Shanling SM90 enters the streamer wars with HDMI ARC and a clear mission
- ducurguz
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
A new sub-$1,000 contender wants to be more than a streamer—it wants to sit at the center of your entire system.
The network streamer category is getting crowded—and more interesting by the month. Now Shanling is stepping into the fight with the Shanling SM90, a feature-packed unit that blends traditional hi-fi architecture with a modern, lifestyle-driven twist.
At roughly $900–$1,000, the SM90 isn’t just competing—it’s trying to redefine what a streamer should actually do in 2026.
HDMI ARC: no longer optional
Let’s start with the headline feature: HDMI ARC.
This is quickly becoming the defining trend in the category—and for good reason.
With the SM90, Shanling is clearly acknowledging that:
Your TV is now as important as your music source.
HDMI ARC allows you to route TV audio—streaming apps, movies, gaming—directly into your stereo system without needing an AV receiver or soundbar.
It’s practical. It’s clean. And it reflects how people actually use their systems today.
The message is clear: streamers are no longer just for music—they’re system hubs.
Familiar hardware, smarter positioning
Under the hood, the Shanling SM90 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—and that’s probably a good thing.
It features:
Dual AKM AK4493S DACs
OPA1612 analog output stage
A 4.96-inch 1080p touchscreen
A closed Android 12 platform with 4GB RAM / 64GB storage
This is all solid, proven hardware. Nothing flashy—but nothing risky either.
And that seems intentional.
Instead of chasing novelty, Shanling appears to be focusing on execution, stability, and integration—areas where many streamers still struggle.
Streaming: all the right boxes (almost)
Streaming support is comprehensive:
Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect
Apple AirPlay 2, DLNA
Built-in apps (Spotify, Amazon Music, and more)
Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet
Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC
There’s also support for:
NAS playback
Internal SSD storage
USB drive playback
But there’s one notable caveat:
Roon Ready status is still pending
And in this price bracket, that’s not a small detail—it’s often a dealbreaker for more serious users.
Connectivity is where it stands out
Where the SM90 really starts to separate itself is in connectivity.
Alongside HDMI ARC, you get:
USB DAC functionality
Optical and coaxial inputs and outputs
Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
Internal SSD support
That’s a seriously flexible I/O setup, reinforcing the idea that this is meant to be the centerpiece of a system, not just another endpoint.
It’s also a subtle but important distinction from more “app-first” streamers.
The competition is brutal
Here’s the reality: the SM90 is entering one of the most competitive segments in hi-fi.
Brands like:
WiiM
Cambridge Audio
Bluesound
Eversolo
…have already established strong ecosystems, polished apps, and loyal user bases.
And at this level, software matters as much as hardware—if not more.
The honest take: promising, but not proven
On paper, the SM90 looks like a very strong package.
But there are still open questions:
Shanling’s software track record has been mixed in the past
Roon certification is still not finalized
No built-in room correction or advanced system tuning tools
Real-world performance is still unknown
And these aren’t small details—they’re exactly the things that can make or break a product like this.
Because in this category:
Execution beats specifications every time.
Pricing and availability
The Shanling SM90 is expected to launch around April 2026, with pricing estimated at $969.
Final thoughts
The Shanling SM90 isn’t trying to be revolutionary—it’s trying to be relevant.
By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it aligns itself with where hi-fi is clearly heading:
Fewer boxes
More integration
Systems built around both music and TV
If Shanling delivers a stable, polished experience, the SM90 could be a serious contender in the sub-$1,000 space.
If not, it risks becoming something we’ve seen before:a well-specified box in a category that no longer rewards potential.