Stable disc system
A single-speed DA11 mechanism with a precision puck, plus MQA-CD.
SHANLINGCD TRANSPORTCustomer reviews (0)
Shanling CT90 CD Transport
Pure CD, reference transport.
A top-loading CD transport with a DA11 and SAA7826 disc system, FPGA-assisted I2S, USB, AES and coax outputs, and a 35W linear supply.
Regular price
£899.00
Unit price
Including VAT
Free next day UK delivery
THE AMP3 DIFFERENCE
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Order by 12 noon, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery. Destination and stock availability apply.
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Shanling CT90 CD Transport
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MEET THE CT90
Pure CD, reference transport.
A top-loading CD transport with a DA11 and SAA7826 disc system, FPGA-assisted I2S, USB, AES and coax outputs, and a 35W linear supply.
Every output
FPGA-assisted I2S, USB, AES/EBU and coaxial digital outputs.
Clean power
A 35W linear supply, upsampling and external clock input.
Read the full description
The Shanling CT90 is a top-loading CD transport: it reads the disc and sends the digital signal to your DAC over I²S, USB, AES/EBU or coaxial. A single-speed DA11 mechanism with an SAA7826 servo, a tuned CD puck, precision clocks and a 35W linear power supply are all there to read CDs accurately. It also decodes MQA-CD, plays music from USB drives and receives Bluetooth.
Disc system
Shanling chose a single-speed DA11 laser mechanism with the SAA7826 servo for stable rotation and consistent timing, which it says gives a fluid, natural sound. A separate CD puck, tuned to reduce vibration, holds the disc, and the cover tilts open for top loading. It plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW, and MQA-CD with Full Decoder, Core Decoder and Source modes to suit your DAC; a coloured indicator shows the MQA type.
Digital outputs
The CT90 is Shanling’s first transport with an FPGA-assisted I²S output, with 10 pinout settings for almost any I²S DAC. There is also a USB audio output for modern USB DACs, two AES/EBU outputs and a coaxial output. A dedicated upsampling chip can convert the signal up to PCM 768kHz or DSD512 over I²S.
| USB output | PCM 768kHz/32-bit · DSD512 (no upsampling) |
|---|---|
| I²S output | PCM 768kHz/32-bit · DSD512 · 10 pinout modes |
| AES/EBU (×2) and coaxial | PCM 192kHz/32-bit · DSD64 |
| Inputs | USB from a computer · USB drive (up to 2TB) · Bluetooth 5.0 (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC) |
| Clock | 45MHz and 49MHz oscillators · BNC word-clock input (44.1kHz or 10MHz) |
| Size and weight | 280 × 230 × 91mm (with cover and feet) · 3.5kg |
Clocks and power
Built-in 45MHz and 49MHz oscillators keep jitter low, and a BNC input accepts an external 44.1kHz or 10MHz word clock. A 35W linear power supply with a hi-fi grade transformer gives cleaner, smoother power than a switching supply.
Good to know
- The CT90 has no analogue outputs: you need a DAC.
- The USB drive port plays PCM up to 768kHz, DSD and MQA files, and the USB input lets a computer use the CT90 as its audio interface.
- Control it with the buttons, the remote control (included) or the Eddict Player app; the 4.8-inch screen shows what is playing. There is no Wi-Fi.
- For streaming, the Shanling SM90 comes in the same style of chassis.
THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- Design
- CD transport, SAA7826 servo + DA11 laser head
- Hi-res support
- PCM 768kHz · DSD512 (via USB and I²S)
- Storage
- USB storage playback up to 2TB
- Screen
- 4.8" high-definition display
- Compatibility
- CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- Bluetooth
- 5.0 receive
- Bluetooth codecs
- LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
- Wi-Fi & streaming
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Remote control
- Remote control (included) · companion app
- Size (H × W × D)
- 91 × 280 × 230mm
- Weight
- 3500g
- Digital outputs
- USB (PCM 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512) · I2S (PCM 768kHz, DSD512) · Coaxial/AES (PCM 192kHz, DSD64)
- Power
- Mains (internal 35W linear power supply)
- Finishes
- BLACK / SILVER
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
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How does free delivery work?
Every UK order has a free delivery option, and orders of £50 or more qualify for free next day delivery. Order by 12 noon, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery; orders placed after 12 noon, at the weekend or on a bank holiday are dispatched on the next working day. Stock availability and destination also affect arrival — check the options shown at checkout.
Pre-orders ship when stock arrives; the next day service starts after dispatch. Full delivery information
What if it’s not right for me?
Return within 14 days for any reason, or within 30 days if faulty, with free return postage. See our full Returns Policy for conditions and how to start a return.
Can you help me choose headphones?
Absolutely. Tell us what you listen to and the headphones you have — or the ones you’re considering — and we’ll help you find a suitable pairing. Chat with us
How do I request a Price Beat?
Use the Price Beat option on this page to send us the competing offer. The team will review your request; it isn’t an automatic discount. How Price Beat works
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