Kunlun 24-bit R2R
A precision resistor array replaces a delta-sigma chip for a natural, analogue-like tone.
SHANLINGPORTABLE CD PLAYERCustomer reviews (0)
Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player with Tube
R2R and tubes for your CDs.
A portable CD player with an in-house R2R DAC, dual JAN6418 tubes, up to 1220mW, Bluetooth and a USB DAC mode.
Regular price
£569.00
Unit price
Including VAT
Free next day UK delivery
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Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player with Tube
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MEET THE EC
R2R and tubes for your CDs.
A portable CD player with an in-house R2R DAC, dual JAN6418 tubes, up to 1220mW, Bluetooth and a USB DAC mode.
Tube or transistor
Dual JAN6418 tubes add air and overtones, or switch to the TPA6120 transistor stage.
Stable disc playback
Active magnetic pressure locks the disc firmly, with up to 8 hours of battery.
Read the full description
The Shanling EC Zero T is a high-end portable CD player that combines Shanling’s own 24-bit R2R DAC with a pair of JAN6418 tubes, so you can choose a tube or transistor sound. It drives headphones with up to 1,220mW from its 4.4mm output, streams CDs to Bluetooth headphones with aptX Adaptive, works as a USB DAC and has line and digital outputs for a hi-fi system, in a retro design inspired by the portable CD players of the 1980s.
An in-house 24-bit R2R DAC
Following the trend set by Shanling’s desktop DACs, the EC Zero T brings an R2R DAC to portable CD players: Shanling’s “Kunlun” 24-bit architecture uses a network of 192 high-precision resistors instead of a delta-sigma chip, for a distinctively natural, analogue-like sound. Switch between oversampling (OS) and non-oversampling (NOS) modes to try the ideal presentation.
Two JAN6418 tubes, two sounds
A pair of low-voltage, power-efficient JAN6418 tubes, suspended in a custom anti-shock structure to keep microphonics down, adds the extra charm of Shanling’s tube heritage. Tube mode gives a thicker, warmer, beautifully flowing sound; transistor mode is dynamic and hard-hitting. A balanced headphone amplifier built on two TI TPA6120A2 op-amps, with Panasonic tantalum capacitors, gives very low output impedance and plenty of current.
A new generation of CD mechanism
A new active magnetic clamp continuously adjusts its position and pressure on the disc, improving stability and greatly reducing mechanical noise and vibration. A new compact CD drive system gives desktop-level performance and gapless playback, advanced anti-shake systems keep playback smooth whether the player is flat or upright, walking or sitting, and every unit goes through a long testing and calibration process at the factory.
Battery on the go, external power at home
The built-in 5,500mAh battery gives up to 8 hours from the 3.5mm output, 7.5 hours from 4.4mm and 20 hours as a Bluetooth transmitter. At home, connect a USB-C power adapter (5V/2A) and switch to external power mode for more output power and to keep the battery in good condition: the 4.4mm output rises from 551mW to 1,220mW (transistor) or 1,087mW (tube) into 32Ω.
From earphones to hi-fi speakers
Play CDs or use it as a USB DAC (up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512). Outputs include 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone sockets, 3.5mm and 4.4mm line outs, a 3.5mm coaxial/optical S/PDIF output and Bluetooth 5.3 transmission with aptX Adaptive, aptX and SBC.
Old-school design, modern build
A solid CNC-machined single-piece metal chassis and a tempered glass lid show the spinning CD, while a hardware volume slider, glass-protected tubes, an intuitive 1.68-inch screen and physical buttons with a dedicated button lock make it easy to use.
| DAC | Shanling 24-bit R2R (192 resistors) · OS / NOS filter |
|---|---|
| Amplifier | 2 × JAN6418 tubes (tube mode) · 2 × TPA6120A2 |
| 4.4mm balanced | 551mW @ 32Ω on battery · 1,220mW (transistor) / 1,087mW (tube) with external power · SNR 117dB · DNR 117dB · separation 103dB |
| 3.5mm | 158mW @ 32Ω on battery · 330mW / 268mW with external power · SNR 115dB · separation 79dB |
| Other outputs | 3.5mm and 4.4mm line out · 3.5mm coaxial/optical · Bluetooth 5.3 (aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC) |
| USB DAC | PCM 768kHz/32-bit · DSD512 |
| Battery | 5,500mAh · 8h (3.5mm) · 7.5h (4.4mm) · 20h (Bluetooth) · external power USB-C 5V/2A |
| Size and weight | 158 × 150 × 28mm · 669g · 1.68-inch LCD |
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THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- Design
- Portable CD player with tube output
- DAC
- Shanling in-house R2R
- Headphone outputs
- 3.5mm single-ended · 4.4mm balanced
- Output power
- 4.4mm: 551mW @ 32Ω on battery, 1,220mW (transistor) / 1,087mW (tube) with external power · 3.5mm: 158mW on battery, 330mW / 268mW with external power
- Battery
- 5,500mAh · up to 8 hours (3.5mm) · 7.5 hours (4.4mm) · 20 hours (Bluetooth transmit)
- Screen
- 1.68-inch LCD
- Bluetooth
- 5.3 transmit · aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC
- EQ & app control
- OS / NOS digital filter
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- 117dB (4.4mm) · 115dB (3.5mm)
- Distortion (THD+N)
- 0.02%
- Crosstalk
- 103dB (4.4mm) · 79dB (3.5mm)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 28 × 158 × 150mm
- Weight
- 669g
- Amplification
- 2 × JAN6418 tubes + TPA6120 (tube or transistor mode)
- Line outputs
- 3.5mm & 4.4mm
- Digital outputs
- Coaxial · optical
- Inputs
- CD · USB DAC (768kHz, DSD512)
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change. Battery life varies with use and settings.
The press, on the EC
Independent ears.
Their verdict.
A different perspective on your next listen.
02 / Expert reviews
the analog, smooth sound desired by retro-enthusiasts, and plenty of I/O to satisfy headphone and hi-fi fans alike
Marcus
Read reviewHeadfonia
It looks fantastic, feels premium, drives full-size headphones surprisingly well, and offers multiple meaningful ways to play with the sound.
Yagiz
Read reviewSelected excerpts from published reviews. Scores are each publication’s own. Follow the links for their full verdicts.
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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
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