SHANLING EC Zero T MAX Portable CD Player with 24-bit R2R DAC & Dual JAN6418 Tubes

SHANLING EC Zero T MAX Portable CD Player

The SHANLING EC Zero T MAX is a high-end portable CD player that pairs a 24-bit R2R DAC with dual JAN6418 vacuum tubes and a significantly upgraded headphone amplifier. Building on the acclaimed sound of the EC Zero T, the MAX edition delivers increased output without external power and reduced output impedance, making it a better match for both demanding full-size headphones and advanced in-ear monitors.

In-House Developed 24-bit R2R DAC

The MAX shares the same R2R module as the original EC Zero T, featuring 24-bit architecture with 192 high-precision 0.1% resistors. Following the PRO R2R DAC from the SCD3.3 and SCD1.3R, Shanling applied a range of DAC circuit and power optimizations, offering an even wider and deeper soundstage with increased transparency across midrange and treble.

Powerful Headphone Output in Battery Mode

Thanks to the upgraded amplifier circuit designed around the AD8397, the EC Zero T MAX provides up to 1300mW @ 32Ω balanced and 361mW @ 32Ω single-ended output power while running directly on its battery—no external power supply required.

Dual JAN6418 Tubes with Mode Switching

A pair of low-voltage, power-efficient JAN6418 tubes is suspended in a custom anti-shock structure that eliminates microphonics and vibration. Tube mode delivers a thicker, warmer, beautifully flowing sound, while transistor mode offers dynamic, hard-hitting energy—recreating the classic combination of CD players and tubes from Shanling’s early days.

Active Magnetic Clamp for Stable CD Playback

The active magnetic design continuously adjusts its position and pressure on the disc, improving spin stability and significantly reducing mechanical noise and vibration. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing during production, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced and stable CD mechanism.

Custom CD System with Gapless Playback

A compact, high-fidelity CD drive system ensures desktop-level performance in all conditions while providing fully gapless playback for all CDs.

Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter

Connect to Bluetooth headphones or speakers via Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive, aptX, and SBC codec support—from earphones to Hi-Fi speaker setups.

Wide Range of Inputs & Outputs

Playback modes include CD and USB DAC. Outputs cover 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone out, 3.5mm and 4.4mm line-out, 3.5mm SPDIF coaxial/optical, and Bluetooth transmission. The dedicated USB-DAC input supports DSD512 and PCM 768kHz.

Built-in Battery & External Power Mode

A built-in 5500mAh battery provides up to 8 hours of continuous listening (3.5mm output, 7.5 hours on 4.4mm), or connect a USB-C adapter for External Power Mode with up to 20 hours of use while trickle-charging the battery for the road.

CD Ripper & Classic Volume Slider

Rip CDs to a USB drive at 1× speed (FAT32 drives only). A button lock prevents accidental touches while traveling, and the classic volume slider delivers a tactile, smooth volume experience from the peak days of CD players.

Robust Modern Construction

The MAX edition comes in a smooth Titanium Grey finish with an intricate pattern on the CD cover. The main body is CNC-crafted from a single piece of aluminium for long-term durability, and a tempered glass CD cover provides a clear view of the disc while remaining highly durable for on-the-go use.

Specifications

• Model: EC Zero T MAX (EZT MAX)
• Product Type: High-end portable CD player with R2R DAC & tube amplifier
• DAC: 24-bit R2R, 192 × 0.1% precision resistors
• Tubes: Dual JAN6418 (tube / transistor mode switching)
• Amplifier: AD8397-based upgraded circuit
• Output Power (Balanced): 1300mW @ 32Ω
• Output Power (Single-Ended): 361mW @ 32Ω
• Battery: 5500mAh (up to 8h 3.5mm / 7.5h 4.4mm / 20h external power)
• Bluetooth: 5.3 transmitter (aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC)
• USB-DAC Input: DSD512 / PCM 768kHz
• Playback Modes: CD, USB DAC
• Outputs: 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone out, 3.5mm & 4.4mm line-out, 3.5mm SPDIF coaxial/optical, Bluetooth
• CD Ripper: USB drive ripping at 1× speed (FAT32)
• Display: 1.68-inch LCD display
• Finish: Titanium Grey, CNC aluminum body, tempered glass CD cover
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 158 × 150 × 28 mm
• Weight: 669 g

What's Included

• EC Zero T MAX portable CD player
• USB-C power cable
• User manual
• Warranty & service card