Shanling - CT90 - CD Transport

A dedicated high-fidelity CD transport featuring the SAA7826 servo + DA11 disc head, FPGA-assisted I2S output with 10 pinout modes, dual 45/49MHz precision clocks, CT7302L dedicated upsampling, 35W linear power supply, MQA-CD decoding, and Bluetooth 5.0 — in an elegant top-loading design with a 4.8-inch display.

The Most Advanced Digital Transport

The Shanling CT90 is a dedicated high-fidelity CD transport built for audiophiles who understand that the source is everything. Combining the classic SAA7826 servo system with the legendary DA11 disc head and running at standard single speed, the CT90 is wholly focused on the purest possible CD playback — delivering a smoother sound presentation, highly reliable disc reading and minimal mechanical noise.

This is not a compromise device. The CT90 is Shanling's most advanced digital transport, engineered from the ground up to extract every nuance from your CD collection and deliver it to your DAC of choice with absolute fidelity.

SAA7826 + DA11 Disc System — Focused on Purity

By combining the SAA7826 CD servo chipset with the classic DA11 optical head and operating at single standard speed, the CT90 prioritises sonic smoothness and reading reliability above all else. This deliberate engineering choice results in quieter, more stable disc reading — the foundation on which everything else is built.

FPGA-Assisted I2S Output — Universal DAC Compatibility

The CT90 is Shanling's first dedicated CD transport to feature FPGA-assisted I2S output, with 10 pinout configuration modes ensuring compatibility with virtually any I2S-capable DAC on the market. Alongside this, a special USB Audio output provides direct connection to modern USB DACs, while two AES/EBU outputs serve high-end active speakers and professional-grade equipment. A Coaxial SPDIF output completes a comprehensive digital output suite.

Digital Outputs:

• I2S Output: PCM 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512
• USB Output: PCM 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512 (upsampling not supported on USB)
• Coaxial / AES Output: PCM 192kHz / 32-bit, DSD64

CT7302L Dedicated Upsampling — All-to-PCM & All-to-DSD

The CT90 features Shanling's proprietary CT7302L upsampling chipset, allowing the digital signal to be shaped for ideal delivery to any connected DAC. Users can choose between All-to-PCM and All-to-DSD upsampling modes, with the system intelligently preparing the signal for optimal playback:

• I2S Upsampling: up to PCM 768kHz & DSD512
• AES / Coaxial Upsampling: up to PCM 192kHz

Note: Upsampling is not available on USB output.

Dual Precision Crystal Clocks — 45.1584 MHz & 49.152 MHz

To control the crucial clocking of the digital signal with absolute accuracy, the CT90 is equipped with a pair of high-precision crystal oscillators at 45.1584MHz and 49.152MHz, offering accurate and error-free timing for both 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample rate families.

For integration into high-end systems, the CT90 also features an external worldclock input, supporting BNC connector with 44.1kHz and 10MHz modes — allowing clock synchronisation with a master clock generator for the ultimate in timing precision.

MQA-CD Full Decoding

The CT90 supports MQA-CD playback as a full Source/Core/Full Decoder, unlocking the complete quality of MQA-encoded CDs including MQA Studio releases. For systems where the downstream DAC handles MQA rendering, the CT90 can also operate as a Source or Core decoder, offering complete flexibility.

35W Linear Power Supply

With a Hi-Fi grade transformer, the CT90 employs a 35W linear power supply for highly refined audio performance. Linear power supplies outclass cheaper switching power solutions in terms of noise, stability and overall audio quality — a deliberate choice that reflects Shanling's commitment to sonic excellence in every component of the signal chain.

Tuned CD Puck — Top-Loading Design

Following the example of the finest CD transports on the market, the CT90 embraces a top-loading disc mechanism paired with a precision-tuned CD puck. The top-loading approach offers inherent mechanical advantages over tray-loading designs, reducing vibration and providing a more stable disc interface. The tuned puck further damps resonances between the disc and spindle for cleaner reading.

Bluetooth 5.0 — Wireless Streaming Input

For moments when the convenience of wireless playback is desired, the CT90 adds a Bluetooth 5.0 input supporting LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC codecs — enabling high-quality wireless streaming from any smartphone, tablet or computer without disrupting the signal chain.

USB Input — Audio Interface Transport

A dedicated USB input transforms the CT90 from a disc transport into a full Audio Interface Transport, accepting PCM 768kHz / 32-bit and DSD512 signals from a connected computer and routing them through the CT90's precision output stage.

USB Drive Playback — The CT90 also supports direct playback from USB drives with full lossless Hi-Res support up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512 and MQA. Recommended for use with drives up to 2TB.

Supported USB Drive formats: DSD (.iso, .dsf, .dff) | ISO, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, AIF, DTS, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, M3U, M3U8, OPUS

Note: DST encoding in ISO files is not supported.

Elegant Design — 4.8-Inch Display

The CT90's elegant chassis houses a 4.8-inch display presenting playback information clearly and beautifully. The top-loading design gives the unit a distinctive, premium profile that sets it apart from conventional front-loading players.

Control — Remote, App & Hardware Buttons

The CT90 can be controlled via the included infrared remote controller, hardware buttons on the unit itself, or the Shanling companion app for Android and iOS, providing comprehensive and convenient control options for every listening scenario.

Specifications