SHANLING M5 Ultra 10th Anniversary Edition Portable Music Player

Special 10th Anniversary Edition

A commemorative edition of the highly regarded M5 Ultra, featuring refined anniversary tuning, premium AKM digital architecture, and a powerful balanced headphone output.

✔ Specially refined 10th Anniversary sound tuning
✔ Flagship AK4191EQ + AK4499EX DAC architecture
✔ Up to 1100mW balanced headphone output
✔ Compact and responsive MTouch operating system
✔ Genuine Australian stock with local warranty support

The SHANLING M5 Ultra 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates ten years of Shanling’s respected M5 series with a specially refined version of one of the strongest portable music players in its category.

Rather than simply changing the finish or adding anniversary branding, Shanling has carefully refined the tuning to deliver an even smoother, richer, and more analogue-inspired presentation while retaining the clarity, power, and technical performance of the original M5 Ultra.

Combining flagship AKM DAC technology, serious headphone driving ability, extensive wireless connectivity, and a compact non-Android operating system, the M5 Ultra Anniversary Edition offers an exceptional balance of sound quality, portability, and everyday usability.

Why the 10th Anniversary Edition Stands Out

Special anniversary tuning with a smoother and more analogue presentation
Flagship AKM AK4191EQ digital modulator and AK4499EX DAC
Powerful balanced output suitable for premium IEMs and many full-size headphones
Responsive Shanling MTouch operating system
Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay, DLNA, NAS playback, and app control
Bidirectional Bluetooth with high-resolution codec support
Expandable storage supporting microSD cards up to 2TB

Sound Signature

Bass Bass is deep, textured, and authoritative with excellent impact and control. The M5 Ultra Anniversary Edition gives low frequencies satisfying weight without allowing them to overpower the midrange.

Midrange The midrange is rich, natural, and emotionally engaging. Vocals possess excellent body and warmth, while instruments sound full and realistic without becoming overly coloured.

Treble Treble is smooth, refined, and highly detailed without becoming sharp or fatiguing. The anniversary tuning favours long-term listening enjoyment over artificial brightness.

Soundstage The presentation is spacious and well layered, with excellent image placement and separation. It provides a convincing sense of depth and scale for a player of its compact size.

Compared Against Competing Portable Players

vs FiiO M23
The FiiO M23 offers strong technical performance and excellent power, while the M5 Ultra Anniversary Edition delivers a smoother, more natural presentation with richer timbre and a less fatiguing top end.

vs iBasso DX180
The DX180 presents music with a slightly more analytical and energetic character. The Shanling offers greater tonal warmth, a more analogue sense of flow, and a more relaxed long-term listening experience.

vs HiBy R6 III
The HiBy provides greater Android flexibility, however the M5 Ultra Anniversary Edition offers a cleaner and more focused operating environment together with a smoother, more refined tonal presentation.

vs Astell&Kern SR35
The SR35 is compact and refined, but the Shanling offers significantly greater output power, stronger dynamics, and a fuller, more authoritative presentation while remaining highly musical.

Flagship AKM DAC Architecture

At the heart of the M5 Ultra Anniversary Edition is the flagship combination of an AK4191EQ digital modulator and AK4499EX DAC.

This latest-generation AKM architecture is known for delivering excellent resolution and dynamic range while maintaining the smooth, natural, and musically engaging character many listeners prefer over more analytical alternatives.

Powerful Headphone Driving Ability

With up to 1100mW at 32Ω from the balanced output, the M5 Ultra Anniversary Edition offers serious driving capability for a portable player.

Balanced Output: Up to 1100mW at 32Ω
Single-Ended Output: Up to 315mW at 32Ω
Suitable for sensitive IEMs, dynamic headphones, and many planar magnetic designs

Wireless and Streaming Features

Bluetooth 5.2
LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC support
Bidirectional Bluetooth operation
AirPlay support
DLNA and NAS playback
Shanling Synclink app control

Technical Specifications

DAC: AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
Balanced Output: 1100mW at 32Ω
Single-Ended Output: 315mW at 32Ω
Display: 4.7-inch 1280 × 720 HD touchscreen
Battery: 6000mAh
Playback Time: Up to 11 hours
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2
Storage: microSD support up to 2TB
PCM Support: Up to 768kHz
DSD Support: Up to DSD512
Weight: Approximately 247g

Who Is It For?

Listeners wanting flagship-style sound without flagship pricing
Those who prefer a smooth, natural, and analogue-inspired presentation
Owners of high-end IEMs needing a refined portable source
Users wanting strong headphone power without carrying a separate amplifier
Anyone seeking an excellent balance of portability, sound quality, and usability

Why Buy From Audiophile Shop Australia?

Genuine Australian Shanling stock
Full local warranty and after-sales support
Fast and free shipping Australia wide
Specialist advice for IEM and headphone matching
Support from an experienced Australian hi-fi retailer

Shanling Audio

SHANLING M5 Ultra 10th Anniversary Edition Portable Music Player