Shanling CD50 Compact CD Player

Shanling CD50: A Compact Desktop CD Player

The Shanling CD50 is a pure CD player sized for a desk or a small speaker system. It measures 188 x 205 x 53 mm and weighs about 1.6 kg. This listing is the Black finish.

It is the first model in Shanling's new 50 Line of smaller hi-fi components. The case combines aluminum with a glass front panel and a small display for playback information and settings.

Tray-Loading CD Mechanism

The CD50 uses a tray mechanism with an HD850 laser. Shanling says a tray is easier to load than top-loading designs, and safer and more reliable than slot loaders. Playback is gapless.

Cirrus Logic DAC and Rubycon Capacitors

A Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC handles conversion. Shanling picked Rubycon capacitors as part of its tuning for a natural, pleasing tone. Digital filter options are available in the settings.

Balanced Headphone Amplifier

A pair of SGM8262 amplifiers drive the headphone outputs. The 4.4mm balanced jack delivers 830mW and the 3.5mm jack 210mW, both into 32 ohms. A gain switch helps match earphones and full-size headphones.

How the CD50 Fits Your System

The RCA output has two modes. Line-Out mode feeds an integrated amplifier or receiver. Pre-Out mode lets you connect powered speakers directly, with volume on the remote.

Coaxial and optical outputs send the digital signal to an external DAC. The included IR remote handles playback and volume.

What it will not do: CD is its only input, so there is no USB drive playback, Bluetooth or streaming. It plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs, not SACDs.

Who Is This CD Player Best For?

• Desktop and small systems — at 188 mm wide, it is built for desks and compact speaker setups.
• Headphone listeners — 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm outputs with dedicated amplifiers.
• Powered speaker owners — Pre-Out mode connects straight to active speakers, with remote volume.
• Listeners who already own a DAC — coaxial and optical outputs feed it directly.
• Not for streaming or file playback — CD is its only source.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

• Connect the RCA outputs to your amplifier in Line-Out mode, or to powered speakers in Pre-Out mode.
• For an external DAC, use the coaxial or optical output instead.
• For headphones, plug into the front 3.5mm or 4.4mm balanced jack.
• Connect the supplied power cable and switch on at the rear panel.
• Available in Black or Silver; this listing is Black.

Pairs Well With

Build a desktop or headphone system around the CD50:

• Powered Speakers
• Integrated Amplifiers
• Headphones
• Digital to Analog Converters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the CD50 directly to powered speakers?

Yes. Set the RCA output to Pre-Out mode and control volume with the included remote.

Does it play SACDs or music files?

No. Shanling lists CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs, and CD is the only input.

How much headphone power does it have?

Up to 830mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4mm balanced output, and 210mW from the 3.5mm output.

What comes in the box?

A power cable, IR remote and documentation.

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Learn More

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