Shanling EC Zero T MAX Portable CD Player with Tube Output

Shanling EC Zero T MAX Portable CD Player with Tube Output

The Shanling EC Zero T MAX is a portable CD player with an in-house 24-bit R2R DAC and a pair of JAN6418 tubes. It runs up to 8 hours on its built-in battery, or from USB-C power at home.

The MAX edition builds on the EC Zero T with a refined DAC section and an upgraded headphone amplifier. It delivers up to 1300mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output, even on battery. It comes in a Titanium grey finish.

24-bit R2R DAC

The MAX uses the same R2R module as the original EC Zero T, built from 192 high-precision 0.1% resistors. Shanling then added DAC circuit and power optimizations from its SCD3.3 and SCD1.3R. You can choose OS or NOS digital filtering.

Tube or Transistor, Your Choice

Two low-voltage JAN6418 tubes sit in a custom anti-shock mount to suppress microphonics and vibration. Switch to Tube mode for a thicker, warmer sound, or Transistor mode for a more dynamic one. Both modes work on the headphone and line outputs.

Upgraded AD8397 Headphone Amplifier

The new amplifier circuit is built around the AD8397. It gives more output with lower output impedance: 0.4 ohms single-ended and 0.7 ohms balanced. That suits both demanding full-size headphones and sensitive in-ear monitors.

Built for Stable Playback

An active magnetic clamp continuously adjusts its pressure on the disc to steady the spin and cut drive noise. The custom CD system plays every disc gaplessly. The body is CNC-machined from one piece of aluminum, with a tempered glass CD cover.

How the EC Zero T MAX Fits Your System

On the go, plug headphones into the 3.5mm or 4.4mm balanced jack, or send audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. At home, its 3.5mm and 4.4mm line outputs feed an amplifier or powered speakers. A shared 3.5mm jack provides coaxial and optical digital output.

It also works as a USB DAC for a computer, up to PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512. It can rip CDs to a USB drive at 1x speed.

What it will not do: its Bluetooth only sends audio out, so it cannot play music from your phone. Its playback modes are CD and USB DAC only. CD ripping works only with FAT32-formatted drives.

Who Is This Portable CD Player Best For?

• Headphone listeners with demanding cans — Up to 1300mW balanced into 32 ohms, even on battery.
• Tube sound fans — Two JAN6418 tubes, with a switch to transistor mode when you want it.
• CD collectors who travel — Battery play up to 8 hours, with a button lock for the bag.
• Desk and home systems — Line, coaxial and optical outputs, plus a USB DAC input for your computer.
• Not for phone streaming — Bluetooth only transmits, so it cannot receive music from a phone.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

• For headphones, use the 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced output.
• For a home system, connect the 3.5mm or 4.4mm line output to your amplifier or powered speakers.
• For an external DAC, use the 3.5mm coaxial/optical digital output.
• For wireless listening, pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers using aptX Adaptive, aptX or SBC.
• At home, connect a 5V/2A USB-C power adapter to run in External Power mode; the battery still trickle-charges.

Pairs Well With

Get the most from your EC Zero T MAX with these categories:

• Headphones
• Headphone Cables
• Powered Speakers
• CD Players and Transports

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the MAX different from the original EC Zero T?

The MAX keeps the same R2R module but adds DAC circuit and power refinements. It has a new AD8397 headphone amplifier with more power and lower output impedance. It also comes in a new Titanium grey finish.

How long does the battery last?

The 5500mAh battery gives up to 8 hours from the 3.5mm output and 7.5 hours from 4.4mm. In Bluetooth transmit mode it runs up to 20 hours.

Can I turn the tubes off?

Yes. Switch between Tube and Transistor modes to suit the music or your headphones.

Can it rip CDs?

Yes. It rips to a USB drive at 1x speed during playback. The drive must be formatted FAT32.

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