’90s-Style Audiophile CD Player Returns with Tube Amplification
▼ Summary
– The Shanling SCD3.3 is a high-end Super Audio CD player launching in the US in December 2025 with a price of $3,990.
– It is a reference-grade player featuring a 24-bit R2R DAC, dual 12AT7 tubes for amplification, and a top-loading drive.
– The device supports playing CDs, SACDs, MQA-CDs, and high-resolution audio from external drives up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512.
– It includes a 5-inch touchscreen, a controller app, Bluetooth 5.0 with high-quality codecs, and both RCA and XLR outputs.
– The player’s design uses a thick aluminum chassis, dual transformers for stability, and independent oscillators to reduce jitter.
Arriving in December 2025, the Shanling SCD3.3 is a high-end Super Audio CD player that marries classic audiophile design with modern digital technology. Priced at $3,990, this reference-grade component features a unique hybrid architecture, combining a 24-bit R2R DAC with a built-in tube amplification stage. According to its US distributor, this design aims to produce a sonic character that distinguishes it from conventional SACD players, offering both the precision of digital and the harmonic richness associated with vacuum tubes.
The player’s construction is notably robust, utilizing a 10kg aluminum chassis with a thickness of 9.5mm. A transparent window allows users to view the glowing pair of 12AT7 tubes that are central to its analog output stage. Operation is facilitated through a built-in five-inch touchscreen or via a dedicated controller app for iOS and Android devices. For disc playback, it employs a top-loading drive based on Shanling’s proprietary HD850 laser mechanism.
Beyond physical media, the SCD3.3 serves as a versatile digital hub. It supports external storage devices like flash drives and hard disks, capable of playing high-resolution audio files up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512. The integrated DAC represents the second generation of Shanling’s R2R ladder design and offers native DSD processing. Connectivity is comprehensive, including RCA and XLR outputs, a line-out function, and a pre-amplifier mode. It plays standard CDs, SACDs, and hybrid discs, while also supporting the MQA-CD format for mastered quality authenticated content.
Wireless capabilities are also present, with the player acting as a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver that supports high-quality codecs such as LDAC and aptX HD. Power is supplied by two independent transformers providing up to 66W, which Shanling claims ensures exceptional stability. The design incorporates two separate sets of oscillators to enhance precision and significantly reduce digital jitter, contributing to cleaner audio reproduction.
For those seeking a different approach to physical media playback, the market offers alternatives. Another Chinese audio company, Fiio, recently unveiled a more affordable and compact CD player. Shanling itself produces a cheaper, portable CD player model, providing options for enthusiasts with varying budgets. The full specifications for the SCD3.3 can be found directly on the manufacturer’s website.
(Source: TechRadar)
