SHANLING EC Zero T MAX (EZT MAX) High-End Portable CD Player R2R DAC Tube Amp

SHANLING EC Zero T MAX — High-End Portable CD Player

R2R DAC · Dual JAN6418 Tubes · Upgraded Amplifier · Bluetooth 5.3

The new MAX edition builds upon the acclaimed sound of the EC Zero T, implementing the latest Shanling expertise in R2R DACs and following end-user feedback with a significantly improved headphone amplifier. The upgraded amplifier circuit was designed around AD8397, delivering increased output without any need for external power and achieving significantly reduced output impedance — making MAX a better match for both demanding full-size headphones and the most advanced in-ear earphones, all while preserving the rich and warm sound of the EC Zero T.

Key Features at a Glance

• Up to 1300mW @ 32Ω Balanced Output
• Highly Stable CD Playback via Active Magnetic Clamp
• Custom CD Mechanism with Fully Gapless Playback
• In-House Developed 24-bit R2R DAC
• Dual JAN6418 Tubes — Tube / Transistor Mode Switching
• 5500mAh Built-In Battery + External Power Mode
• Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter (aptX Adaptive / aptX / SBC)
• Coaxial / Optical Digital Output
• Dedicated USB-DAC Input — DSD512 / PCM 768kHz
• CD Ripper (USB Drive, 1× speed)
• Classic Volume Slider

In-House Developed 24-bit R2R DAC — Expertly Enhanced Sound Performance

MAX comes with the same R2R module as the original EC Zero T, featuring 24-bit architecture with 192 high-precision 0.1% resistors. Following the development of the PRO R2R DAC from SCD3.3 and SCD1.3R, Shanling implemented a range of DAC circuit and power optimizations into the MAX — now offering an even wider and deeper soundstage, with increased transparency across midrange and treble regions.

Powerful Headphone Output — Full Power in Battery Mode

Thanks to the upgraded amplifier circuit, EC Zero T MAX provides up to 1300mW @ 32Ω Balanced / 361mW @ 32Ω Single-Ended output power while running directly on its battery — no external power supply required.

• Balanced Output: 1300mW @ 32Ω
• Single-Ended Output: 361mW @ 32Ω

Design of the Old Days — Robust Modern Construction

MAX edition comes in a smooth Titanium Grey finish, featuring a new intricate pattern on the CD cover and hidden visual elements across its surfaces.

• Robust Aluminium Construction — Main body CNC crafted from a single piece of aluminium for long-term durability and structural rigidity.
• Tempered Glass CD Cover — Highly durable for on-the-go use, providing a clear view of the hypnotizing spin of the disc.
• Efficient User Interface — In-house developed system focused on the core music experience, with quick start-up and only the key controls for immediate, worry-free CD playback.

Active Magnetic Clamp — Improved Disc Stability

The active magnetic design continuously adjusts its position and pressure on the disc, effectively improving spin stability and significantly reducing mechanical noise and vibrations. Each unit undergoes a rigorous testing procedure during production, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced and stable CD mechanism — critical for ideal disc rotation and audio reproduction.

Custom CD System — Gapless CD Playback

Built with a compact, high-fidelity CD drive system ensuring desktop-level performance in all conditions, while providing fully gapless playback for all CDs.

Pair of JAN6418 Tubes — Inspired by Shanling's Heritage

A pair of low-voltage, power-efficient tubes suspended in a custom-designed anti-shock structure to eliminate all microphonics and vibrations — adding extra charm to the sound of EC Zero T MAX. Recreating the classic combination of CD players and tubes, so typical of the early days of Shanling.

• Tube Mode: Thicker and warmer, beautifully flowing sound
• Transistor Mode: Dynamic and hard-hitting energy

Built-in Battery On-the-Go — External Power at Home

Enjoy the independence of a truly portable CD player thanks to the built-in 5500mAh battery, providing up to 8 hours of continuous listening anywhere.

Or connect a USB-C power adapter to switch into dedicated External Power Mode, bypassing the internal battery while keeping it trickle-charged and ready for the road.

• 8 Hours — 3.5mm output
• 7.5 Hours — 4.4mm output
• 20 Hours — External Power Mode

Bluetooth Transmitter — From Earphones to Hi-Fi Speaker Setups

Connect to Bluetooth headphones or speakers via Bluetooth 5.3, supporting aptX Adaptive, aptX, and SBC codecs.

Wide Range of Inputs & Outputs

• Playback Modes: CD, USB DAC
• Outputs: 3.5mm & 4.4mm Headphone Out | 3.5mm & 4.4mm Line-Out | 3.5mm SPDIF Coaxial/Optical | Bluetooth Transmission
• USB-DAC Input: DSD512 / PCM 768kHz

That Little Bit Extra — To Make Life Nicer

• CD Ripper — USB Drive ripping at 1× speed (FAT32 drives only)
• Button Lock — Travel worry-free without accidental touches
• Classic Volume Slider — A tactile touch from the peak days of CD players, with smooth volume increase and decrease

Specifications

• Dimensions: 158 × 150 × 28mm
• Weight: 669g
• Screen: 1.68-inch LCD display
• Battery: 5500mAh
• Bluetooth: 5.3 (aptX Adaptive / aptX / SBC)
• DAC: 24-bit R2R, 192 × 0.1% resistors
• USB-DAC: DSD512 / PCM 768kHz
• Output Power (Balanced): 1300mW @ 32Ω
• Output Power (SE): 361mW @ 32Ω
• Tubes: Dual JAN6418
• Outputs: 3.5mm & 4.4mm Headphone / Line-Out, Coaxial/Optical, Bluetooth