Shanling UP5 Review - Better and far worse than BTR5

Summary

In this review, the Soundling UP5 Bluetooth headphone amplifier is examined, with a focus on its design, connectivity, sound quality, and software usability. While the UP5 offers a variety of outputs and a slightly warmer sound signature compared to the BTR5, it suffers from software issues and usability quirks. Despite its potential as a solid choice for users seeking multiple outputs, the reviewer advises caution due to the device's beta-like software experience and recommends the BTR5 for a more reliable user experience.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The Soundling UP5 is a Bluetooth headphone amplifier that offers more than just amplification.
• 📦 It comes with a faux leather casing and a comprehensive set of accessories, including a USB-C cable and a USB-C to A adapter.
• 🔗 Connectivity options are robust, supporting a wide range of Bluetooth codecs and a USB-C connection for use with computers.
• 🔌 The UP5 provides a variety of outputs, including balanced 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm jacks, outperforming the BTR5 in this aspect.
• 🔋 It claims better battery life than the BTR5, with up to 15 hours in single-ended mode and 11 hours in balanced mode.
• 🛠 The device has a more substantial form factor compared to the BTR5, and its design is prone to collecting fingerprints.
• 🎚️ The user interface includes a volume knob and additional buttons, but the placement and responsiveness have some usability issues.
• 💻 The software experience is described as unfinished, with several quirks and features that don't work as expected.
• 🎵 In terms of sound quality, the UP5 is said to have a slightly warmer and more detailed sound compared to the BTR5.
• 📉 Despite some advantages, the overall recommendation leans towards the BTR5 due to the UP5's software issues and the importance of reliability for many users.

Q & A

What is the Soundling UP5 Bluetooth headphone amplifier?

The Soundling UP5 is a Bluetooth headphone amplifier that also functions as a receiver. It's designed to amplify audio signals for headphones and can connect to devices via Bluetooth or through a USB-C connection.

How does the Soundling UP5 compare to the FiiO BTR5 in terms of design?

The Soundling UP5 has a faux leather casing compared to the plastic casing of the FiiO BTR5. It's not as slim as the BTR5 but offers more outputs including balanced 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm jacks, making it more versatile.

What Bluetooth codecs does the Soundling UP5 support?

The UP5 supports a wide range of Bluetooth codecs including aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, LDAC, SBC, and AAC, covering most of the popular codecs except for the newer Bluetooth 5.3 LC3 codec.

What are the power output capabilities of the Soundling UP5?

The Soundling UP5 provides 240 milliwatts at 32 ohms in balanced mode, which is similar to the FiiO BTR5. This power output is decent for driving most headphones and IEMs.

How does the battery life of the Soundling UP5 compare to the FiiO BTR5?

The Soundling UP5 has a better battery life than the FiiO BTR5, with claims of 11 hours in balanced mode and 15 hours in single-ended mode, compared to the BTR5's approximately 1 day of use.

What are some of the usability issues mentioned in the review of the Soundling UP5?

The Soundling UP5 has several software-related usability issues, including inconsistent battery notifications, crashes when connected to multiple devices, slow Bluetooth connection times, unreliable play/pause functionality on Windows, and problems with the battery pass-through feature.

What are the advantages of the Soundling UP5's physical button layout?

The UP5 features a volume knob and separate buttons for play/pause and power, which provide tactile feedback and are relatively easy to use. However, the placement can sometimes lead to accidental presses when trying to adjust the volume.

How does the Soundling UP5's sound quality compare to the FiiO BTR5?

The reviewer found the Soundling UP5 to sound slightly warmer and more detailed compared to the FiiO BTR5. However, this is subjective and could be influenced by the expectation due to the UP5's higher price.

What additional features does the Soundling UP5 offer over the FiiO BTR5?

The Soundling UP5 offers additional outputs with a 2.5mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended, and a 4.4mm balanced jack, which the FiiO BTR5 lacks. It also has a more comprehensive EQ in its software, although the reviewer wished for a parametric EQ.

What is the reviewer's final verdict on the Soundling UP5?

While the Soundling UP5 has some advantages in terms of sound quality and output options, the reviewer cannot recommend it due to its numerous software issues and a feeling of being unfinished, especially when compared to the more reliable FiiO BTR5.