Shanling M3 Plus Master DAP launched with improved sound tuning

The Shanling M3 Plus Master was launched today (23) and is already available on AliExpress. The original M3 Plus debuted in May 2025, and now, nearly a year later, Shanling has introduced an enhanced version of its digital audio player (DAP). Although the update is incremental, the Master version may deliver a new listening experience that could appeal to the brand’s enthusiasts. The changes introduced by the manufacturer are outlined below.

What are the upgrades of the M3 Plus Master compared to the M3 Plus?

The M3 Plus Master features a revised tuning, resulting in a less fatiguing sound presentation. In addition, the “Master” version includes increased RAM capacity, providing improved performance in terms of system fluidity and navigation.

Revised tuning for a more enjoyable listening experience

Shanling developed the tuning of the M3 Plus Master with long listening sessions in mind, adjusting the sound signature to minimize listening fatigue. According to the company, the Master version delivers a sound that is “more open, with less rigid contours, tending toward a smoother and more refined presentation.”

The manufacturer further notes that in the M3 Plus Master, “the sound is not concentrated at the center but distributed around the listener with improved layering.” To further clarify the sonic differences between the two versions, the DAP developer stated:

“In the original version, after approximately one hour of continuous listening, some fatigue may arise, as if the sound is constantly ‘pressing’ against the ears. The Master version does not exhibit this issue: even with a high level of detail, it maintains a comfortable presentation, allowing for extended listening sessions that become increasingly pleasant and immersive.”

Increased RAM for improved system fluidity

While the original M3 Plus already features 4 GB of RAM, Shanling has added an additional 2 GB in the Master version, totaling 6 GB of RAM.

According to the manufacturer, this change results in a significant improvement in handling multitasking scenarios. Furthermore, application launch times have been enhanced, particularly for more demanding applications.

Shanling M3 Plus Master Edition: Specifications

General parameters

• Amplification (amp): 2 × SG Micro SGM8262 op-amps
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Colors: Star River Grey, Deep Night Black, and Smooth Mocha
• DAC: 4 × Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Dimensions: 11.5 cm × 7 cm × 1.8 cm
• Display: 4.7-inch, 1280 × 720 resolution
• Internal storage: 64 GB
• Operating system: Android 13
• RAM: 6 GB
• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
• Weight: 205 g

Wireless audio parameters

• Supported Bluetooth codecs (receiving): SBC and LDAC
• Supported Bluetooth codecs (transmitting): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC

Wired audio parameters

• Background noise (3.5 mm single-ended): 1.1 µV
• Background noise (4.4 mm balanced): 1.6 µV
• Channel separation (3.5 mm single-ended): 75 dB @ 32 Ω
• Channel separation (4.4 mm balanced): 110 dB @ 32 Ω
• Dynamic range (3.5 mm single-ended): 127 dB
• Dynamic range (4.4 mm balanced): 130 dB
• Output impedance (3.5 mm single-ended): < 1 Ω
• Output impedance (4.4 mm balanced): < 1.5 Ω
• THD+N (3.5 mm single-ended): 0.0007%
• THD+N (4.4 mm balanced): 0.0007%

Output power (32 Ω load, low gain)

• 3.5 mm single-ended: 12.5 mW
• 4.4 mm balanced: 50 mW

Output power (32 Ω load, medium gain)

• 3.5 mm single-ended: 50 mW
• 4.4 mm balanced: 200 mW

Output power (32 Ω load, high gain)

• 3.5 mm single-ended: 200 mW
• 4.4 mm balanced: 800 mW

Line-out output power (LO)

• 3.5 mm single-ended: 5.15 Vrms
• 4.4 mm balanced: 2.58 Vrms

Release, pricing, and availability

The Shanling M3 Plus Master is now available in Star River Grey, Deep Night Black, and Smooth Mocha, priced at US$459 on AliExpress.