SHANLING UP6 Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC User Manual

1. Introduction

The SHANLING UP6 is a versatile portable headphone amplifier and Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) designed to elevate your audio experience across various devices. Featuring advanced Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with high-resolution codecs, dual DAC architecture, and multiple output options, the UP6 delivers exceptional sound quality for music, gaming, and communication. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your UP6 device.

2. Product Overview

Key Features

• High-Resolution Audio: Equipped with Dual ESS ES9069Q DACs and Dual SGM8262 Amplifiers for studio-grade clarity and balanced sound.
• Advanced Bluetooth: Qualcomm QCC5125 chip with Bluetooth 5.2 supporting LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs.
• Versatile Connectivity: Dual audio outputs (3.5mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced) and USB DAC mode for wired connections to phones and computers.
• Integrated Microphone: CVC 8.0 noise-canceling microphone for clear voice calls and enhanced gaming communication.
• Intuitive Display: 1.54-inch LCD screen (240x240 resolution) with a unique UI, displaying mode status, song titles, playback progress, and 270-degree screen rotation.
• Multi-Mode Operation: Optimized settings for Music Mode, Game Mode, and Car Mode.
• NFC Pairing: Seamless and quick pairing with compatible devices.

Device Layout

Figure 1: SHANLING UP6 Device Layout. This diagram illustrates the location of the 1.54-inch screen, NFC area, status indicator, 4.4mm output, microphone, 3.5mm output, Up button, Multifunctional button, Down button, Power/Lock button, and USB-C connector.

3. Setup

3.1 Charging the Device

Connect the SHANLING UP6 to a USB power source using the provided USB-C to USB-A cable or USB-C to USB-C cable. The device features a 950 mAh battery. A full charge typically takes approximately 2 hours.

3.2 Power On/Off

• Power On: Press and hold the Power/Lock button for approximately 3 seconds.
• Power Off: Press and hold the Power/Lock button for approximately 5 seconds.

3.3 Bluetooth Connection

The UP6 utilizes a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.2 chip for stable wireless audio transmission.

1. Ensure the UP6 is powered on and in Bluetooth mode (indicated on the LCD screen).
2. On your source device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), enable Bluetooth and search for available devices.
3. Select "SHANLING UP6" from the list to pair. The device supports high-resolution codecs including LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, and SBC.

3.4 NFC Pairing

For quick and seamless pairing with NFC-enabled devices:

1. Ensure NFC is enabled on your source device and the UP6 is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
2. Tap your NFC-enabled device against the NFC area on the UP6 (refer to Figure 1 for location).
3. Confirm the pairing on your source device if prompted.

3.5 USB DAC Mode

Connect the UP6 to your computer or smartphone using a USB-C cable for a lossless wired audio experience. The UP6 will be recognized as an external sound card.

• Use the provided USB-C to USB-C cable for direct connection to compatible devices.
• For devices with USB-A ports, use the USB-C to USB-A cable.
• The UP6 supports high-resolution audio files up to PCM 768 kHz / 32-bit and DSD512 Native via its XMOS XU316 USB input.

Figure 2: SHANLING UP6 in USB DAC Mode, providing lossless wired connection to a laptop and tablet.

4. Operating Modes

4.1 Music Mode

Enjoy high-fidelity audio playback with the UP6's premium DAC and amplifier components. The 1.54-inch LCD screen displays song titles and playback progress in real-time.

4.2 Game Mode

Optimize your gaming audio with ultra-low latency (via aptX LL codec) and clear voice communication thanks to the CVC 8.0 noise-canceling microphone. The UP6 is compatible with gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, Switch, and Xbox.

Image 1: SHANLING UP6 connected to a gaming setup, highlighting compatibility with PS4, PS5, Switch, and Xbox consoles. The device is shown connected via USB-C to a console, with headphones plugged into the UP6.

Image 2: A man is shown engrossed in a video game, wearing headphones connected to the SHANLING UP6, which is placed on his desk. This illustrates the use of the device for enhanced gaming audio.

4.3 Car Mode

When connected to a car's USB port, the UP6 can automatically power on/off with your vehicle's engine, providing seamless audio integration for your car's audio system.

4.4 Single/Dual DAC Modes

The UP6 offers switchable single/dual DAC modes. This allows you to choose between extended battery life (single DAC) or improved audio performance (dual DAC), depending on your preference and usage scenario.

4.5 Using the Companion App

Connect your UP6 to the Eddict Player companion app (currently available for Android) to access advanced settings, customize Bluetooth codecs, adjust equalizer profiles, and perform OTA firmware updates.

Figure 3: The Eddict Player companion app interface shown alongside the SHANLING UP6, illustrating customization options.

5. Controls and Indicators

5.1 Buttons

• Power/Lock Button: Powers the device on/off, locks/unlocks the screen.
• Multifunctional Button: Controls playback (play/pause), answers/ends calls.
• Volume Up/Down Buttons: Adjusts the audio output volume.
• Gain Switch: Toggles between high and low gain settings for different headphone impedances.

5.2 LCD Screen

The 1.54-inch LCD screen provides visual feedback on the device's status, including:

• Current operating mode (Bluetooth, USB DAC, etc.)
• Battery level
• Volume level
• Audio codec in use (LDAC, aptX, etc.)
• Sampling rate
• Song title and playback progress (in supported modes)

5.3 Status Indicator LED

A small LED indicator provides quick visual cues about the device's status, such as charging, power on, or pairing mode.

6. Maintenance

• Keep the device dry and away from moisture.
• Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Clean the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals.
• Protect the screen from scratches.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Power: Ensure the device is charged. Connect to a power source and check the charging indicator.
• No Sound: Check headphone connections, volume levels on both the UP6 and the source device. Ensure the correct output mode is selected.
• Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Ensure the UP6 is in pairing mode. Clear previous pairings on both devices and try again. Move closer to the source device.
• Distorted Audio: Check audio source quality. Ensure cables are securely connected. Try a different audio file or source device.
• Device Overheating: Prolonged use, especially during charging or high-power output, may cause the device to warm up. If it becomes excessively hot, disconnect and allow it to cool down.

8. Specifications

Figure 4: SHANLING UP6 Detailed Specifications. This image provides a comprehensive table of technical specifications for the device.

9. What's in the Box

The SHANLING UP6 package includes the following items:

• SHANLING UP6 Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• User Manual
• Warranty Card

Figure 5: Included accessories for the SHANLING UP6, showing the device, cables, and documentation.

10. Warranty and Support

Your SHANLING UP6 comes with a Warranty Card included in the box. Please refer to the Warranty Card for detailed information regarding warranty coverage and terms. For technical support, product inquiries, or service, please contact SHANLING Official customer support through their official website or authorized channels.

11. Product Video