Shanling CT90 is a high-fidelity CD transport mechanism designed to fit into digital systems consisting of a source, DAC and amplification. Its main task is to read CDs and provide the signal through different digital outputs, leaving the connected converter to handle audio conversion. The platform uses a Sanyo DA11 playback system and an SAA7826 decoder, components dedicated to reading and processing the signal from the disc.

The CT90 is not limited to standard CD playback: it supports high-resolution streams up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512, as well as MQA-CD discs. Thanks to its numerous connection options, it can be configured according to the DAC being used, the presence of an external clock and the type of signal intended for the rest of the audio chain.

CD reading and digital format management

The transport section is based on the Sanyo DA11 system, paired with the SAA7826 decoder. This architecture is dedicated to reading the CD medium and accurately transmitting the digital signal. The CT90 can therefore act as a source for an external DAC, using the output best suited to the characteristics of the system.

Available functions include upsampling, handled by the dedicated CT7302 chip. This solution makes it possible to adapt the signal to PCM or DSD DACs compatible with the different streams handled by the transport. Upsampling is available on the I2S, AES/EBU and coaxial SPDIF outputs, while it is not available on the USB output.

• I2S: up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512.
• USB: up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512.
• AES/EBU and coaxial SPDIF: up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP.
• Optical output: included among the digital outputs, with support up to 192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP.

For the I2S output, the connection sequence and pin configuration must be checked in the manual according to the connected device. The CT90 offers ten selectable I2S LVDS pinout modes via an HDMI connector, allowing the connection to be configured according to the DAC in the chain.

MQA-CD support and rendering modes

The player supports the MQA-CD format with several processing modes. Full 4x support, basic 2x support and an MQA source mode are available. The latter is designed to leave the management of the decoding or rendering stages provided by the selected configuration to the next DAC in the chain.

An LED indicator makes it possible to identify the type of MQA signal being played. Green identifies MQA, blue identifies MQA Studio and purple identifies MQA rendering mode. This indication helps quickly check the type of stream handled by the CT90 without interrupting playback.

Clock and digital signal control

The Shanling CT90 uses two dedicated clock oscillators, rated at 45 MHz and 49 MHz, respectively. The two references are used for the different frequency domains and are intended to contain jitter in the generation of the digital signal. The result is a synchronization base designed to maintain regular transmission to the available outputs.

There is also a BNC input for connecting an external clock. This option allows the CT90 to be integrated into a configuration in which digital synchronization is entrusted to a separate clock source, if the rest of the system provides for it. Actual use depends on the external clock and the connected devices.

Digital connections for different systems

The available connections allow the CT90 to be used with DACs and digital equipment featuring different interfaces. The I2S LVDS output on HDMI has ten configurable pinout modes; the USB output is intended for direct connection to USB DACs; AES/EBU, coaxial and optical provide further alternatives for signal transmission.

The presence of two AES/EBU outputs expands integration options, including with equipment that uses this digital interface. The output must be selected according to the inputs of the DAC or downstream device and the desired resolution. For the I2S connection, refer to the pin sequence specified in the manual, because the configuration may vary depending on the associated equipment.

Bluetooth and app control

The CT90 integrates Bluetooth 5.0 and supports AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs. This function adds a wireless connection method within the system, with the possibility of using the codec available on the paired devices. Support for the listed codecs allows different Bluetooth transmission modes to be selected according to the source being used.

Control can be carried out via the Eddict Player app, which allows the CT90 to be managed. The app therefore provides an additional interface alongside the unit’s controls and may be useful when the transport is integrated into a system where functions are to be controlled from a compatible mobile device.

Linear power supply and system construction

The power supply section uses a 35 W linear power supply based on a Talema toroidal transformer. This choice concerns the product’s internal architecture and supports the transport section, the upsampling circuit and the digital connections. The linear power supply is separate from the switching solutions commonly used in other devices and is one of the technical features characterizing the CT90.

All functions are organized in a device intended for digital CD playback, with the ability to manage PCM, DSD and MQA-CD signals according to the selected outputs and modes. The result is a source that can be configured differently depending on the DAC, the available interface and any external clock.

Configuration and use

To use the CT90, connect the selected digital output to the corresponding input of the DAC or downstream device. The USB and I2S outputs reach up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512, while AES/EBU, coaxial and optical reach 192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP. Upsampling modes must be selected with consideration for the output being used, since they are not available via USB.

The firmware version indicated for the product is V1.23. The CT90 is available in black and silver. Before installation, it is advisable to check the DAC inputs, the compatibility of the selected I2S pinout and the type of digital connection best suited to the system.

In summary, the Shanling CT90 combines CD transport, MQA-CD management, upsampling via CT7302, high-resolution digital outputs, Bluetooth 5.0, control with Eddict Player and a BNC input for an external clock. The variety of interfaces allows the source to be adapted to the existing configuration, keeping CD reading and digital-to-analogue conversion functions separate.

Main features

• Product type: DAC/AMP
• Firmware version: V1.23
• Format: Portable
• Product category: Portable players

Technical specifications

Product type	DAC/AMP
Firmware version	V1.23
Format	Portable
Product category	Portable players

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Shanling ET3 EVO · ONIX Zenith XST20 · CEC TL5

Frequently asked questions

What is the Shanling CT90?

It is a high-fidelity CD transport mechanism that reads discs and sends the digital signal to a DAC or another compatible device. It is not described as a speaker amplifier.

What resolutions does the CT90 support?

It supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512 via USB and I2S. The AES/EBU, coaxial and optical outputs reach up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64 DoP.

Does the CT90 handle MQA-CD discs?

Yes. It offers MQA-CD support with full 4x mode, basic 2x mode and MQA source mode. The LED indicators distinguish MQA, MQA Studio and MQA rendering through different colours.

Which digital connections are available?

USB, I2S LVDS via HDMI with ten pinout modes, AES/EBU, coaxial SPDIF and optical output are available. There is also a BNC input for an external clock.

Can the CT90 be controlled via Bluetooth?

The CT90 integrates Bluetooth 5.0 and supports AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC. The product can also be controlled via the Eddict Player app.