RRP: $1,399, $649.00 at Amazon.com

The Shanling STP-10 is an interesting proposition for those who are interested in a tube amplifier with incorporated iPod dock. The idea of combining an iPod dock with a tube amplifier is not original (we have reviewed a number of Fatman amplifers that do the same) and can be hard to pull off. There is an inherent juxtaposition between the analog sound amplification that a tube amplifier provides, and the digital music that comes from the iPod. The hope is that the tube amp will add some warmth to the otherwise cold digital iPod sound source. So how does the Shanling STP-10 live up to the competition?
Like the other Shanling amplifiers we have reviewed, the STP-10 looks great. The iPod dock is positioned to the front with an aluminium cradle securely minding your precious iPod while in use. The aluminium theme continues with the amplifier chassis and four corner pillars/ unit legs. There are 6 tubes in total, arranged in two groups just behind the iPod dock, with two transistor housing units to the rear. In total there is a complement of 6 tubes, 4 6N3 tubes and 2 6L6G’s. The build quality is good and should last.
As usual we tested the amplifier using two Wharfdale Diamond 9.1 speakers. We slapped on some Kings of Leon to see how it sounded. At lower volume levels, the Shanling STP-10 performed pretty well. The amplifier added the characteristic warmth associated with tube amps to the iPod output and the Kings of Leon bopped along nicely. The midrange had some added warmth as is to be expected and the highs were ok, if not earth shattering. When we cranked up the volume, the shortcoming of the STP-10 began to become apparent. The 5w per channel output struggled to power the speakers and the bass will not be keeping the neighbours awake. This is a pity and lets the amplifier down compared to other iPod dock amplifiers we have looked at in a similar price range.
In conclusion then, the Shanling STP-10 is a well made little amp that lack punch when you want to get the party started. If we were to recommend an iPod enabled tube amp, one from the Fatman series would probably pip the Shanling STP-10 for superior overall sound performance and bang for the buck.

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