(June 25, 2025) Shanling’s new EC Zero T portable CD player is now officially available in the U.S., offering a refreshingly tactile twist for those who still enjoy their music collection on disc. Imported by Forté Distribution, the $649 player pairs a Shanling-developed R2R DAC with tube and solid-state output stages, all wrapped in a slim chassis built for portability and desktop use.
While it might look like a retro curiosity at first glance, the EC Zero T is anything but basic. It brings together a surprising mix of high-end digital and analog components, starting with the company’s own 192-resistor R2R DAC, a dual JAN6418 tube output stage, and a headphone amp based on the TPA6120A2 op-amp. A toggle on the side allows users to switch between a purely solid-state signal path or a warmer tube-based output, with up to 1220mW of power on tap via the balanced 4.4mm jack.
Shanling’s 5500mAh battery promises around eight hours of playback, and the player includes a 1.68-inch color screen with a physical volume slider and control buttons. The top-loading disc tray uses a magnetic clamp and anti-skip system for playback stability, while CD ripping is supported via USB output to an external drive.
“The EC Zero T taps into the thriving market for compact discs with next-level sonics, thanks to a proprietary combination of tubes and a Shanling-developed R2R DAC,” said Roger Fortier, VP and Director of Sales for Forté Distribution. “With millions of CDs still being sold every year—and with some music disappearing from streaming services—it’s easy to see the appeal of physical media making a comeback.”
Connectivity is rounded out by coaxial and optical digital outputs, USB-C for use as a high-resolution DAC (handling up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512), and Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive and SBC codec support. Between its 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks, SPDIF outputs, and wireless support, the EC Zero T covers just about every listening scenario—whether you’re at a desk, on a plane, or parked on the couch with a favorite pair of cans.
Shanling may be best known for its portable players and amps, but the EC Zero T shows that the company is still serious about physical formats. It’s a fun piece of gear that brings high-end features to the kind of user who still likes pressing play on a disc.
For more, visit forte-distribution.com or shanling.com.
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