The Shanling CD50 is a compact desktop CD player featuring a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC, balanced 4.4mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs, and dedicated high-quality CD playback. Its 830mW balanced headphone amplifier, RCA line/preamp output, and optical and coaxial digital connections make it equally capable in headphone, active speaker, and traditional Hi-Fi systems. With gapless CD playback, a 2.2-inch display, remote control, and a compact aluminum-and-glass design, the CD50 brings versatile audiophile performance to smaller listening spaces.
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Shanling CD50 Compact Desktop CD Player

Rediscover your CD collection with the Shanling CD50 Compact Desktop CD Player, a space-efficient Hi-Fi source designed for dedicated physical media playback. As the first model in Shanling’s compact 50 Series, the CD50 combines a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC, dual SGM8262 headphone amplifiers, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, RCA analog output, and coaxial and optical digital outputs in one streamlined component. Its tray-loading CD mechanism supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback with gapless operation, while carefully selected Rubycon capacitors help deliver Shanling’s smooth, natural sound tuning.

Despite its compact footprint, the CD50 is equally capable in a desktop headphone system or a compact speaker-based Hi-Fi setup. The powerful 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivers up to 830mW at 32 ohms, while the 3.5mm single-ended output provides up to 210mW at 32 ohms. For integration with a larger audio system, the RCA connection can operate as either a fixed line output or preamplifier output, while coaxial and optical digital outputs make it easy to connect an external DAC. A 2.2-inch display, front-panel hardware controls, selectable gain, digital filters, UI themes, and the included IR remote keep operation straightforward whether the CD50 is on a desk or across the room.

Specifications

• Product Type: Compact desktop CD player with integrated DAC, headphone amplifier, preamplifier functionality, and digital outputs
• Series: Shanling 50 Series
• Dimensions: 188 × 205 × 53 mm (W × D × H)
• Net Weight: Approximately 1.6 kg
• Construction: Aluminum construction with glass front panel
• Available Finishes: Black or Silver
• CD Mechanism: Front-loading CD tray mechanism
• Playback: Gapless CD playback
• Supported Disc Types: CD, CD-RW, CD-R
• Input: CD only
• DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Headphone Amplifiers: Dual SGM8262 amplifier architecture
• Audio Components: Carefully selected Rubycon capacitors
• Display: 2.2-inch display
• Controls: Front-panel hardware buttons and included IR remote control
• Remote Functions: Playback and volume control
• User Settings: Gain switching, selectable digital filters, and UI themes
• Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced
• Analog Output: Stereo RCA with selectable line-out or preamplifier operation
• Digital Outputs: Coaxial and optical
• Digital Output Application: Connection to an external DAC or compatible digital audio component
• 3.5mm Headphone Output Power: 210mW at 32 ohms
• 3.5mm Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (-0.4dB)
• 3.5mm THD+N: 0.002%
• 3.5mm Channel Separation: 64dB at 32 ohms
• 3.5mm Dynamic Range: 124dB
• 3.5mm Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 124dB
• 3.5mm Noise Floor: 116dB (<1.5µV)
• 3.5mm Output Impedance: 1 ohm
• 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output Power: 830mW at 32 ohms
• 4.4mm Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (-0.4dB)
• 4.4mm THD+N: 0.002%
• 4.4mm Channel Separation: 105dB at 32 ohms
• 4.4mm Dynamic Range: 126dB
• 4.4mm Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 126dB
• 4.4mm Noise Floor: 112dB (<2.5µV)
• 4.4mm Output Impedance: 1 ohm
• RCA Output Level: 2.6Vrms
• RCA Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (-0.4dB)
• RCA THD+N: 0.002%
• RCA Dynamic Range: 124dB
• Included Accessories: Power cable, IR remote control, and documentation

What It's Great At

• Dedicated CD Listening: A focused CD-only design makes the CD50 ideal for listeners who want straightforward, high-quality playback of physical media without unnecessary streaming features.
• Desktop Hi-Fi Systems: Its compact 188 × 205 × 53 mm chassis fits comfortably into desktop audio systems and smaller listening spaces.
• Balanced Headphone Listening: The 4.4mm balanced output provides up to 830mW at 32 ohms for excellent driving capability with a wide range of compatible headphones.
• Single-Ended Headphones and IEMs: A dedicated 3.5mm output provides convenient connectivity and up to 210mW at 32 ohms.
• Integrated Speaker Systems: RCA line-out and preamplifier modes allow the CD50 to connect directly to amplifiers or active speakers.
• External DAC Systems: Coaxial and optical digital outputs let the CD50 serve as a dedicated CD source for an external digital-to-analog converter.
• Natural Hi-Fi Sound: The CS43198 DAC, dual SGM8262 amplifiers, and selected Rubycon capacitors are combined with Shanling’s sound tuning for a smooth and natural presentation.
• Easy Everyday Operation: Front-panel controls, a clear 2.2-inch display, and an included IR remote provide convenient access to playback, volume, gain, filters, and interface settings.

FAQ Section

Q: What types of discs can the Shanling CD50 play?
A: The CD50 supports standard CDs as well as CD-R and CD-RW discs, making it suitable for both commercial releases and compatible recordable media.

Q: Does the Shanling CD50 support gapless playback?
A: Yes. The CD50 supports gapless playback, allowing albums designed to flow continuously between tracks to play without unnecessary interruptions.

Q: Can I connect headphones directly to the CD50?
A: Yes. The CD50 has both a 3.5mm single-ended headphone output and a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, so a separate headphone amplifier is not required for many setups.

Q: How powerful is the balanced headphone output?
A: The 4.4mm balanced output delivers up to 830mW at 32 ohms, while the 3.5mm single-ended output provides up to 210mW at 32 ohms.

Q: Can the CD50 connect directly to powered speakers or an amplifier?
A: Yes. Its RCA analog output can operate in line-out or preamplifier mode, making it suitable for connection to an integrated amplifier, power amplifier, or compatible active speakers.

Q: Can I use an external DAC with the Shanling CD50?
A: Yes. The CD50 includes coaxial and optical digital outputs for sending the CD signal to a compatible external DAC or digital audio system.

Q: Does the Shanling CD50 include a remote control?
A: Yes. An IR remote is included for convenient playback and volume control, while physical buttons on the front panel provide direct access when using the player at a desk.

Q: What comes with the Shanling CD50?
A: The package includes the Shanling CD50, an IR remote control, power cable, and product documentation.