Today we are taking a look at Truthear SHIO, an impressive portable DAC/AMP. The SHIO to the best of my knowledge, is the only DAC/AMP produced by Truthear so far. The device boasts dual CS43198 chips from Cirrus Logic, fully-balanced circuitry, 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, PCM decoding support up to 768kHz at 32-bits, and Native DSD256 decoding. Additionally, it offers two gain modes, making it versatile for various headphone types.
Disclaimer: I am not paid to make this review or offer any specific opinions about this product. All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.
The SHIO comes packaged in a small carton box, featuring a design with a Waifu on the front, which I am not fond of. On the back, the box lists technical specifications. Inside the box, users will find the SHIO DAC/AMP, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a postcard, a warranty card, and a user manual.
Design and build
The SHIO’s body is crafted from anodized metal, giving it both durability and protection from external electromagnetic interference. The metal casing is further wrapped in textured faux leather, providing a stylish and comfortable grip. The dimensions of the dongle are 55mm in length, 22mm in width, and 11mm in height.
The dongle features embossed Truthear branding on one side, along with a small LED that changes colors based on the file format and gain mode. Additionally, two volume control buttons can also act as gain mode selectors when pressed simultaneously. One edge of the DAC houses the 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs, while the opposite edge features a USB-C socket for connectivity.
The SHIO comes with a detachable, multi-core 95mm long USB-C to USB-C OTG cable, which is sturdy and features a nylon mesh covering for enhanced durability.
Pairing, controls, and user experience
During my testing, I primarily used the SHIO DAC with my Samsung S10 running Android 12 and USB Audio Player PRO. I also tested it with my PC. Initially, I encountered a strange bug where the DAC was not recognized when I connected the headphones first and then the dongle to the phone. However, after downloading the latest firmware and the hardware volume control update from the official Truthear website, this issue was resolved. The hardware volume control update also provided 60-step hardware volume controls, adding to the user experience.
The LED indicator changes colors during playback, indicating the file format and gain modes. The tactile volume buttons are easy to navigate. I did notice that disconnecting the headphones from the SHIO did not pause or stop music playback, indicating that it doesn’t send a connection status to the smartphone, which is a minor drawback. Additionally, the device lacks an idle mode, but it remains cool during operation.
Truthear Shio power rating and sound signature
The SHIO is power-efficient and delivers impressive performance for its class. In high gain mode, it offers up to 4Vrms and provides up to 150mW power at 32Ω and 55mW at 300Ω. While it may not be the most powerful dongle in the market, its performance is noteworthy.
In terms of sound signature, the Truthear SHIO offers a natural, clean, and resolving sound, making it musical and enjoyable. However, it lacks a bit of refinement and detail, especially in the upper mids and treble. The best combination I found was pairing the SHIO with neutral or neutral-bright headphones and IEMs. When paired with warmer or darker headphones, the overall sound presentation tended to be a bit dull and overly warm for my preference. Nonetheless, the differences are subtle and may be more evident during A/B testing with other DACs.
Comparisons
I have compared SHIO to Moondrop Dawn balanced, FiiO KA3, E1DA 9038S Gen 3, and MoonDrop MoonRiver2. All four dongles are sitting on my list of 16 best portable DAC/AMPs you can get at the beginning of 2023, and if you missed this video, here’s the link.
Compared to Dawn, I need to say that Dawn is more refined and detailed. So Dawn wins sound-wise for me. But it’s got only balanced output, no onboard volume controls, and a non-detachable cable, which means that usability-wise Truthear SHIO is the winner.
Compared to FiiO KA3, they might seem similar, but KA3 is based on a single DAC chip, while SHIO has two. Sound-wise KA3 is more analytical and sometimes a bit harsh, while SHIO is more musical and I prefer it sound-wise. In addition, SHIO also wins usability-wise, as KA3 has no onboard volume controls and it’s getting slightly warm during playback.
Compared to E1DA 9038S Gen 3, I honestly prefer E1DA 9038S Gen 3 more. It’s more refined and has in my opinion a reference grade clarity. In addition, it has much more output power. Truthear SHIO on the other hand has onboard volume controls and two headphone outputs.
Comparing Truthear SHIO to Moondrop MoonRiver2 is not fair, because MoonRiver2 costs twice as much. But they both use the same dual CS43198 DAC configuration and I was inquisitive in comparing them. In my opinion, sound-wise MoonRiver2 is superior in every way. It’s more refined, clear, detailed, and resolving. Both devices have onboard volume controls, but SHIO wins in this section as MoonRiver2 has quite clunky buttons. In addition, I think most people will prefer the SHIO’s form factor over MoonRiver2.
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Conclusion
Truthear SHIO is a commendable first DAC/AMP offering from the company. Priced under $100, it manages to pack several features and delivers great performance. Its dual CS43198 DACs offer enough power to drive various IEMs and full-size headphones, making it a versatile choice for audiophiles on a budget. While it may not be the best DAC/AMP in its price bracket in terms of details and resolution, it compensates it with a musical and laid-back sound signature.
For those seeking a portable DAC/AMP to complement their smartphone-based audio setup and prefer a well-rounded sound, the Truthear SHIO is a solid option. Although it has minor drawbacks, such as the lack of an idle mode and an accompanying application, its overall performance and usability make it a recommendable choice.
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