Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player with Tube (Box opened)

Condition: Box opened

What this means: The box has been opened, so we can't sell it as new. It has been checked and works as it should, and it comes with all its accessories and the manual. No cosmetic marks: a unit with marks is listed as Cosmetic scratches and says so. Full manufacturer warranty.

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.

Good to know

• The highest power figures need external power; on battery the 4.4mm output gives up to 551mW.
• Shanling’s other portable CD players include the EC Mini and the EC Play.