Shanling ET3 EVO is a desktop CD transport designed to combine disc playback, playback from USB drives and access to content available on the network in a single digital device. Its main feature is the absence of an internal DAC: the device sends digital signals to an external DAC via the available outputs. It also has no RCA or XLR analogue outputs or headphone output, so the ET3 EVO must be integrated into a system equipped for external digital-to-analogue conversion.

Top-loading CD transport

The disc section uses a mechanism with a Philips SAA7824 controller and Sanyo HD850 optical pickup. Loading is from the top, a solution that characterises the product’s design and allows the disc to be inserted directly into the top of the chassis. The Shanling ET3 EVO supports Audio CD, commercial CDs, compatible CD-Rs and CD-RWs. MQA-CD discs are also supported, with corresponding decoding.

The player is therefore suitable for those who wish to continue using their CD collection while also seeking a digital connection to external components. Disc playback is one of the sources managed by the device, together with files stored on USB drives and content accessible via the network. Operating and playback information is shown on the integrated IPS display.

Digital outputs and connection to an external DAC

As a transport without a DAC, the ET3 EVO transfers the signal without providing a direct analogue output. The equipment includes an I²S port on an HDMI connector, a USB Audio output and S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs. The choice of connection may depend on the inputs available on the external DAC or other system devices.

• Via USB Audio and I²S, transfer reaches up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512.
• Via S/PDIF and AES/EBU, support reaches up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64.
• RCA or XLR analogue outputs are not available.
• There is no headphone output.

These specifications make it important to check the type of digital input on the DAC to be used in advance. In particular, the I²S port uses an HDMI connector; actual compatibility must therefore be assessed based on the associated external device.

All-to-PCM and All-to-DSD upsampling

Signal processing is handled by the CT7302CL chip, which provides two processing modes: All-to-PCM and All-to-DSD. These functions allow the reproduced material to be directed towards one of the two modes provided by the system before being sent to the digital outputs. The device does not convert the signal to analogue, as this operation remains the responsibility of the external DAC.

The digital section supports a wide variety of files for local playback. The indicated formats include DSD, DXD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, M4A and OPUS, as well as playlist formats. The ET3 EVO can therefore manage lossless and compressed libraries from USB storage or sources available over the network, while also retaining the ability to play CDs.

USB playback and NAS function

A USB memory or drive connected to the device can be used as a source for local playback. The same drive can also be made accessible to other devices on the home network through the NAS server function. In this way, the ET3 EVO serves both as a digital player and as a sharing point for files stored on the USB drive.

The NAS function does not replace internal storage: the content remains on the connected USB drive. Network access depends on the product’s connection to the home network and on the management of compatible files. The DLNA protocol is instead available for listening to material located on other network devices.

Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity

The Shanling ET3 EVO integrates dual-band Wi-Fi and can access files shared on the network via DLNA. It is also compatible with AirPlay, to receive content from sources using this system. Network connectivity thus expands the possibilities of use beyond CD and local file playback.

A Bluetooth 5.0 receiver mode is also available. The indicated codecs are LDAC, AAC and SBC. In this configuration, the ET3 EVO receives the Bluetooth stream and routes it to its digital outputs, allowing subsequent conversion via an external DAC. Codec availability depends on the Bluetooth source used.

Control can also be performed via the Shanling companion app. The application complements the device controls and the information shown on the IPS display, offering an additional method for managing sources and playback. The available data confirms compatibility with the app, without specifying additional operating functions.

Design and dimensions

The ET3 EVO features a metal chassis with a dark grey finish, carbon-effect details and a red control wheel. The dimensions are 188 x 255 x 68 mm, respectively width, depth and height. With a width of less than 19 centimetres and a depth of 25.5 centimetres, the product can be placed in various desktop systems, while taking into account the space required for top-loading the CD and for the rear connections.

The compact format is combined with equipment focused on digital management: CD mechanism, IPS display, Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, USB Audio and I²S ports, as well as S/PDIF and AES/EBU. The construction and control layout distinguish the product as a source to be integrated into a system with an external DAC, rather than as a complete player equipped with an analogue section.

Which system is it suitable for?

Shanling ET3 EVO is suitable for those looking for a CD transport with network functions and wishing to choose the DAC separately. It is a solution for systems that already feature USB, I²S, S/PDIF or AES/EBU inputs, depending on the preferred connection and the characteristics of the external converter. Compatibility with Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MQA-CD allows continued use of optical media, while USB, DLNA, AirPlay and Bluetooth playback provide additional sources.

Before purchasing, it is important to consider three aspects: the need for an external DAC, the absence of analogue and headphone outputs, and the vertical space required by top loading. Once these elements have been checked, the ET3 EVO combines CD transport, file playback, network connection and management of a USB drive that can be shared as a NAS in a single device.

Key features

• Product type: CD transport
• AirPlay: Supported
• Analogue outputs: None; no RCA or XLR outputs are provided
• App control: Compatible with the Shanling companion app
• Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC and SBC
• Bluetooth mode: Bluetooth 5.0 receiver

Technical specifications

Product type	CD transport
AirPlay	Supported
Analogue outputs	None; no RCA or XLR outputs are provided
App control	Compatible with the Shanling companion app
Bluetooth codecs	LDAC, AAC and SBC
Bluetooth mode	Bluetooth 5.0 receiver
CD controller	Philips SAA7824
CD loading	Top-loading
CD mechanism	Philips SAA7824 with HD850 laser
Disc support	Commercial CDs, compatible CD-Rs and CD-RWs
Chassis	Dark grey with carbon-effect details and red control wheel
Chassis material	Metal
Integrated DAC	None
Internal DAC	None; an external DAC is required
Dimensions	188 x 255 x 68 mm, W x D x H
Display	Integrated IPS
Headphone output	None
I²S connector	HDMI
I²S output	Up to 768 kHz / 32-bit PCM and DSD512
Depth	25.5 cm
Loading type	Top-loading
MQA-CD decoding	Supported
NAS function	NAS server with connected USB drive
Network playback	DLNA and AirPlay
Network protocol	DLNA
Optical pickup	Sanyo HD850
Power input	Rear AC mains input
Processing chip	CT7302CL
Processing modes	All-to-PCM and All-to-DSD
Platform	Ingenic X2000 with proprietary Shanling system

Technical insights

The listed specifications help compare the product’s configuration, compatibility and performance.

Related products

ONIX Zenith XST20 · CEC TL5 · CEC TL2N

Frequently asked questions

Does the Shanling ET3 EVO have an integrated DAC?

No. It is a CD transport without an internal DAC and requires an external DAC to convert the digital signal to analogue.

Which discs can the ET3 EVO read?

It supports Audio CD and commercial CDs, as well as compatible CD-Rs, CD-RWs and MQA-CD discs with MQA-CD decoding.

What are the maximum resolutions of the digital outputs?

USB Audio and I²S reach up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512. S/PDIF and AES/EBU reach up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM and DSD64.

Can files be played from a USB drive?

Yes. The ET3 EVO supports playback from USB drives and handles formats such as DSD, DXD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, M4A and OPUS.

Which network and Bluetooth functions are available?

It integrates dual-band Wi-Fi, playback via DLNA and AirPlay, a NAS server function for a connected USB drive, and Bluetooth 5.0 reception with LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs.