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The Shanling EC Play is a compact portable CD player and DAC in Black, built around a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip, delivering up to 700mW @ 32Ω from its 4.4mm balanced output, with Bluetooth 6.0 and up to 12 hours of battery life. It is part of Shanling's EC portable CD player range.
This listing is the Black finish. The EC Play is also available in Silver.
Key specifications
- DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198
- Amplifier: 2 x SGM8262-2
- Output power: up to 700mW @ 32Ω (4.4mm, high gain), 177mW @ 32Ω (3.5mm, high gain)
- Bluetooth: 6.0, receiver LDAC/AAC/SBC, transmitter SBC
- USB DAC: up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256
- Supported discs: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- Battery: 3450mAh, up to 12 hours
- Size and weight: 142 x 125.1 x 26mm, approx. 418g
Shanling EC Play Portable CD Player
The EC Play is Shanling's smallest portable CD player to date, weighing just 418g with a durable aluminium construction. It is designed to bring portable CD listening back into everyday use, while adding modern functionality as a USB DAC and Bluetooth device.
Active Magnetic Clamp | Proven EC Zero System
An active magnetic clamp continuously adjusts its position and pressure on the disc, improving rotational stability and reducing mechanical noise and vibration from the CD drive.
Custom CD System | Designed by CD Experts
The EC Play uses a custom CD drive developed by engineers with decades of CD player experience, delivering desktop-level playback accuracy and full gapless playback support.
Cirrus Logic CS43198 | Hi-Fi Grade DAC
The flagship-grade Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC provides precise technical performance alongside a natural, musical presentation. Shanling's custom tuning refines the sound signature further.
Dual SGM8262 Amplifiers | Powerful Headphone Output
Dual dedicated headphone amplifiers deliver up to 700mW @ 32Ω with 100-step volume control, making the EC Play suitable for both sensitive in-ear monitors and demanding full-size headphones.
Bluetooth 6.0 | Two-Way Connection
In transmitter mode, the EC Play connects directly to wireless headphones or speakers. Switch to receiver mode and it becomes a Bluetooth DAC/amp, streaming from a smartphone or other device via LDAC, AAC or SBC.
USB DAC Mode | Full Hi-Res Audio Support
An asynchronous USB module supports high-resolution playback up to PCM 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256, allowing full use of the CS43198 DAC when connected to a computer or tablet.
More Than a Portable CD Player | Home Hi-Fi Integration
The EC Play's multifunctional design means it fits equally well into desktop setups, bedside systems or larger home hi-fi speaker systems. If you are looking for a transportable option with DAP functionality, the Shanling EC Mini is also available.
Built-in 3450mAh Battery | Extended Playback Time
The 3450mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous playback, making it Shanling's longest-lasting portable CD player.
Explore the full range in CD Players & Transports.
Specification
| Dimensions | (W x H x D) 142 x 125.1 x 26 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 418 g |
| Display | 1.12 in screen |
| Supported discs | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS43198 |
| Amplifier | 2 x SGM8262-2 |
| Capacity | 3450 mAh |
| Battery | life Up to 12 hours |
| Supported resolution | Up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, DSD256 |
| CD playback | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| USB DAC | 20 Hz–40 kHz |
| Bluetooth | version 6.0 |
| Bluetooth | receiver codecs LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | transmitter codecs SBC |
| 3.5mm Output power (low gain) | 44 mW @ 32 ohm (1.19 Vrms) |
| 3.5mm Output power (high gain) | 177 mW @ 32 ohm (2.38 Vrms) |
| THD+N | 0.0006 % (A-weighted, 2 V) |
| Channel separation | 73 dB @ 32 ohm |
| Dynamic range | 120 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 121 dB |
| Noise floor | >113 dB |
| Output impedance | 0.5 ohm |
| 4.4mm Output power (low gain) | 177 mW @ 32 ohm (2.38 Vrms) |
| 4.4mm Output power (high gain) | 700 mW @ 32 ohm (4.75 Vrms) |
| THD+N | 0.0005 % (A-weighted, 2 V) |
| Dynamic range | 106 dB @ 32 ohm / 125 dB (max) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 125 dB |
| Noise floor | >111 dB |
| Output impedance | 0.8 ohm |
What's Included
- Shanling EC Play Portable CD Player
- Charging cable
- Quick Guide
Shanling
About the Shanling SHANLINGECPLAY-BLACK
From our tech experts at CEN
A Shanling digital audio player, a dedicated source for people who have outgrown listening on a phone.
Who it suits
Listeners running decent headphones who suspect the source is the limiting factor. It usually is: the converter and output stage in a phone are built to a budget and a power envelope. Shanling is known for well-built portable players and DACs.
Our tech experts advise
Match the output to your headphones — sensitive in-ears and demanding over-ears want very different things, and more power is not automatically better. get in touch for a pairing recommendation.
Explore the full Shanling range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all Shanling
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the Shanling EC Play battery last?
A: The built-in 3450mAh battery gives up to 12 hours of continuous playback.
Q: Can the EC Play be used as a USB DAC?
A: Yes. Its asynchronous USB mode connects to computers and tablets and supports playback up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256.
Q: Does the EC Play work with Bluetooth headphones?
A: Yes. It can transmit to Bluetooth headphones or speakers (SBC), or switch to receiver mode to act as a Bluetooth DAC/amp for your phone with LDAC, AAC and SBC.
Q: What's in the box with the EC Play?
A: The EC Play portable CD player, a charging cable and a quick guide.
