Key Takeaways
1. Shanling has launched the EC Zero T, a premium portable CD player aimed at audiophiles, competing with the FiiO DM13 CD player but at a higher price point of $589.
2. The device features Shanling’s own R2R type DAC for high fidelity sound and includes JAN6418 vacuum tubes, enhancing its premium appeal.
3. It offers versatile connectivity options with analog outputs (3.5 mm and 4.4 mm), Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX adaptive support, and a USB-C port for use as a DAC.
4. To combat vibrations that can cause skipping, the EC Zero T includes a specialized servo system, motor, and a magnetic mechanism for securing CDs.
5. The EC Zero T weighs 669 grams due to its solid CNC-milled aluminum construction, with a battery life of 8 hours via 3.5 mm output and up to 20 hours when using Bluetooth.
After the comeback of portable cassette players, portable CD players have recently become trendy again. Riding on this wave, Shanling has unveiled the EC Zero T, a somewhat premium product packed with features that are bound to catch the attention of many audiophiles. This device will rival the FiiO DM13 CD player, although it comes with a noticeably higher price tag.
About Shanling
For those not familiar with the brand, Shanling is a Chinese manufacturer known for making CD players since the late 1990s. In recent years, they have also introduced budget-friendly yet highly rated digital music devices, like the M1 Plus, which currently retails for $199 on Amazon.
Notable Features
With the EC Zero T, Shanling has crafted its own R2R type DAC, which is known for its linearity and high fidelity (though the actual noticeable difference is up for debate due to many other factors). Additionally, the device features a pair of JAN6418 vacuum tubes that are intended to elevate its premium status. These tubes are said to be shock and vibration resistant, and like many tube-based products today, they are visible through a small window.
Analog outputs are available through two line level ports, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm, which allows a broader range of headphone compatibility. There’s also Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX adaptive support, and you can use the USB-C port to connect it as a DAC for external devices like laptops.
Addressing Vibrations
Vibrations pose a challenge for all CD drives, as even the slightest misalignment of the laser can lead to skipping, similar to issues with vinyl records. Shanling asserts that they have integrated features to combat this, including a specialized servo system and motor. They also introduced a magnetic mechanism to secure the CD, moving away from the bead-type clamp you might recall from older laptop CD drives.
Design and Battery Life
Although designed for portability, the EC Zero T is quite weighty at 669 grams, attributed to its construction from solid CNC-milled aluminum. It boasts a battery life of 8 hours when using the 3.5 mm output, and up to 20 hours when connected via Bluetooth.
The EC Zero T is priced at $589 and will be available shortly through authorized sellers in the US and Europe. You can already place a pre-order with a UK-based retailer.
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