Shanling is shaking things up with the M8T, a high-end portable music player that blends modern digital audio with classic vacuum tube amplification. As a follow-up to the 2020 M8, this new flagship model comes with upgraded hardware, including dual AKM DACs, multiple amplification modes, and an Android-powered interface. At $1,499, it’s a serious piece of gear for audiophiles who want flexibility in how they listen to music.

At first glance, the Shanling M8T keeps the sleek, rounded-edge design of its predecessor. It’s available in black or red, with a 6-inch Full HD (2160 x 1080) LCD touchscreen housed in a body that measures 147 x 82 x 22mm and weighs 383g.

But the real upgrade? Vacuum tubes.

This is the first time Shanling has included tubes in a portable player (though it has used them in amps and CD players before). The M8T features two JAN6418 tubes, housed in a custom anti-shock enclosure to prevent interference from movement. What makes this setup interesting is that users can toggle between three playback modes depending on their preference:

• Transistor Mode – A solid-state option for a cleaner, more precise sound.
• Triode Mode – Partially engages the tubes for a bit of warmth.
• Ultra-linear Mode – Fully engages the tubes for a richer, more relaxed sound.

If tubes aren’t your thing, you can completely bypass them and stick to a digital setup, making the M8T a flexible choice.

The Shanling M8T isn’t just about tubes—it’s also packing some serious digital hardware. At its core are two AKM AK4499EX DACs, each handling one channel independently. Shanling pairs these with AK4191EQ digital filters to help minimize distortion and improve clarity.

The player supports a wide range of high-resolution audio formats, including 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD1024, ensuring compatibility with some of the most detailed digital audio files out there.

For headphone connectivity, the M8T offers:

• 3.5mm single-ended output – Delivers up to 500mW at 32 Ohms.
• 4.4mm balanced output – Pushes 1125mW at 32 Ohms, which is ideal for power-hungry headphones.

Both outputs come with three gain settings, and with an output impedance of less than one Ohm, it should work well with even the most sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs).

Unlike some of Shanling’s earlier players that ran on its in-house MTouch OS, the M8T runs on Android 13. This means full access to streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music, plus third-party music apps via the Google Play Store. Shanling notes that choosing Android ensures long-term software updates and better app compatibility, making the device more future-proof.

Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi for smooth streaming and two-way Bluetooth with support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC. This allows the player to work both as a Bluetooth transmitter (to send music to wireless headphones or speakers) and as a Bluetooth DAC (to receive audio from another device).

Storage has also been doubled compared to the M8. The M8T now comes with 128GB of internal space, expandable via MicroSD up to 2TB. That should be plenty of room for even large Hi-Res audio collections.

Battery life is another highlight. The 8,350mAh battery provides:

• Up to 15.5 hours of playback with the 3.5mm output.
• Up to 13 hours using the 4.4mm balanced output.

That’s a full day of listening, which should cover everything from long commutes to extended listening sessions at home.

The Shanling M8T is priced at $1,499 in the U.S., positioning it firmly in the premium portable music player market.

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