- The new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player, which features an integrated tube output stage, is designed to deliver first-class audio CD sound at home or on the move.
Audio CDs are very popular, as the Chinese company Shenzhen Shanling Digital Techno is convinced with the latest solution from the Shanling brand and is therefore also continuing to focus on this sound carrier format, and in a very special form. The new Shanling ECZero T Portable CD Player is a CD player that guarantees particularly flexible use because, as the name suggests, it is a mobile solution. However, and this is a special feature of the Shanling ECZero T Portable CD Player, it is designed to meet even the highest demands in terms of sound quality.
According to Shanling Audio, the new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player is therefore not only suitable for use on the road, but also at home as a stationary audio CD player and thus as a source for a HiFi system.
State-of-the-art technology for the best sound quality
The new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player stands for the perfect combination of nostalgic CD playback and state-of-the-art technology. Well, to describe the CD playback as nostalgic would probably be contradicted by many HiFi enthusiasts, but the special technical features can be clearly demonstrated with a glance at the data sheet.
The Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player is packaged in a robust aluminium housing and the drive is accessed via a transparent cover on the top. Interestingly, the CD is held in place by a magnetic CD clamping system which, according to the manufacturer, guarantees vibration-free playback. An advanced anti-skip system should ensure smooth playback on-the-go.
Both the front and the front panel are adorned with a number of buttons for easy control and a 1.68 inch colour display.
Can also be used as a D/A converter
The fact that the new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player can also process signals in Linear PCM with up to 32 bit and 768 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD512 is of course only important for the playback of audio CDs, as oversampling can be used.
Much more relevant, however, is the fact that the Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player can also be used as an R2R DAC for various digital sources, especially as, in addition to optical and coaxial S/PDIF interfaces, a USB-C port is also available to connect a Mac or PC directly, so that these high resolutions can actually be used in practice.
It should also be mentioned in this context that the Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and can therefore transmit signals in Hi-res audio, as aptX and even the aptX Adaptive codec are supported in addition to SBC and AAC. Headphones can be connected using a cable via an unbalanced 3,5 mm stereo mini jack or a balanced 4,4 mm Pentaconn. There is also an unbalanced and balanced line out – 3,5 mm stereo mini jack and 4,4 mm Pentaconn – as well as a digital out in the form of a coaxial and optical S/PDIF. In addition to the aforementioned USB-C port for use as a DAC, another USB-C interface is available for power supply.
Tube or transistor output stage
Another special feature of the new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player is its tube output stage. Two JAN6418 tubes are used, according to the manufacturer, who also promises a particularly warm, ‘analogue’ sound. However, all those who want a more neutral sound can also opt for a transistor output stage based on the Texas Instruments TPA6120 Headphone Amplifier; it is easy to switch between transistor and tube. It is worth mentioning that this solution should also be able to connect headphones that are complicated to operate, as it provides up to 1.220 mW at 32 ohms.
Integrated rechargeable battery for up to eight hours of playtime
Finally, it should be noted that the new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player comes with a 5.500 mAh battery which, according to the manufacturer, should allow up to eight hours of playtime away from a power socket.
Prices and availability
The new Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player will soon be available from specialist retailers, although no local price has yet been announced. The manufacturer itself speaks of US$ 589,- as a guide price.
Getting to the point
It is quite remarkable how versatile Shenzhen Shanling Digital Techno has designed the latest addition to the Shanling brand, even though the Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player is “only” a portable audio CD player. Not only can it also be used as a D/A converter, with Bluetooth 5.3 and unbalanced and balanced analogue connections for headphones as well as for integration into a HiFi system, the user can even choose between tube and transistor for the output stage.
| Product | Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player |
|---|---|
| Price | US$ 599,- |
| Brand | Shenzhen Shanling Digital Techno |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shanling Audio |
| Distribution | NT Global Distribution GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
