SHANLING SCD3.3 SACD Player with R2R DAC & Tube Output

R2R Conversion and Vacuum Tubes in One Player

The Shanling SCD3.3 is a high-end, top-loading SACD/CD player that treats digital precision and analogue warmth as partners rather than opposites. A proprietary disc transport feeds Shanling’s second-generation in-house R2R DAC, and the analogue output is delivered through a matched pair of 12AT7 tubes. The result is a source that keeps the resolution and silence of a modern converter while adding the richness and presence that only a tube stage provides. It is built on a 9.5mm-thick CNC-machined aluminium chassis weighing approximately 10kg, and it stands as Shanling’s flagship physical-disc player.

Proprietary Disc System with the HD850 Drive

Disc playback uses a proprietary in-house SACD system built around the HD850 drive, paired with a precision-weighted CD puck that centres each disc firmly for even, stable reading. The mechanism is top-loading, with a pop-up cover that gives direct access to the disc and avoids the tray and drawer tolerances of a slot-loading design. It reads standard CDs, single-layer SACDs and hybrid discs, switching between the CD and SACD layers automatically, and it also handles MQA-CDs. Multichannel discs are not supported; playback is stereo throughout.

True DSD Output from SACD, Native and DoP

Rather than downconverting SACD audio, the SCD3.3 passes true DSD data both to its internal DAC and out to external converters. The FPGA-assisted I2S output supports 10 pinout modes and carries PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512, or DSD64 when playing SACD, which makes it compatible with almost any I2S-capable DAC on the market. A coaxial SPDIF output carries PCM to 192kHz and DoP DSD64, and it does support SACD playback, so even a conventional coaxial input can receive DSD from the transport.

Second-Generation In-House R2R DAC

The converter is Shanling’s own second-generation R2R design, built around 212 resistors matched to 0.01% tolerance for a 24-bit ladder. It uses a 19-bit architecture with a 4-bit compensating code and an assistive push-pull differential circuit, with separate conversion paths for the balanced left and right channels. Signals pass through an FPGA stage with selectable NOS or OS operation, and the resistive conversion itself adds no digital modulation — so transitions stay smooth and the tone keeps the natural warmth associated with R2R.

12AT7 Tube Output Stage

A matched pair of 12AT7 tubes forms the amplification stage for both the RCA and XLR outputs, adding the smooth, rich character that has defined Shanling’s tube CD players for years. The SCD3.3 follows legendary models such as the CD-T300, CD-T100 and CD3.3, and the 12AT7 itself was originally designed by audio engineer Dr. Cai Hongren. The tubes fitted here are manufactured by the Beijing Electron Tube factory and are tested and matched for every individual unit. A dedicated transparent opening on the front panel gives a direct view of the glowing pair.

OPA1612, MUSES8920E and a Refined Circuit

Between the R2R array and the amplification stage sits an OPA1612 low-pass filter, with a MUSES8920E operational amplifier handling the output stage; together they deliver an efficient, transparent and current-rich output. Two independent sets of crystal oscillators keep timing precise — 90MHz and 98MHz for the FPGA section, 45MHz and 49MHz for the XMOS section — which substantially reduces jitter. Only top-grade parts are used in the audio path, with ELNA, Nichicon and Panasonic capacitors chosen and positioned individually for the sections where they matter most.

Stable Power from Dual R30 Transformers

The power supply pairs dual R30 transformers delivering up to 66W with a separate 15W power module. That reserve lets the player run with reduced magnetic flux and minimal phase shift, giving the analogue stage an exceptionally stable foundation to work from. In practice this is what separates a quiet, composed player from one that hardens as the music grows complex: dynamics stay intact, the noise floor stays low, and the tube output has clean, settled power behind it at all times.

Multifunctional Interfaces for Any System

Beyond spinning discs, the SCD3.3 works as a standalone converter and a digital hub. Digital inputs cover USB DAC, coaxial SPDIF and Bluetooth, so computers, disc transports and phones can all feed it. Digital outputs are available on I2S, USB Audio and coaxial SPDIF for use with external DACs. Analogue output is provided on both RCA and XLR, with line-out and pre-amplifier modes so the player can drive powered speakers, headphones amplifiers or a power amplifier directly without a separate preamp in the chain.

Touchscreen, Companion App and USB Drive Playback

Control is handled several ways: a 5.0-inch LG touchscreen (854 × 358) on the front panel, physical hardware buttons, and the supplied remote controller. The in-house developed operating system keeps its focus on music playback rather than general-purpose computing, which keeps the interface responsive and uncluttered. The Eddict Player app for Android and iOS adds remote operation of USB drive playback, with browsing by folder, album or artist and full playback control. USB drive files are supported to PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512.

Refined CNC-Machined Aluminium Construction

The main chassis is machined from solid aluminium at 9.5mm thickness, which gives the player a rigid base and helps suppress the vibration and noise that would otherwise reach the disc mechanism and the tubes. Total weight comes to approximately 10kg, and the resulting solidity is as much functional as it is visual. Measuring 430 × 319 × 91mm without the top CD cover, it is a substantial component, and Shanling offers the SCD3.3 in both black and silver finishes.

Specifications

• Model: SHANLING SCD3.3
• Product Type: Top-loading SACD/CD player with in-house R2R DAC and 12AT7 tube output
• Disc Playback: SACD, CD, MQA-CD
• MQA-CD Decoding: Full decoder, 4× unfolding
• Disc Mechanism: Proprietary SACD system with HD850 drive; top-loading mechanism with weighted CD puck
• Disc Compatibility: Standard CDs, single-layer SACDs and hybrid discs; automatic CD/SACD layer switching (multichannel discs not supported)
• DAC Platform: Second-generation Shanling in-house R2R DAC
• R2R Array: 212 × 0.01% ultra-precision resistors; 24-bit module; 19-bit architecture + 4-bit compensating code; assistive push-pull differential circuit
• Conversion Paths: Four 24-bit R2R conversion paths (R+, R−, L+, L−) with separate paths for balanced left and right channels
• Digital Processing: FPGA stage with NOS / OS operation
• Tube Output Stage: Matched pair of 12AT7 tubes (Beijing Electron Tube factory, tested and matched per unit) for both RCA and XLR outputs
• Low-Pass Filter: OPA1612
• Output Stage: MUSES8920E
• Crystal Oscillators: 90MHz / 98MHz (FPGA section); 45MHz / 49MHz (XMOS section)
• Audio Path Capacitors: ELNA, Nichicon and Panasonic
• Main Processor: Ingenic X2000
• Operating System: In-house developed, music-focused system
• Display: 5.0-inch LG touchscreen, 854 × 358
• Tube Display: Dedicated transparent front-panel opening for a direct view of the tubes
• Control Methods: Remote controller, touchscreen, hardware buttons, Eddict Player companion app (Android / iOS)
• Playback Modes: SACD/CD, USB DAC, digital SPDIF coaxial input, local USB drive, Bluetooth
• USB Receiver Chip: XMOS XU316
• USB DAC Support: PCM 768kHz / 32bit, DSD512
• USB Drive Playback: PCM 768kHz / 32bit, DSD512
• USB Drive File Support: DSD (.iso, .dsf, .dff — DST not supported), ISO, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, DTS, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, MP2, M4A, AC3, M3U, M3U8, OPUS
• Bluetooth: BT 5.0 receiver — LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
• Digital Inputs: USB DAC, coaxial SPDIF, Bluetooth
• Digital Outputs: I2S, USB Audio, coaxial SPDIF
• I2S Output: PCM 768kHz, DSD512 (DSD64 for SACD playback); FPGA-assisted with 10 pinout modes
• USB Output: PCM 768kHz, DSD512 (not supported for SACD playback)
• Coaxial SPDIF Output: PCM 192kHz, DoP DSD64 (supported for SACD playback)
• Analog Outputs: RCA and XLR, with line-out and pre-amplifier modes
• RCA Line Output: Output level 2.45Vrms; 20Hz–40kHz (±0.3dB); THD+N 0.15%; crosstalk rejection 110dB; dynamic range 117dB; signal-to-noise ratio 117dB
• XLR Line Output: Output level 4.9Vrms; 20Hz–40kHz (±0.3dB); THD+N 0.15%; channel separation 110dB; dynamic range 117dB; signal-to-noise ratio 117dB
• Power Supply: 66W dual R30 transformer and 15W power module
• Power Input: Region locked, 100V or 220V
• Chassis: 9.5mm-thick CNC-machined aluminium, approximately 10kg
• Dimensions (L × W × H, without top CD cover): 430 × 319 × 91 mm
• Net Weight: Approximately 10 kg
• Colours: Black, Silver

What’s Included

• Shanling SCD3.3 SACD/CD player
• Remote controller
• Bluetooth antenna
• Power cable
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card