Shanling - EC3 - Compact Top-Loading CD Player

A top-loading compact CD player for the new generation — featuring the Philips CD80 & Sanyo HD850 disc system, ESS ES9219C DAC, LTA8092 op-amp, Ingenic X2000 platform, Bluetooth 5.0, USB drive Hi-Res playback, SPDIF Coaxial and Optical outputs, and a built-in headphone amplifier. Available in Silver and Black.

Top-Loading Compact Player for the New Generation

The Shanling EC3 reimagines what a CD player can look like in the modern era. Compact enough to sit alongside a sheet of A4 paper at just 25.5 x 18.8 x 6.8 cm, it slots perfectly into desktop rigs, bedroom systems and narrow hi-fi racks — or pairs naturally with Shanling's EM5 and EA5 streamers. A top-loading disc mechanism with a transparent cover brings back the satisfying ritual of spinning discs, letting you watch the disc turn as the music plays.

But beneath its compact, characterful exterior lies a genuinely capable hi-fi component, built around proven audiophile hardware and the powerful Ingenic X2000 platform.

Philips CD80 & Sanyo HD850 Disc System

The EC3 pairs the classic Philips CD80 servo controller with the Sanyo HD850 optical head — a combination that prioritises reliable, low-noise disc reading and smooth, natural sound. Running at standard single speed, the system is focused entirely on the quality of playback rather than speed or complexity, delivering a sound character that is warmer and more musically engaging than typical budget digital designs.

ESS ES9219C Hi-Fi DAC — Up to 32-bit / 384kHz and DSD256

At the heart of the EC3's digital-to-analogue conversion sits the well-regarded ESS Sabre ES9219C DAC chip, carefully tuned by Shanling for their signature warmer, slightly thicker and beautifully natural sound. The ES9219C supports Hi-Res audio up to 32-bit / 384kHz PCM and DSD256 — unlocking the full potential of the USB drive playback function for those with Hi-Res file libraries.

LTA8092 Op-Amp & Panasonic Tantalum-Polymer Capacitors

The analogue output stage is built around the LTA8092 op-amp, chosen for its musical character and low noise performance. Panasonic tantalum-polymer capacitors are used throughout the signal path — premium components selected for their low ESR, high stability and sonic contribution to the EC3's smooth, refined output.

Ingenic X2000 Platform — Smarter Than a Simple CD Player

The EC3 runs on Shanling's dual-core Ingenic X2000 processor platform, enabling features, a user interface and settings that simply wouldn't be possible on conventional CD players. The X2000 delivers fast start-up times, a smooth and responsive interface, and the processing power to support Bluetooth streaming, USB drive playback and the Eddict Player companion app — all from a box smaller than an A4 sheet of paper.

Bluetooth 5.0 — Ampak AP6256AC Module

A dedicated Ampak AP6256AC Bluetooth 5.0 module is built in, enabling wireless streaming from any smartphone, tablet or computer. High-quality codec support includes AAC for iOS device compatibility, making the EC3 a versatile wireless receiver as well as a standalone CD player.

USB Drive Port — Unending Hi-Res Playback

A front-panel USB drive port enables direct playback of lossless Hi-Res audio files — up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512 and MQA — from any compatible flash drive or portable storage device. This transforms the EC3 from a purely disc-based player into a comprehensive digital music hub.

Outputs — Analogue RCA, Coaxial, Optical & Headphone

Rear panel outputs:

• RCA Analogue Out (L/R)
• Coaxial Digital Out (SPDIF)
• Optical Digital Out (SPDIF)

Front panel:

• 3.5mm Headphone output with dedicated amplifier stage (low gain: 20mW @ 32Ω / high gain: 70mW @ 32Ω)
• USB drive port

The dual SPDIF outputs allow the EC3 to be used as a compact disc transport feeding an external DAC, while the built-in headphone amplifier makes it a complete personal listening solution straight out of the box.

Eddict Player Companion App

Download the Shanling Eddict Player app for Android or iOS to control the EC3 remotely, manage USB drive playback, browse your music library by folder, album or artist, and access system settings — all from your phone or tablet.

Specifications

General

RCA Analogue Output

Headphone Output

Digital Outputs