Shanling SM90 Network Player Adds HDMI ARC as Streamer Wars Heat Up Under $1,000

Shanling has officially unveiled the SM90, a compact network player that does more than just stream music. Priced just under $1,000, the SM90 integrates HDMI ARC, dual AKM DACs, and a modern Android-based platform into a single chassis designed to anchor both hi-fi and TV audio systems. That HDMI ARC input is the headline feature and not just for spec sheet bragging rights. It signals a shift in how companies like Shanling are positioning streamers in 2026: not as standalone music devices, but as central hubs for everything from Qobuz playlists to Netflix dialogue.

Although Shanling isn’t the first to build a capable streamer, the SM90 is among the first in its class to take HDMI ARC seriously. That single connection allows users to route TV audio directly into a two-channel system without needing an AVR or soundbar. It’s a practical move. More listeners are consolidating their systems, and the idea of separate music and TV setups feels increasingly outdated. The SM90 leans into that reality, even if purists might roll their eyes.

Familiar Hardware, More Focused Execution

Under the hood, Shanling sticks with a familiar and proven formula. Dual AKM AK4493S DACs handle conversion duties, paired with a closed Android 12 system running on a platform with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. A 4.96-inch 1080p touchscreen anchors the user experience. Nothing here reinvents the category, but that seems intentional. Shanling appears more focused on stability and refinement than chasing novelty this time around.

Streaming support covers most of what buyers expect at this level. Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, and access to major streaming apps are all included, alongside Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC. Roon Ready status is still pending, which may give some buyers pause. In this segment, that box usually needs to be checked on day one.

Connectivity is where the SM90 starts to separate itself from a crowded field. In addition to HDMI ARC, it offers USB DAC functionality, optical and coaxial inputs and outputs, balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, and support for internal storage via SSD. That’s a broader and more flexible I/O set than many competitors, reinforcing the idea that Shanling wants this to be the center of a system rather than just another endpoint.

The timing, however, is not exactly forgiving. The sub-$1,000 streamer category is now one of the most competitive in hi-fi, with strong options from WiiM, Eversolo, Cambridge Audio, and HiFi Rose already entrenched. Shanling’s approach leans more traditional, but with a modern twist in the form of HDMI ARC. Whether that combination is enough will come down to execution, particularly on the software side, where stability and responsiveness matter more than another feature checkbox.

The SM90 is less about breaking new ground and more about acknowledging where the category is headed. By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it positions itself as a true system hub rather than just another streamer. What remains uncertain is how well it all works in the real world.

There are no meaningful third-party reviews yet, Roon certification is still pending, and Shanling’s software track record is not spotless. But if those pieces fall into place, the SM90 could land exactly where a lot of systems are heading—right between your speakers and your TV, whether audiophiles like it or not.

Features

• Compact dimensions at 28 x 23 x 8.5 cm
• Reduced weight at just 3.3kg
• Dual AKM AK4493s DAC Section
• OPA1612 Analog Output
• 4.96-Inch 1080p Touch Screen
• Closed Android 12 platform, Rockchip CPU
• Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready (in process)
• Built-in Streaming Apps
• (Apple, Apple Classical, Amazon, Spotify, KKBox, Presto, Radio Paradise)
• NAS, DLNA, AirPlay 2 Playback
• Internal SSD Slot & USB Drive Playback
• Bluetooth 5.2 Input support LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Digital Inputs: Coaxial / Optical / USB DAC / HDMI ARC
• Digital Outputs: Coaxial / Optical / USB
• Analog Outputs: RCA & XLR

The Bottom Line

The Shanling SM90 is less about breaking new ground and more about acknowledging where the category is headed. By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it positions itself as a true system hub rather than just another streamer, one clearly designed to sit between your TV and a modern two channel system without forcing you into an AVR or soundbar ecosystem.

What’s still missing is clarity where it matters. U.S. pricing appears to land somewhere around $900 to $1,000, but nothing feels fully locked, and that matters in a segment where even a modest price shift can change the conversation. There’s also no real world performance data yet, Roon certification remains pending, and Shanling’s software track record, while improving, has not been flawless. Past issues with app stability and gapless playback are still fresh enough to raise concern, and those are the kinds of problems that undermine an otherwise strong product.

It is also worth noting what is not here. There is no indication of built in room correction or system optimization tools, which feels like a missed opportunity in 2026, especially for buyers pairing a streamer with active speakers and expecting a more complete and flexible setup. At the same time, the competition is well established. WiiM, Cambridge Audio, Bluesound, Eversolo, and others already offer mature platforms, stable apps, and in some cases deeper ecosystem integration.

Shanling has been on a solid run lately with its higher end CD and SACD players and a steady stream of well received portable gear, so the SM90 is not arriving from a position of weakness. But this category does not reward potential, it rewards execution. If Shanling delivers stable software and consistent performance, the SM90 could be a serious contender. If not, it risks becoming just another well specified box in a segment that already has plenty of proven alternatives.

Where to buy: $969 (available April 2026)

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