Shanling EC3

Shanling EC3 is a compact CD player with an excellent value for money. It is a completely new product, but in its development, the company has drawn on the experience gained in creating high-end CD players, which the renowned manufacturer has introduced over its 30 years in the audio market.

The EC3 is an affordable CD player but boasts a range of advanced features not found in products in this price range. Shanling Audio has used a proven Philips drive and a Sanyo laser head, and equipped the device with a DAC chip ES9219C, Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, an RCA output with independent volume control, a USB port with media support, and a display for convenient function management.

Shanling EC3 is a compact CD player

The Shanling EC3 is a CD player housed in a sleek and durable aluminum alloy case. Its compact dimensions: 25.5 cm (length) x 18.8 cm (width) x 6.8 cm (height) make it ideal for Shanling DAC/AMP streamers, like EM5 or EA5. The EC3 takes up less space than an A4 sheet, meaning it can be placed even on small tables or stands. Its compact design also makes it ideal for Shanling DAC/AMP streamers, like EM5 or EA5.

The EC3 features a top-loading design. A transparent, durable plastic cover protects the discs, allowing users to observe their rotation. The model stands out for its control buttons, elegantly integrated into the top panel, and the "circular" display. The EC3 is also available in black or silver, so you can choose the option that best matches the rest of your system.

Shanling EC3 with Philips drive and Sanyo laser

The Shanling EC3 is based on the proven CD80 Philips player and the high-quality laser head Sanyo HD850. This ensures excellent stability and error-free CD reading, allowing the model to compete with the performance of the high-end CD players introduced by the company over the last 30 years.

Shanling with the new DAC chip ESS ES9219C

The EC3 is Shanling's first CD player equipped with an ESS Technology DAC chip. The manufacturer uses the new ES9219C, which ensures excellent sound quality and supports high-resolution files (PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD up to 256x) when playing from a connected USB drive.

This extraordinary sound is also possible thanks to high-quality components, such as the LTA8092 operational amplifier, branded capacitors, including Panasonic tantalum polymer capacitors, and a transformer that ensures "clean" power supply. The EC3 offers the warm, natural, and enveloping sound for which Shanling is renowned.

Shanling EC3 with independent RCA volume control

The EC3 is equipped with an independent volume control for the RCA output. This allows you to control the volume of active speakers connected to the Shanling CD player via a knob located on the front panel.

Shanling EC3 with Bluetooth support with LDAC

Shanling EC3 is equipped with the Ampak AP6256AC module, which supports Bluetooth 5.0. This allows you to stream music wirelessly from laptops, tablets, or smartphones to the device, playing it in high quality, appreciated among streaming service users. The EC3 also supports the LDAC codec, which ensures maximum transmission speed during file transfer via Bluetooth (AAC for iOS and iPadOS devices).

Music playback from USB drive in Shanling EC3

Shanling EC3 can also play files from a connected USB storage device, such as a USB stick. Simply connect the device to the USB Type-A port and you will be able to browse the files using the complementary Shanling Eddict Player app, available for Android and iOS. It supports PCM files up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to 256x.

"Round" screen for convenient use of Shanling EC3

The Shanling EC3 is powered by an Ingenic X2000 dual-core processor, ensuring smooth operation and offering features not available in low-end CD players. Ease of use is guaranteed by a Motorola "round" IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 320 x 290 pixels. Users can also control the player remotely via the Eddict Player app.

Shanling EC3 front and rear panels

Shanling EC3 technical specifications

• dimensions: 25.5 x 18.8 x 6.8 cm
• weight: 2.4 kg
• CD unit: Philips CD80
• laser head: Sanyo HD850
• DAC chip: ESS ES9219C
• PCM support: up to 32 bit/384 kHz
• DSD support: up to DSD256
• headphone output: 3.5 mm (SE)
• analog output: RCA
• digital outputs: optical, coaxial
• USB connector: type A
• Bluetooth receiver: 5.0
• Bluetooth codec: LDAC, AAC, SBC
• screen: IPS LCD, 320 x 290 pixels

RCA output features

• output level: 2.3 Vrms
• frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
• THD: less than 0.001%
• signal-to-noise ratio: 116 dB
• dynamic range: 116 dB

3.5 mm headphone output features

• output power (low gain): 20 mW @ 32 ?
• output power (low gain): 70 mW @ 32 ?
• frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
• total harmonic distortion: 0.0015%
• signal-to-noise ratio: 114 dB
• dynamic range: 116 dB
• channel separation: 65 dB at 32 ?
• output impedance: 0.4 ?

About Shanling Audio

Founded in 1988, Shanling specializes in the production of hi-fi solutions. Its headquarters is in Shenzhen and its manufacturing plant is located in Dongguang. Shanling boasts a cutting-edge research and development department and the ability to utilize numerous patented technologies, including SONY LDAC, Bluetooth BQB, Japanese Audio Association Hi-Res, Microsoft HDCD, Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD, SACD, and CD.

For over 30 years, the Shanling team has been creating high-quality products that combine innovation and team spirit. Each solution is carefully designed and thoroughly tested to ensure the highest level of end-customer satisfaction. The company collaborates with numerous partners worldwide (Audeos.pl in Poland), ensuring easy access to its products.

Shanling was initially known for creating high-end SACD/CD players, Hi-Fi amplifiers, and network conditioners, but currently, its most popular products are portable audio players (DAP). The team is also dynamically developing its lines of portable DAC/AMPs, in-ear headphones, and Bluetooth products, which are gaining increasing success among users.