Shanling EC Zero AKM – Portable CD Player with AKM DAC for € 319,-
Following the EC Zero T with R2R DAC and tube output stage, Shanling now unveils the EC Zero AKM. This new portable CD player keeps the same design and functionality as the flagship model but relies on an AKM AK4493S DAC and a streamlined amplifier circuit. The result: a versatile Hi-Res USB DAC supporting 32 Bit and 768 kHz as well as DSD512, balanced 4.4mm headphone output, up to ten hours of battery life, and a much lower price point.
- Shanling expands its new EC Zero line with the Shanling EC Zero AKM – a portable CD player featuring AKM DAC, balanced 4.4mm output and high-resolution USB DAC functionality at an attractive entry-level price.
Portable CD players have made a remarkable comeback – not merely as retro gadgets but as serious audio solutions for discerning listeners. Shanling, a brand with long-standing expertise in personal audio, introduces the new EC Zero AKM as a more affordable counterpart to the EC Zero T. While the T model integrates a complex R2R DAC architecture with tube stage, the EC Zero AKM employs the proven AKM AK4493S DAC combined with a simplified amplifier design. Despite the leaner circuitry, it retains most of the advanced functions while extending battery life.
Key Facts Shanling EC Zero AKM
- Portable CD player, designed as a cost-friendly alternative to the EC Zero T
- DAC: AKM AK4493S
- Amplification: Dual SGM8262-2
- Hi-Res USB DAC up to 32 Bit and 768 kHz, plus DSD512
- Headphone outputs: 4,4 mm balanced and 3,5 mm unbalanced
- Additional connections: Line-outs (3,5 mm & 4,4 mm), SPDIF digital out
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive and SBC
- Battery: up to ten hours via 5.500 mAh cell, external power mode available
- Optional PU leather case priced at € 39,-
Sound & Technology
According to Shanling, the EC Zero AKM with its AKM AK4493S DAC and dual SGM8262-2 amplifiers delivers a clean, neutral sound signature with very low output impedance – making it suitable even for sensitive in-ear monitors. Hi-Res audio formats up to 32 Bit and 768 kHz in PCM and up to DSD512 are supported. Users can choose between the 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack for unbalanced playback or the 4.4 mm Pentaconn output for balanced operation. Shanling states that the headphone section matches the output power of the EC Zero T, while offering even more headroom when used with an external power supply.
Features & Design
Visually, the EC Zero AKM stays close to its sibling: aluminum chassis, 1.68-inch LCD screen, and the same user interface as the EC Zero T. Alongside the headphone outputs, it also features line-outs (3,5 mm & 4,4 mm), a combined SPDIF output (optical/coaxial), and Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive and SBC codec support. Another practical highlight is direct CD ripping to USB in WAV format. Shanling also offers an optional PU leather case for added protection.
Price & Availability
Shanling lists the EC Zero AKM with a suggested retail price of € 319,-. The optional PU leather case for the EC Zero series is available separately for € 39,-.
Conclusion
With the EC Zero AKM, Shanling adds an affordable yet fully featured model to its new portable CD player series. While it forgoes the R2R DAC and tube stage of the EC Zero T, it inherits the same design and broad functionality, extending battery life and lowering the entry barrier considerably. It is aimed at music lovers who value high-quality CD playback and Hi-Res functionality without stepping into the upper high-end price segment.
| Product | Shanling EC Zero AKM |
|---|---|
| Price | Shanling EC Zero AKM € 319,- PU leather case for EC Zero models € 39,- |
Technical Specifications
| Product | Shanling EC Zero AKM |
|---|---|
| General | 158 × 150 × 28 mm, 575 g, 1.68″ LCD display, battery up to 10 h, USB-C 5V/2A |
| DAC | AKM AK4493S, USB DAC up to 32 Bit and 768 kHz, DSD512 |
| Headphone 3,5 mm | Low Gain: 52 mW @ 32 Ω, High Gain: 122 mW @ 32 Ω, with PSU: 213 mW @ 32 Ω |
| Headphone 4,4 mm | Low Gain: 211 mW @ 32 Ω, High Gain: 525 mW @ 32 Ω, with PSU: 836 mW @ 32 Ω |
| Line-Outs | 3.5 mm: 2.05 Vrms, 4.4 mm: 4.1 Vrms |
| Digital Outputs | 3.5 mm SPDIF (Coax/Optical) |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.3, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| CD Ripping | 1× speed, WAV, FAT32 USB stick |
| Brand | Shenzhen Shanling Digital Techno |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shanling Audio |
| Distribution | NT Global Distribution GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
