Shanling EC Zero T MAX Portable CD Player with R2R DAC and Tube Headphone Amplifier
Product Description
The Shanling EC Zero T MAX brings high-end audiophile performance to physical CD playback with a refined 24-bit R2R DAC, dual JAN6418 vacuum tubes, and a powerful AD8397-based headphone amplifier. Designed for listeners who want the tactile experience of CDs without giving up modern digital audio capabilities, this premium portable CD player combines warm, natural R2R conversion with switchable tube and transistor output modes for two distinctly different listening experiences.
Shanling's in-house R2R architecture uses 192 high-precision 0.1% resistors and offers selectable OS and NOS digital filtering. The MAX edition further optimizes the DAC circuitry and power supply to deliver a wider, deeper soundstage with improved transparency through the midrange and treble while maintaining the rich musical character associated with the original EC Zero T.
An upgraded headphone amplifier makes the EC Zero T MAX exceptionally versatile with both sensitive IEMs and demanding full-size headphones. Its 4.4 mm balanced output delivers up to 1300 mW at 32 ohms in transistor mode directly from the internal battery, while the 3.5 mm single-ended output provides up to 361 mW. Low output impedances of 0.4 ohm and 0.7 ohm further improve compatibility with a wide range of earphones and headphones.
Beyond CD playback, the EC Zero T MAX functions as a high-resolution USB DAC supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512, a Bluetooth 5.3 transmitter with aptX Adaptive, a digital transport with coaxial and optical SPDIF output, and a source for home audio systems through dedicated 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm line outputs. It can even rip CDs directly to a FAT32 USB drive at 1× speed.
A custom CD mechanism with an active magnetic clamp and gapless playback helps provide stable, uninterrupted listening, while the 5500 mAh rechargeable battery delivers up to 8 hours of wired playback or as much as 20 hours in Bluetooth transmitter mode. Finished in titanium grey with a CNC-machined aluminum chassis, tempered-glass CD cover, physical controls, and a 1.68-inch LCD display, the Shanling EC Zero T MAX is a complete portable and desktop-ready audiophile CD source.
Specifications
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Color: Titanium
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Chassis: CNC-machined aluminum
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CD Cover: Tempered glass with MAX-pattern detailing
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DAC Architecture: Shanling in-house developed 24-bit R2R DAC
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R2R Network: 192 high-precision 0.1% resistors
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Digital Filtering: Selectable OS and NOS modes
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Vacuum Tubes: 2 × JAN6418
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Output Modes: Switchable tube and transistor analog signal paths
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Headphone Amplifier: High-power AD8397-based amplifier circuit
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Display: 1.68-inch LCD
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Controls: Dedicated physical playback buttons, button lock, and sliding volume control
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Volume Control: Yes
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Balanced Output: Yes
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Single-Ended Output: Yes
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CD Mechanism: Custom CD drive with active magnetic clamp
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Gapless CD Playback: Supported
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CD Ripping: Direct ripping to USB drive at 1× speed
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USB Drive Requirement for CD Ripping: FAT32 format
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USB DAC Support: PCM up to 768 kHz / 32-bit and DSD512
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Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 transmitter mode
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Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC
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Digital Output: 3.5 mm coaxial and optical SPDIF
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Headphone Outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced
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Dedicated Line Outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced
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3.5 mm Headphone Output, Transistor Mode: 37 mW low gain / 361 mW high gain at 32 Ω
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3.5 mm Headphone Output, Tube Mode: 39 mW low gain / 361 mW high gain at 32 Ω
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3.5 mm Output Impedance: 0.4 Ω
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3.5 mm Dynamic Range: 115 dB
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3.5 mm Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115 dB
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3.5 mm THD+N, Transistor Mode: 0.02%
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3.5 mm THD+N, Tube Mode: 1%
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4.4 mm Headphone Output, Transistor Mode: 211 mW low gain / 1300 mW high gain at 32 Ω
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4.4 mm Headphone Output, Tube Mode: 151 mW low gain / 1162 mW high gain at 32 Ω
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4.4 mm Output Impedance: 0.7 Ω
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4.4 mm Dynamic Range: 116 dB
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4.4 mm Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 116 dB
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4.4 mm THD+N, Transistor Mode: 0.02%
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4.4 mm THD+N, Tube Mode: 1%
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3.5 mm Line Output: 2.12 Vrms in transistor mode / 1.8 Vrms in tube mode
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4.4 mm Line Output: 4.2 Vrms in transistor mode / 3.6 Vrms in tube mode
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Frequency Response, CD Playback: 20 Hz–20 kHz
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Frequency Response, USB DAC and Line Output: 20 Hz–40 kHz
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Battery: Built-in 5500 mAh rechargeable battery
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3.5 mm Playback Time: Up to 8 hours
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4.4 mm Playback Time: Approximately 7.5 hours
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Bluetooth Transmitter Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
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External Power: USB-C, 5 V / 2 A
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External Power Mode: Can operate from USB-C power while reducing direct operating load on the internal battery
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Dimensions: 158 × 150 × 28 mm
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Device Weight: Approximately 669 g
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Listed Shipping/Piece Weight: 1.1 kg per piece
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Included CD Player: 1 × Shanling EC Zero T MAX
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Included Cable: 1 × factory USB cable
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Documentation: User guide and warranty documentation
What It's Great At
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High-End Portable CD Playback: Combines a dedicated CD mechanism, active magnetic disc clamp, gapless playback, and audiophile-grade analog circuitry in a transportable design.
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Natural R2R Sound: Shanling's custom 24-bit R2R network is engineered for natural tonality, fluid musicality, detailed imaging, and a spacious presentation.
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Two Distinct Sound Signatures: Switch between JAN6418 tube mode for a warmer, fuller presentation and transistor mode for tighter bass, faster transients, and stronger dynamic impact.
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Driving a Wide Range of Headphones: Up to 1300 mW from the 4.4 mm balanced output and low output impedance make it suitable for everything from sensitive multi-driver IEMs to demanding full-size headphones.
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Serving as a Complete Digital Audio Source: USB DAC, dedicated line outputs, coaxial and optical SPDIF output, and Bluetooth 5.3 transmission allow the EC Zero T MAX to integrate into portable, desktop, and home Hi-Fi systems.
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Combining Physical Media with Modern Convenience: Direct USB CD ripping, high-resolution PCM and DSD support, rechargeable battery operation, and wireless Bluetooth transmission give a traditional CD collection modern flexibility.
FAQ Section
Q: What makes the Shanling EC Zero T MAX different from the original EC Zero T?
A: The MAX edition adds an upgraded AD8397-based headphone amplifier, substantially lower output impedance, up to 1300 mW of balanced output directly from battery power, refined R2R DAC circuitry and power delivery, and an updated titanium-grey exterior design.
Q: Does the EC Zero T MAX use a true R2R DAC?
A: Yes. Shanling uses an in-house developed 24-bit R2R architecture built around 192 high-precision 0.1% resistors, with selectable oversampling and non-oversampling modes.
Q: What is the difference between tube mode and transistor mode?
A: Tube mode routes the signal through the dual JAN6418 tube stage for a warmer, fuller, and more fluid character, while transistor mode provides a tighter, faster, and more energetic presentation with stronger transient impact.
Q: Can the EC Zero T MAX drive full-size headphones?
A: Yes. Its 4.4 mm balanced output produces up to 1300 mW at 32 Ω in transistor mode and 1162 mW at 32 Ω in tube mode, giving it significantly more driving power than a typical portable CD player.
Q: Can I use the EC Zero T MAX as a USB DAC with a computer?
A: Yes. The USB DAC function supports high-resolution PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz as well as DSD512.
Q: Does the EC Zero T MAX support Bluetooth headphones?
A: Yes. Bluetooth 5.3 transmitter functionality allows audio to be sent wirelessly to compatible headphones or speakers using aptX Adaptive, aptX, or SBC.
Q: Can the EC Zero T MAX rip CDs?
A: Yes. CDs can be copied directly to a connected FAT32-formatted USB drive at 1× speed, allowing you to archive discs without using a separate computer optical drive.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The built-in 5500 mAh battery provides up to 8 hours through the 3.5 mm headphone output, approximately 7.5 hours through the 4.4 mm output, and up to 20 hours when operating as a Bluetooth transmitter.
