Spin, Rip, Carry, and Listen: The Shanling ECZero AKM Brings CDs Back in Style

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(November 5, 2025) Forte Distribution has announced the U.S. availability of the Shanling ECZero AKM, a new portable CD player that combines high-end engineering with real-world affordability and extensive playback flexibility. Priced at a wallet-friendly $349, the player builds on Shanling’s earlier hybrid analog and digital model, the ECZero T, offering a fully solid-state design aimed at listeners who still value the sound and tangibility of compact discs.

Compact and cleanly built, the ECZero AKM is designed as an audiophile-grade portable player that functions equally well on the go or as part of a desktop audio system. At its core is an AKM digital-to-analog converter, supported by dual SGM8262 amplifiers—a pairing chosen to deliver smooth, balanced performance across a wide range of headphones and in-room setups. Output options include both unbalanced 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm jacks, allowing direct connection to most headphones, active speakers, or external amplifiers. The 3.5 mm port also doubles as a digital coaxial and optical SPDIF output, ensuring flexibility in various listening environments.

Power output is rated at an impressive 836 milliwatts, providing owners with the flexibility to use high-impedance headphones without concern.

Physical design plays an important role in the ECZero AKM’s sound performance. Shanling developed a magnetic disc pressure system that continuously adjusts clamping force on the CD during playback, minimizing vibration and mechanical noise. Combined with the solid-state circuitry and precision drive assembly, the result is quiet, stable playback with enhanced clarity and detail. The unit’s 100-step volume control provides fine adjustment for everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding over-ear designs.

Portability and endurance are supported by a 5500 mAh internal battery, offering up to eight hours of playback per charge. For stationary use, the player can switch to USB-C power, increasing stability and available output power. Wireless capability is equally advanced, with Bluetooth 5.3 supporting high-resolution streaming to compatible headphones, earbuds, and speakers for a listening experience that rivals wired performance.

Rounding out the feature set is a CD ripping function that enables users to archive music directly to an external USB drive, expanding the player’s utility beyond playback into personal digital library management. That, folks, is a massive value-add at a price point that's hard to beat.

For more information, visit forte-distribution.com.

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