Portable CD Revival as Shanling EC Zero T Packs R2R and Tubes
Blending retro appeal with cutting-edge tech, Shanling’s latest release proves the compact disc is far from obsolete.
Shanling has officially announced the EC Zero T, a portable CD player that boldly bridges audiophile tradition and modern innovation with an in-house R2R DAC and dual JAN6418 tube output — a rare combination in any form factor, let alone one weighing under 700 grams.
Following the success of 2023’s EC Mini, the new EC Zero T is built for true on-the-go listening. The aluminium-bodied unit houses a battery-powered CD transport system with advanced anti-skip technology and an active magnetic clamp, promising smooth, high-res CD playback even during motion. At just 158 x 150 x 28 mm and 669g, Shanling says the Zero T sets a new bar for portable disc playback.
Positioned as a portable CD player with integrated DAC and tube headphone amp, the EC Zero T is designed to appeal to discerning listeners who value both analogue charm and modern performance. Its custom non-oversampling R2R DAC — built from 192 precision resistors — delivers a highly linear, natural sound signature, supporting up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512 via USB DAC mode. Both oversampling and non-oversampling playback modes are available.
Perhaps most striking is the inclusion of the same JAN6418 tubes first seen in Shanling’s M8T flagship. This allows users to toggle between transistor and tube output for a tailored, expressive sound. Output stages are driven by the respected TPA6120 headphone amplifier, with 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone and line-out jacks onboard.
Power output is substantial for a portable device. On the 4.4mm balanced output, users can expect up to 1220mW at 32 ohms in transistor mode (on DC power) and up to 1087mW in tube mode. The 3.5mm output delivers up to 330mW. Signal-to-noise ratios are quoted at 115–117dB, with THD+N at 0.02%, supporting a dynamic, low-noise performance profile.
Wireless support includes Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive, aptX, and SBC. There’s also coaxial and optical SPDIF output, and USB-C for external power use. The unit’s 1.68-inch LCD offers a minimal interface, while dedicated hardware buttons and a physical volume slider provide tactile control.
Shanling’s EC Zero T will be available from May 2025 and priced at US$589. Pricing for other regions is yet to be confirmed. The company will also be exhibiting at High End Munich 2025, where the EC Zero T is expected to make a public appearance. You can find Shanling Audio in Hall 3, Stand L05 — and we look forward to seeing this compact disc revivalist in person.
For more information visit Shanling
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Jason Sexton
Joining StereoNET in 2025 as Deputy Editor, Australia & New Zealand, Jason’s decades of experience comes from a marketing, brand development, and communications background. More recently, a decade in specialist retail has armed him with the knowledge required to deliver the right information to a captive and curious audience.
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