Shanling Q2 Launches With Click Wheel and 425mW Output

The Shanling Q2 was launched today (August 4) in mainland China. Featuring a design inspired by Apple’s iPod Classic, the Q2 is a Digital Audio Player (DAP) that also incorporates a “Click Wheel.” This means that users can navigate the “MP3 player” menu by sliding a finger around the wheel-shaped control. Its main highlights are the use of MTouch OS instead of Android, as well as its high output power in a compact and lightweight body. Below are all the details about Shanling’s latest release.

Update (August 10): The international price of the Shanling Q2 has been added to the “Launch, Price, and Availability” section.

The Q2 Features Both the Shape and the “Click Wheel” of an iPod Classic

The second generation of Shanling’s Q-series DAP adopts a design inspired by Apple’s iPod Classic. Shanling’s new Digital Audio Player remains as compact as the Q1, but now includes a wheel-shaped control positioned directly below the display.

The Shanling Q2 features a touchscreen, although its display is smaller than that of the previous generation. This change was made to accommodate the “Click Wheel,” an iPod Classic-inspired control that responds to finger gestures.

The Volume Knob Has Been Removed

With the implementation of the “Click Wheel” on the Q2, Shanling decided to remove the volume knob found on the Q1. Users must now slide a finger around the wheel-shaped control to adjust the volume.

Five Times the Output Power of the Previous Generation

With the addition of a 4.4 mm balanced output, the Shanling Q2 delivers five times the output power of the previous generation. While the Q1 was capable of supplying only 80 mW into 32 ohms, the Q2 can generate up to 425 mW at the same impedance. However, this increase in output power comes at the expense of battery life.

Gain Control

To facilitate volume adjustment given the high output power, the Shanling Q2 allows users to select between different gain levels. High gain can be used to drive more demanding headphones, while low gain provides finer volume control when using an IEM (In-Ear Monitor).

Battery Life Is Seven Hours Shorter Than That of the First Generation

Unfortunately, due to the increase in output power, the Shanling Q2 offers shorter battery life than the first-generation DAP. Although the battery used in the Q2 has a higher capacity, 1,850 mAh compared with the Q1’s 1,100 mAh, it was not sufficient to offset the higher power consumption.

While the Shanling Q1 provided up to 21 hours of continuous playback, the Q2 can reach only 13.5 hours through its 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output. Battery life decreases further when using the balanced output, reaching 12.5 hours.

The Second Generation Is Lighter

Surprisingly, the Shanling Q2 is lighter than the Q1, despite using an aluminum-alloy chassis. While the Q1 weighs 133 g, the Q2 weighs only 83 g.

The ESS DAC Was Replaced by Cirrus Logic Chips

The DAC manufacturer was changed in the second generation of Shanling’s Q series. Instead of using an ESS Technology DAC, the DAP manufacturer selected Cirrus Logic chips for the Q2. The Shanling Q2 features four Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips, whereas the Q1 used a single ESS ES9218P chip.

Bidirectional Bluetooth and USB

The Shanling Q2 features bidirectional Bluetooth and USB connectivity. This means that users can connect Bluetooth headphones and receive audio from streaming applications on a smartphone. In addition, the Q2 can be used as an external USB DAC/amplifier (“sound card”) or as a digital transport connected to an external DAC.

Supported Bluetooth Codecs

For wireless Bluetooth transmission, the Shanling Q2 supports the LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs.

Proprietary Operating System Without Android

As with the first generation, the Q2 uses an operating system developed by Shanling itself: MTouch OS. This makes it easier to optimize the DAP than Android-based models, which rely on Google’s operating system.

How the Shanling Q2 Sounds

According to the manufacturer, the Shanling Q2 has the following sound signature:

“An expansive soundstage and a bright, modern sound signature, while retaining Shanling’s characteristic warmth.”

Shanling Q2: Specifications

General Specifications

• AirPlay, DLNA, and QPlay streaming support
• Bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity (transmission and reception)
• Bidirectional USB connectivity (USB audio input and output)
• Chassis material: aluminum alloy with a glass rear panel
• DAC chips: 4 × Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Dimensions: 80 × 50 × 13.5 mm
• Display: 2.09-inch touchscreen
• Headphone outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4 mm balanced
• Operating system: MTouch OS
• Processor: Ingenic X2000
• Storage: supports microSD cards with capacities of up to 2 TB
• Weight: 83 g
• Wi-Fi: dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Battery Specifications

• Battery capacity: 1,850 mAh
• Maximum battery life in Bluetooth mode with the LDAC codec: 16.5 hours
• Maximum battery life through the 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output: 13.5 hours
• Maximum battery life through the 4.4 mm balanced output: 12.5 hours

Bluetooth Specifications

• Bluetooth reception support
• Bluetooth transmission support
• Supported Bluetooth audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC

Audio Specifications

• Native decoding via PC up to 768 kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD512
• Gain levels: low and high
• Output power: 425 mW into 32 ohms

Release Date, Price, and Availability

The Shanling Q2 has been launched internationally in Black, Silver, and Orange for US$259/€279. Shipments to distributors will begin this week, starting August 10.