The Ultimate Portable CD Player Is Here, and I Want It
▼ Summary
– The Shanling EC Zero AKM is a portable CD player that supports both Bluetooth audio devices and traditional wired connections.
– It features AptX hi-fi Bluetooth for improved audio quality and includes 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks for versatile playback options.
– The device can rip CDs to a computer via USB-C in real time, taking the same duration as the CD’s length.
– It doubles as a high-performance DAC, supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz audio for enhanced sound quality beyond CD standards.
– The EC Zero AKM includes an active magnetic clamp to reduce noise during playback and has a retro design with physical controls, priced at $320.
In an era dominated by streaming services, the tangible appeal of physical media continues to captivate music lovers, offering a unique connection to the art that digital files often lack. For those who treasure CDs, finding a high-quality portable player can be a challenge, but Shanling’s new EC Zero AKM appears to deliver on multiple fronts. This device isn’t just another portable CD player, it’s a versatile audio companion designed for modern listeners.
The EC Zero AKM stands out by incorporating Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with wireless headphones, earbuds, or speakers. While purists might question transmitting CD audio over Bluetooth, Shanling addresses this with support for AptX, a high-fidelity codec that preserves much more detail than standard Bluetooth. For traditionalists, the player includes both a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm jack, plus coaxial outputs for connecting to external monitors or amplifiers.
Built for on-the-go use, the EC Zero AKM features a rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of wired playback or an impressive 18 hours over Bluetooth. USB-C ports handle charging duties, but they also enable a standout feature: real-time CD ripping. By connecting the player to a computer, you can transfer audio directly from a CD to your storage, giving you full ownership of your music files, a process that takes about as long as the disc’s total runtime.
Adding to its versatility, the EC Zero AKM functions as a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC), capable of handling sample rates up to 32-bit/768kHz. This far exceeds the standard CD quality of 16-bit/44.1kHz, promising richer, more detailed sound whether you’re listening through headphones or a home audio setup.
Shanling has also integrated an active magnetic clamp system to stabilize discs during playback, which the company says minimizes vibration and reduces operational noise. This attention to detail helps ensure that listeners experience their music with as little interference as possible.
Aesthetically, the player boasts a retro-inspired metal design reminiscent of classic tape recorders, complete with tactile buttons for play, pause, and track navigation, a physical volume slider, and a 1.68-inch display showing track and gain information. All these features come at a cost, the EC Zero AKM is priced at $320 and available through Amazon. Despite the premium, its combination of style, functionality, and audio fidelity makes it a compelling option for anyone serious about their CD collection.
(Source: Gizmodo)
