Shanling has launched the EC Zero AKM. Following the Shanling EC Zero T, a portable CD player with a (hybrid) tube/solid-state circuit, the new ECZero AKM replaces the tubes with a fully solid-state design, without compromising the sound quality or core features that made the original so compelling, according to the manufacturer. It offers much the same sonic character and digital flexibility, but at a lower price.
Shanling EC Zero AKM
The EC Zero AKM joins the previous EC Zero T (also read our review of the Shanling EC Zero T ). The portable device plays CDs and does so with clear, balanced sound, whether you connect it to headphones or through a desktop or main audio system. Inside, it uses an AKM DAC chip and two SGM8262 amplifiers to keep the signal path tight and distortion low.
The EC Zero AKM is portable and features a 5500 mAh battery that provides up to eight hours of playtime on a full charge. At home, the AKM can be connected to a USB-C power adapter for continuous use without draining the battery. This is convenient for use at a desk.
All this hardware is housed in a compact, well-made enclosure that easily fits into a backpack or suitcase. Shanling’s magnetic disc mechanism maintains constant pressure on the CD, minimizing vibration and noise for stable playback—something any commuter or traveler will appreciate when the road gets bumpy.
The EC Zero AKM’s metal casing and tempered glass lid give it a premium, durable look. Weighing 575 grams and measuring 158 x 150 x 28 millimeters, it’s sturdy yet travel-ready. A 1.68-inch color LCD screen is located on the front, near the volume and control buttons, so important playback information is always at your fingertips.
The EC Zero AKM features both unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs, so it can handle everything from efficient IEMs to power-hungry headphones. The 3.5mm jack also functions as a coaxial/optical SPDIF digital output for system integration, and Shanling has incorporated a 100-step volume control to fine-tune output levels for virtually any setup.
Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 support, you can stream directly from the EC Zero AKM to wireless headphones or speakers that support aptX Adaptive, aptX, or SBC codecs. And for those who prefer to archive their collections, the built-in CD ripping function lets you save tracks directly to a connected USB drive. A deliberate nod to the ease of use of a player clearly not designed for the Spotify generation. Or perhaps the Spotify generation will discover and appreciate CD playback.
The Shanling EC Zdero AKM has a suggested retail price of $319
