power amplifiers (for speakers) because headphone impedance varies all over the place. Usually headphone sensitivity is specified as a voltage, but sometimes it's mW. It's mostly a question of how much voltage the amplifier puts-out, and if it can put-out that voltage into the headphone impedance. (The voltage may drop with low impedance. It usually "holds up" so it's usually not an issue but headphone amps aren't made to power 4 or 8 Ohm speakers, etc.)

I looked-up the specs for the Shanling and it says 195mW into 32 Ohms (from the regular unbalanced output). That works-out to about 2.5V

It's simply about knowing if it's possible, so that when I decide to buy an amp (like the L50II, for example), I can at least have half of the audio chain ready and not have to invest in more devices, and make the most of the little guy.

 

[Doorstop5848]

Yes.


View attachment 444076

In what rca port, IN or OUT ?

 

[staticV3]

In what rca port, IN or OUT ?

M1 Pro->Amp RCA In->Amp headphone out.

 

[Doorstop5848]

M1 Pro->Amp RCA In->Amp headphone out.

For example, de Atom amp 2 has a 3.5 in port, can i use a his own 3.5mm Interconnect Cable ?

 

[staticV3]

For example, de Atom amp 2 has a 3.5 in port, can i use a his own 3.5mm Interconnect Cable ?

Yes.