The Shanling CT90 CD Transport is designed for listeners who value purity, stability, and musical truth from compact disc playback. At its core is a carefully selected single-speed disc reading architecture that prioritises consistency and accuracy over unnecessary complexity. By focusing exclusively on CD playback, the CT90 delivers a smooth and natural sonic character that preserves the integrity of the original recording.
Its top-loading disc chamber and precision-tuned CD puck ensure stable rotation and reliable data retrieval, reducing vibration and read errors. Every mechanical and electronic element is engineered to work in harmony, allowing the CT90 to reveal the inherent musical qualities of the CD format with clarity, flow, and refinement.
Optimised Disc System and MQA Decoding
The CT90 employs the proven SAA7824 servo system paired with the DA11 disc mechanism, forming a highly optimised solution for pure CD playback. Operating at standard single speed, this configuration promotes stable disc rotation and consistent timing, resulting in a fluid and natural presentation. In addition to standard CDs, the CT90 supports MQA CD unfolding, offering Source, Core, and Full Decoder modes.
This flexibility allows the transport to perform full decoding internally or pass the signal to a compatible downstream DAC for further processing. With clear visual indicators for MQA status, listeners can enjoy a faithful restoration of the original master recording with improved depth, resolution, and musical realism.
Comprehensive Digital Connectivity
Designed as a true reference digital transport, the CT90 offers an exceptionally wide range of digital outputs to integrate seamlessly into any high-end system. Connections include coaxial, optical, I²S, dual AES EBU, and a dedicated USB digital output, ensuring compatibility with a broad selection of DACs and active speaker systems.
High-resolution output support extends up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512 via USB and I²S, with additional support for professional-grade AES and coaxial outputs. Beyond disc playback, the CT90 also accepts USB digital input and Bluetooth reception, allowing it to function as a versatile digital interface and central hub for modern audio systems.
Clocking Accuracy and Power Integrity
Accurate timing is critical to digital audio performance, and the CT90 addresses this with a robust jitter control strategy. Built-in high-precision 45MHz and 49MHz oscillators provide a stable internal clock, ensuring clean and consistent signal transmission. For advanced systems, a dedicated BNC input supports external 44.1kHz or 10 MHz word-clock signals, offering even greater synchronisation accuracy.
Power delivery is handled by a high-quality 30W linear power supply that provides clean, stable energy to all circuits. Compared to switching supplies, this linear design reduces noise and enhances tonal smoothness, contributing to a more natural and refined listening experience.
Upsampling, Storage, and Smart Control
The Shanling CT90 includes a dedicated CT7302L upsampling chip, allowing users to convert digital signals to high-resolution PCM or DSD formats for tailored sound tuning. Upsampling is supported up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512 through I²S, expanding creative and sonic flexibility.
The transport also supports direct playback from USB storage devices up to 2TB, handling a wide range of formats including high-resolution PCM, DSD, and MQA files. Operation is intuitive thanks to the large 4.8-inch high definition display and support for remote control via the Eddict Player app. Together, these features make the CT90 both powerful and effortless to use.
