The Asian manufacturer continues to revive interest in CDs with its new universal player: the Shanling SCD 1.3. This all-in-one CD and SACD-compatible model integrates a network player, a comprehensive Hi-Res DAC and a dedicated headphone amp, all of which can be controlled via a large touchscreen on the front panel!
Large touchscreen
Shanling is without doubt the most dynamic brand in the CD market. The manufacturer is very active in this sector, notably with the Shanling EC3portable CD player, Shanling CA80 (read the Shanling CA80 review) amplifier with CD player, and the Shanling ET3 connected CD player, which the Chinese manufacturer has renewed with an even more complete and high-performance model. Like the best-selling EverSolo DMP-A6 and EverSolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, the new Shanling SCD 1.3 now features a large 5.1″ touchscreen. As with the latter, it can display needle VU meters or album art during playback. What’s more, the screen makes it easy to navigate through the various apps, as well as to set the device’s parameters. The Shanling ET3 can be controlled remotely with its remote control or from its mobile app.
CD and SACD player
Equipped with a MediaTek ME1389EE drive mechanism and a Sanyo HD870 laser head, the Shanling SCD 1.3 supports commercial CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs, as well as SACDs. Conversion is handled by the new AKM AK4499EX chip, which also powers the Shanling M9 Plus HD DAP. The latter is combined with its own Delta Sigma AK4191EQ controller, as well as two 4th generation 90 MHz and 98 MHz FGPA oscillators. This allows the player to provide the best performance with DSD files stored on SACDs and Hi-Res files (up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512) played via USB or the network.
Network player
Network functions are becoming increasingly common on CD players, with models such as the Marantz CD50N and Marantz SACD 30N offering a host of wireless features. Like the latter, the Shanling SCD 1.3 can receive music via AirPlay and Bluetooth. Support for LDAC, aptX and aptX HD codecs maximizes reception quality. In addition, the Shanling SCD 1.3 can play titles stored on an external USB device or shared over the network in DLNA.
Full range of connectors
Also acting as an audio DAC, the Shanling SCD 1.3 can enhance all your sources thanks to its optical and coaxial inputs. A USB-B port is also provided for connection to a Windows or Mac computer. Outputs include RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial and HDMI i2s for easy connection to any external DAC or hi-fi amplifier. Better still, a 6.35mm jack headphone output is combined with a true headphone amplifier offering an amplification of 1100 mW into 32 ohms so you can directly connect hi-fi headphones or in-ear monitors.
With the Shanling SCD 1.3 player, the Asian manufacturer offers a versatile model equally suited to physical CD and DSD media as to Hi-Res digital music, whether played internally or from an external source. This latest-generation model meets all the needs of a modern hi-fi installation. It is now available from Son-Vidéo.com for €1,279. The first deliveries are scheduled for the coming days.
