Shanling
Shanling CT90 Premium CD Transport
Best high-end transport for audiophiles seeking pure digital signal extraction.
The Shanling CT90 Premium CD Transport is engineered for audiophiles seeking the purest digital signal from their CD collection. This reference-grade transport focuses solely on extracting every detail from discs, feeding your external DAC with an ultra-stable, low-jitter signal. Its robust construction, featuring a custom Philips CD-Pro mechanism and a thick aluminum chassis, minimizes vibration and electrical noise. With multiple digital outputs including Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU, and I²S, it seamlessly integrates with various DACs. The CT90 is an ideal foundation for both high-fidelity speaker systems and dedicated headphone setups, ensuring your downstream components perform at their best.
$999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
112
/ 288
#112 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-78%
Below average
Controls
Hardware buttons, Remote (Included), Companion App
/ Hardware buttons, Remote (Included), Companion App
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking maximum signal purity for their external DAC
- Design-conscious listeners valuing premium build quality and aesthetics
- Dedicated collectors wanting a high-performance, specialized CD playback solution
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers needing an all-in-one player with built-in conversion
- Minimalists looking to avoid the cost of additional external components
- Modern listeners requiring SACD support or integrated network streaming features
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
Low-jitter clocking ensures the purest possible digital data stream.
Build Robustness
Heavy aluminum chassis effectively eliminates resonance and mechanical vibration.
DAC Compatibility
Extensive output options integrate seamlessly with virtually any high-end system.
Mechanism Precision
The Philips CD-Pro drive remains the gold standard for disc reading.
Interface Versatility
App control and USB playback add modern convenience to traditional listening.
Format Support
Handles high-resolution DSD and PCM files with effortless technical precision.
Key Specs
Controls
Hardware buttons, Remote (Included), Companion App
Power Supply
35W Linear Power Supply
Bluetooth Input
LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC codecs
Transport
Philips CD-Pro mechanism
Clock System
High-precision low-phase-noise oscillator
Dimensions
12.6" x 3.5" x 11.4"
Weight
15.5 lbs
USB Output
PCM 768kHz / 32bit, DSD512
Features
- Dedicated CD transport design for maximum signal purity
- Companion App for playback control
- Top-loading CD drive with dedicated CD Puck and tiltable CD Cover
- Low-jitter clock circuitry for improved timing and detail
- Heavy aluminum chassis for vibration and noise control
- Multiple digital outputs for DAC compatibility
- Excellent foundation for speaker and headphone systems
- Supports high-resolution playback from USB drives
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shanling CT90 Premium CD Transport for its exceptional build quality and sophisticated design. Users frequently highlight its robust construction and elegant aesthetics, which seamlessly integrate into high end audio systems. The device is celebrated for delivering a precise and stable digital signal, significantly enhancing the listening experience when paired with a quality DAC. While positioned as a premium offering, many audiophiles consider its performance and craftsmanship to represent excellent value, making it a highly regarded component for serious music enthusiasts seeking superior digital audio extraction.
Know before you buy
No, the CT90 is a dedicated CD transport. It is designed specifically to extract digital data from your discs and send a clean signal to an external DAC of your choice.
For the highest resolution and performance, the I²S output is recommended as it supports up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512. If your DAC lacks an I²S input, the AES/EBU or Coaxial outputs provide excellent, stable connectivity.
Yes, the CT90 supports high-resolution playback from connected USB drives. You can manage and control this playback conveniently using the Eddict Player companion app.
The CT90 features a manual tiltable cover and a dedicated CD puck. You simply place the disc onto the spindle, secure it with the puck, and close the cover to begin playback.
Yes, the unit can function as a USB digital transport interface. This allows you to route digital audio from your computer through the CT90 to your external DAC, benefiting from its high-precision clocking.
The Bluetooth on the CT90 is for input. This allows you to stream audio wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet to the transport, which then sends the digital signal to your connected DAC.
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