Shanling CR60: The Future of the CD

The best of both worlds in just a few inches Streaming seems to reign supreme, yet the Compact Disc surprisingly continues to play an important, if not fundamental, role in the world of high fidelity. And this isn’t just the usual “nostalgia trip”: many enthusiasts are rediscovering the pleasure of listening to physical media, drawn by the quality of the recordings, the collectible value of the albums, and a more mindful approach to music. Others own large collections and have no intention of abandoning the format. This is precisely where the Shanling CR60 comes in: a modern, compact CD player designed for those who want to convert their discs, as it also functions as a ripper.

Player and ripper in one

Aesthetically, the CR60 maintains the elegant, minimalist style that characterizes much of Shanling’s product line. Modern yet understated, it features clean lines and compact dimensions that make it easy to integrate into any setting. It is a pure transport, a choice that clearly reflects the current trend: many enthusiasts already own dedicated DACs and want a transport capable of reading discs with precision and reliability. The CR60 is designed with simplicity, build quality, and versatility in mind. At the heart of the system is a mechanism based on a Philips platform with a Sanyo HD850 optical pickup. Disc loading is via a classic front-loading tray, housed within an all-metal chassis accented by subtle side fins. Its dimensions—just 20 centimeters wide—allow it to be used both within a traditional Hi-Fi system and on a desk.

Dual power supply and more

One of the most interesting aspects of the CR60 concerns connectivity. The rear panel features several outputs, separated between ripping and transport functions. USB-B and USB-C for the former, optical and coaxial for the latter. Common to both is a USB-A port to which you can connect a DAC, should the CR60 be used as a transport, or a USB drive or external hard drive to save CDs ripped in ripper mode. To switch from player mode to ripping mode, there is a small switch on the rear panel. Another particularly interesting feature concerns the power supply: there are in fact two inputs, a standard 5.5 mm 12V jack and a 5V USB-C port. This solution allows for maximum flexibility in both desktop setups and traditional Hi-Fi systems. Back panel photo break The growing success of products like this one demonstrates that the Compact Disc is far from obsolete. In fact, many enthusiasts continue to prefer physical media for its quality, reliability, and collectible value. In a world dominated by immediate and intangible access to streaming, the CD still represents a tangible, immersive, and often preferred listening experience.

The Shanling CR60 perfectly embodies this new vision of digital audio

It is not a nostalgic machine, but a modern product designed to bring the Compact Disc into the era of contemporary Hi-Fi. Compact, versatile, and intelligent, the CR60 demonstrates that there is still a place for a well-designed CD transport, especially when it can seamlessly integrate with the world of digital music and next-generation DACs.

Technical specifications:

Type: CD player / CD transport with CD ripper function
Disc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
Mechanism: Philips platform with Sanyo HD850 laser
Processor: Ingenic X1000E
Digital transport outputs: USB-A Audio, SPDIF coaxial, Toslink optical
Ripping function connections: USB-A, USB-B, USB-C
Display: 1.14-inch color screen
Power supply: USB-C 5V/2A or DC input 9V / 12V / 15V
DC power connector: 5.5 mm × 2.1 mm
Chassis: all-metal with CNC-machined structure
Dimensions: 180 × 205 × 52 mm
Weight: approx. 1.68 kg
Operating modes: CD Transport and CD Ripper selectable via rear switch
Ripping support: USB drives, computers, Android smartphones, and compatible Shanling players
Included accessories: remote control, USB cables, user manual