Shanling Q2 - The Click Wheel Returns in a Pocket-Sized 4-DAC Hi-Fi Player
Turns out I'm not the only one who misses the click wheel on the iPod Classic. Shanling has brought that wheel back to life, cramming four DACs into a body smaller than a wallet for this pocket player.
📊 Quick Info
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shanling (China) |
| Price | Need to check |
| Material/Specs | 80×50×13.5mm, 83g, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC ×4 |
| Key Features | Click wheel control, PCM 768kHz/32bit and native DSD512 playback |
| One-line Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ A pocket player that pairs retro charm with genuine hi-fi specs |
✨ 3-Line Summary
- 👍 Best feature: Four DACs and native DSD512 playback packed into a body smaller than a wallet
- 👎 Downside: The click wheel's feel and durability still need to be verified through real-world reviews
- 🎯 Recommended for: Audio EDC enthusiasts who want to keep music playback separate from their phone
📸 Product Gallery
Arranged in White, Black, and Orange color options
Playback screen and click wheel control interface
Size comparison held in an actual hand
🔍 Why I'm Interested
The Return of the Click Wheel
In an age of touchscreens, choosing to include a physical wheel actually feels refreshing. It's a retro touch that comes with real practicality too — you can skip tracks with gloves on, or without even looking at the screen.
Four DACs in a Body Smaller Than a Wallet
At 80×50×13.5mm, the size is genuinely comfortable enough to carry in a pocket without a second thought — and packing four DAC chips into that footprint really stands out. It's a clear attempt to give up neither portability nor sound quality.
Separation From the Smartphone
Having a dedicated device just for music is still an appealing EDC item for anyone who wants to step away from notifications and focus purely on listening.
🤔 Points of Concern
Click Wheel Feel Needs Verification
The click wheels on old iPods sometimes grew less responsive over time. I'd like to see this product's durability and precision confirmed through actual usage reviews.
Price and Domestic Availability Unconfirmed
The specs alone are appealing, but the exact price and official purchase channels in Korea haven't been confirmed yet.
📋 Product Features (Subjective Rating)
- Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (price unconfirmed)
🛒 Before You Buy
✅ Recommended for
- Audiophiles who want to keep phone use and music playback separate
- EDC enthusiasts drawn to physical controls and retro design
❌ Not recommended for
- Those who are perfectly satisfied with smartphone streaming alone
- Those uninterested until exact pricing and availability are confirmed
🎯 Final Verdict
The core of this product is that it brings back the iconic click wheel interface while still delivering serious audio specs — four DACs and DSD512 support. It doesn't feel like mere retro-flavored marketing; there's genuine intent behind the sound quality too.
Being smaller than a wallet makes it an easy addition to any EDC kit, and it's a fairly compelling option for anyone who wants to separate their phone from their music. Once the price and actual feel of the wheel are confirmed, it's well worth adding to a wishlist.
Source: Original Yanko Design article
