In an era dominated by streaming services and digital files, the humble compact disc is staging a remarkable comeback. Audiophiles and nostalgia-seekers alike are rediscovering the tangible joy and pristine quality of the 16-bit/44.1 kHz format. Answering this call with a modern twist, Shanling has just launched the EC Zero AKM, a portable CD player that is far more than a simple walkman revival. It’s a high-fidelity hub designed for the discerning listener of today.
Building on the unique foundation of its tube-driven predecessor, the EC Zero T, the new AKM model opts for a sleek, all-digital design, packing in features like CD ripping, a balanced output, and modern wireless connectivity that redefine what a portable CD player can be.
A High-Resolution Heart for a Digital Age
At the core of the Shanling EC Zero AKM's performance is its digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Shanling has equipped this player with the renowned AKM AK4493S DAC, a chip celebrated for its detailed, musical, and dynamic sound signature. This is paired with dual SGM8262-2 amplifiers, ensuring a clean and powerful signal is delivered to your headphones.
This robust internal architecture allows the EC Zero AKM to wear multiple hats. Of course, it plays your CDs with high-fidelity precision. But it also functions as a high-resolution USB DAC for your computer, supporting signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. In this mode, the frequency response stretches from 20 Hz to a staggering 40 kHz. With a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥117 dB and a Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) figure of ≤0.0005%, the player promises a background-black silence that lets your music shine through with impeccable clarity.
For a deeper dive into the product's vision, you can read the official introduction article on Shanling's website.
Modern Conveniences Meet Classic Format
Shanling hasn’t just focused on sound quality; they've engineered the EC Zero AKM for a practical, modern user experience. One of the biggest challenges with portable CD players has always been skip-proof playback. Shanling tackles this with an advanced magnetic disc clamp that securely holds the CD in place, significantly reducing mechanical noise and vibration. This system allows you to enjoy your music in any orientation—even while walking—without interruption.
Perhaps its most forward-thinking feature is the ability to rip your CDs directly to a USB flash drive as uncompressed WAV files. This is a dream for collectors looking to digitize their physical libraries without sacrificing an ounce of quality, creating a perfect archival copy for use on other digital audio players (DAPs) or servers.
Uncompromising Connectivity
The Shanling EC Zero AKM is a true all-rounder when it comes to connections. For wired headphone listeners, it offers both a standard 3.5mm single-ended jack and a high-end 4.4mm balanced output, providing more power and a wider soundstage for compatible headphones.
For those who prefer a cable-free experience, it features Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the high-quality aptX Adaptive codec, alongside aptX and SBC. This ensures a stable, low-latency, and high-fidelity wireless connection. And for integrating the player into a home stereo or theater system, there’s an optical SPDIF output.
This commitment to versatile, high-quality audio is a hallmark of the brand, as seen in other players like the Shanling M3 Plus, which delivers a high-fidelity experience in a more traditional DAP form factor.
Design, Battery, and Pricing
Housed in a solid metal body with a tempered-glass lid, the EC Zero AKM has a premium, durable feel. It weighs 575g (1.27 lbs), giving it a substantial presence. A 1.68-inch color LCD on the front edge provides clear track information, flanked by a volume slider and control buttons for intuitive operation.
Powering this portable powerhouse is a substantial 5,500 mAh battery, which Shanling rates for up to 10 hours of wired playback and an impressive 18 hours over Bluetooth. It can also be powered continuously via a 5V/2A USB-C adapter, making it a perfect companion for a desk setup.
The Shanling EC Zero AKM portable CD player carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $319. A matching PU leather carrying case is available separately for $39.
For those ready to experience this unique fusion of retro and modern audio technology, the player and its accessories will soon be available for purchase. You can find the official product page here on Shanling's website and keep an eye on the Shanling store on Amazon US for availability. The carrying case can also be found here on Amazon.
With the EC Zero AKM, Shanling isn't just selling a CD player; it's offering a bridge between the cherished audio format of the past and the versatile, high-resolution demands of the present.
Post a Comment