In a digital streaming-dominated landscape, Shanling continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to physical media with the introduction of the CT90, an upgraded dedicated Hi-Fi CD transport designed for audiophiles who demand pristine digital output from their CD collections.
Building on the success of predecessors like the ET3, the CT90 adopts a sleek new aesthetic inspired by Shanling’s recent high-end components, such as the SCD3.3 SACD player. It features a premium top-loading mechanism with a dedicated CD puck and a tiltable cover for easy disc access, paired with the highly reliable SAA7824 servo system and DA11 disc drive for stable, low-error reading.
Shanling CT-90 key highlights
Key highlights include support for standard CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and MQA-CD formats. A dedicated upsampling circuit enhances playback quality (though not available on the USB output), while high-precision 45MHz and 49.9MHz clocks ensure exceptional timing accuracy. For ultimate flexibility, there’s even a clock input compatible with external 10MHz master clocks or 44.1kHz bases.
Connectivity is comprehensive and geared toward integration with high-end systems:
- Dual AES/EBU outputs (ideal for direct connection to active speakers)
- Coaxial SPDIF
- I2S HDMI with FPGA supporting 10 different pinout modes for optimal third-party DAC compatibility
- Shanling’s proprietary USB audio output
- Bluetooth input supporting LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC codecs
- USB drive playback (up to high-res files, controlled via the Eddict Player app)
- USB input for use as a digital transport from computers
Power comes from a robust linear supply with a 35W transformer, contributing to clean signal delivery without the noise associated with switching supplies. Notably absent is Wi-Fi, keeping the focus purely on transport duties rather than full streaming integration.
Launch and pricing
The CT90 launches at the end of December 2025 with an international MSRP of $899, positioning it as a compelling option in the dedicated CD transport category—offering advanced features and build quality that rival far more expensive competitors.
For enthusiasts with extensive CD libraries seeking a modern, versatile transport to pair with their favorite external DACs, the Shanling CT90 represents a thoughtful evolution in physical media playback. It underscores that, in high-end audio, the compact disc is far from obsolete.
