2023's BEST VALUE CD 'player' does SO MUCH MORE (Shanling ET3 review)

[@aptembe]

Why not just use any budget Blu ray player and connect to your DAC ?

[@DarkoAudio]

Because "any budget Blu-Ray player" does not have: 1) a USB output 2) an AES/EBU output 3) an I2S output 4) optional internal upsampling 5) an onboard network streamer w/ (tiny) cover art display Whether you need any of these features is a matter for you but the Shanling ET3 makes them available and budget Blu-Ray players typically do not. This is why the video is titled "...does SO MUCH MORE".

[@aptembe]

Wow the question was worth it- wasn’t expecting you to respond 😂 love your videos ! I use one of your recommended combos- kef ls50 with Rotel RA10 and the Schiit Modi + DAC. You had recommended the Amp + Spkrs in an article called “happy accidents will happen “

[@alin936]

​@DarkoAudio, if a Blueray player would be used only as CD transport, do you think that will be enough, or would you still recommend a hifi transporter? i am a newbie and stuck between choosing a Panasonic UB820 or cambridge audio AXC35. my current system is CA CXA81 with Kef ls50 meta and Bluesound node. I only need a CD converter to optical/coax nothing more. i prefer to stick with new equipment, not SH market.

[@bencausey]

@@alin936no answer

[@MilFalcon]

Picked up a $10 thrift store Toshiba SD4980. Has a Burr Brown DAC and also has Toslink, coax digital audio outputs in addition to RCA. Works great with just an amp if you want to simplify the chain.

[@1800Swagg]

PRO TIP! iFi Audio has free software called iFi Bridge for Roon. If you run it on your host PC and enable DLNA on the ET3, it will pick up the ET3 like a Squeezebox. Then, if you enable Squeeze box support in Roon your ET3 (by IP address) will pop up. BOOM, your ET3 in now a Roon endpoint with lossless 24/192 and DSD64 no matter what output you use so long as your DAC supports those resolutions on your chosen output. I need to do a write up on setup somewhere but it's not hard.

[@DarkoAudio]

Huge if true 😊

[@HoomanR17]

With all the DSD support, would be nice if there was a compact CD/SACD player/transport so we can have just one and be done.

[@jkim4712]

I think DSD file output from sacd player is blocked by design choice by sony from development since all the CDs were copied freely.

[@billarmstrong5568]

I know it's not really an answer to the question you asked, but I recently got myself a Denon DCD-A110 SACD player and I really am amazed by the sound quality on offer. It's not cheap but it easily competes with the mega-priced players from only a few years back.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Yes, PS Audio makes a CD/SACD transport, but it's thousands of dollars. It's the only one currently in production I recall hearing of offhand, though there may be others. It does have I2s output, BTW. Note: I think some/all of the OPPO units may offer SACD transport functionality, but the company no longer makes or really supports them- but don't quote me on the OPPO details, I'm not sure about all of what I just said about them. Also, not sure what kinds of output formats they offer for DSD. There are ways to rip SACDs, which have been well-documented online in recent years, but my own bias is not to bother with that, for various reasons both rational and irrational for me. I do have a couple of very good CD/SACD players, also with internal standalone DACs for streaming, which solves this problem for me. but unfortunately they're not cheap and they're all-in-one (and thus sub-optimal/dead in terms of the upgrade path) 'solutions.'

[@fastrid]

What about gapless?

[@uofmtigertech1316]

Would be interested if it played SACDs. I have an Oppo in my main system, but I like the size of this for a headphone setup. I already have a very inexpensive DVD/CD player that’s about the same size with a coax out that sounds great with CDs for that setup. Unfortunately, an SACD player this size seems impossible to find.

[@HumanAction1]

I have the Shanling CD3.2 and it is a beast of a CD player. Fully balanced with tube output stage. Their products are no joke.

[@audio_acoustic_engineering]

A top loading CD mechanism has a Turn Table vibe, that why I’m drawn to top loaders. It needs a see through top cover to display the album art. Very cool and I want one.

[@wheelyman81]

Another outstanding video. Thanks John. You asked if any of us used their audio at eye-level - well, I do (almost) but not out of choice! I'm a wheelchair user so most things tend to be at eye-level!! 😁

[@stevenk805]

Audiophile catnip. I love it, hahaha!

[@redstrat1234]

Over £600 for ET3 = 'best value' - jesus christ. I'm way out of my depth here, lol. Bye now.

[@jonathanalexander2681]

I literally work at a cheese shop and I can afford this. “Value,” “Affordability,” “Cheap,” “Expensive” - these are entirely and inherently subjective ideas based completely on an individual’s particular use-case. There are, of course, pieces of gear far outside my price range, but the last thing I’d do is project my own subjective opinions or fiscal insecurities on other complete strangers, who may have “less than,” “same as,” or “more than” income than I earn. More power to you, really, if you have an incredible under-$1,000 system - and equally if you have an incredible over-$100,000 system. Imagine … trying to tell someone what your definition of value is. I must be way out of my depth for expecting more from such out-of-touch, curmudgeony, non-critical-thinking audiophiles.

[@suwatt6019]

Recommend a best value CD transport.

[@johnrus7661]

A high quality audiofile grade transport with excellent build and a high quality DDC for $700'ish is a good value in the hifi world. Something like McIntosh transport only are in the $5000 to $8000 range! And in the end, transport doesn't even affect the sound. Unless it is so shitty it can't even read the 1's and 0's corectly. This device probably half the cost or more is just the DDC and the rest is just high quality build and a decent head and electronics.

[@pnikkoh]

Was about to watch and saw this comment. Left without watching. 😅

[@AwkballOddward]

​​​@@suwatt6019 I did a bit of research and bought a decent blu-ray player, used, for 100 bucks with a really quiet motor, used the optical output into a cheap DAC. It's amazing. I can switch back and forth between the two and if I have the same cd in both systems the difference in clarity in what's coming from the Blu-Ray player through the DAC vs the CD player is incredible. The difference between my Blu-Ray and my friends CD transport hooked into my system wasn't noticeable to me at all. Certainly not enough to justify spending another $1200.⁰⁰

[@renatomorais8136]

At this point I have every CD I own ripped to a hard drive but still I want this thing just for the looks of it. It's sooo coool!

[@__eMRe__]

Dear John, I am not a audiophile and probably never will be. But this of course doesn't mean that I don't appreciate good quality music. And thanks to your reviews, I managed to build an OK quality system setup for music listening. I enjoy your videos a lot which are like a doorway for me to this immense world of audio, and would also like to hear from you more album recommendations if possible to taste what else out there to listen. That would be great. Thank you for all sharings 🙏🏻

[@__eMRe__]

My bad, I am taking note from your videos while I watch 😊

[@paulhalucha526]

Pretty cool CD player - nice review as always John!

[@mhiraldo]

A couple of experiences. I connected my $45 Sony Blu player to my DAC. Sounded much worse than my Audiolab 7000 CDT (CD transport). So, yes...there is an audible difference between a cheap player and a specifically designed CD transport. Then I connected my 24-year-old Nad CD player to my DAC. It sounded VERY good too. That Nad has an HDCD chip in it so that might have helped. All these connections were done using the coaxial output/input. Apart from the upsampling chip the Shanling ET3 has, I believe the multiple connections available plus the Phillips/Sanyo top-loading drive make this a very tempting player for those with large CD collections (and detail-revealing DAC/HiFi set up).

[@bobannon7799]

I upgraded from an Audiolab 6000CDT, which I modded. The Shanling is noticably more "high end" sounding, better in every way. Audiolab sounds dark and shut in when compared. Bettered my Modded Oppo 203 as a disk player too, both over i2s into the same Dac. Shanling is a hifi bargain, a future classic imo.

[@S.A.S.H.]

Great to see Walk Out To Winter on your player. Aztec Camera, High Land Hard Rain is a masterpiece.

[@nick_g]

i had this ET3 on my list but I was apprehensive about getting it. thanks for the coverage and review!

[@mikerichards324]

I bought the ET3 when it first became available, mid-July 2023, from Hong Kong; I’m in Australia. I use it with a Mytek Brooklyn DAC + and Audeze LCD3 headphones. It’s extremely well made, better than the Mytek actually. In my opinion the CD sound is fabulous, I love it; further, higher resolution files played from a USB stick via USB input on the ET3, are astonishing. (It’s possible to load album artwork onto the USB stick too, and this displays on the ET3 during playback). I was looking at other CD transports (in a price range up to Aus$4,000) and the Shanling stood out. I bought it without an audition (the only time I’ve ever done this, a bit of a no-no, I know!), and I’m very happy. I’m trying different interconnects at the moment, so far the AES is (marginally, by a tiny bit) the best, but I haven’t tried I2S. The difference is so small I have actually questioned whether I’m imagining it. Thanks for the review John, much appreciated😊 Q: could the ET3 be used to rip CD’s?

[@freekfaro5606]

How does coaxial and optical output to DAC sound? I have a SMSL amp and DAC combination.

[@jimfarrell4635]

There is a thread about the ET3 on head fi with a lot of back and forth with Shanling. I think they said it can't be used to rip cds but I might be wrong about that tbh. I recommend checking out the thread if interested in purchasing. Shanling seem very open about the machines limitations, such as they are.

[@schellstede]

Suggestion, could you, in the future, also show simple things, like startup time, toc read time, play ready time. Does it has an autoplay funktion? Meaning, load CD and no more to do and so on. Stuff like that is important to some of us...Love your vids.

[@DarkoAudio]

We did shoot the time from disc load to to TOC read but ultimately I decided that piece of footage was too long. Besides, there's nothing to complain about with the ET3's startup or disc load times, otherwise I would've said so in the video.

[@henrypop9655]

Sweet. Thanks so much for reviewing this. I've been eyeing this CD Transport for a while, but no one has reviewed it. Really didn't want to invest in something where I have no idea about it's performance and especially about that lid - I have never seen that before, so there was no way for me to know if that wouldn't have caused issues. Great review. Always appreciate how you talk about its use which I feel is neglected to be discussed by most other reviewers.

[@Berteau76]

Whooo hooo! As one of the 7 people who buys MQA CD’s 😅 , due to the end of MQA on Tidal, I am very happy with this news! Will be between this and the SMSL PL 2000 for me but leaning toward this one since I don’t need the DAC. And the is2 option. Thanks for the product spotlight!

[@auronthas]

Thanks for the review. I love CDs, that's critical listening session with CD album from track 1 to last. I do RIP CDs into lossless digital format too for leisure listening and easy sorting , searching, customize playlists. One downside on CD transport is the remote without numerical key is a pain to keep forward / reverese the track searching...

[@osliverpool]

The podcast you mention with Peter Comeau - it's a real gem, thanks John.

[@psysword]

I'm using the shanling ec3 to transport the cd to my mojo 2. Sound is stellar. Excellent battery too

[@keithhorton4990]

Thanks for this review. I so want a top loading cd transport/player. It's kinda crazy how pricey they are compared to this. I wish woo audio still made theirs

[@robertwang7825]

I bought the ET3 after seeing this video. Most of the time esp. with live recordings Eric Clapton , Diana Krall , MQA CDs , etc it sounds better than my Eversolo A6 ME ( streamer only with Ifi LAN silencer ) . It’s priced at US550 in China , so it’s even better value. Can’t go wrong. CDs r so cheap US2-6 each , it’s really not an expensive hobby at all compared to yester years ( US 15-25/). Its compact minimal size is a bonus for ppl with limited rack space. I haven’t tried the over sampling fn yet , will get to it. I literally forgot. Great recommendation John.

[@shaunapplebaum8341]

Thanks for the review. What about the Audio Lab cd transports? They are known to be competent performers

[@jimfarrell4635]

I am so glad you reviewed this woefully neglected product ( by KZbinrs at least ). I have been a Shanling fan since the days when they made whopping great tank like disc players with tubes which you imported from Hong Kong and broke in a year or two due to the voltage difference . When I heard this was coming out I was champing at the bit, but in true audiophile style started looking into transport tech and bought an immaculate used Jay's Audio cd 2 mk 2 which I then upgraded to mk 3 with the help of Alvin at Vinshine. But this is a stonking product and, while I don't have one I am awaiting delivery of the super cool ( I think ) EC mini. Now a review of that would be great.

[@roig8578]

Thank you. I am impressed with the innovation, performance and the feature set of the HiFi gear coming out lately from the companies based in China. My only concern with buying gear that is born out of a Chinese company is the customer support and service for repairs for US customer. For example, I have emailed several times Musician Audio about service here in the USA for their products; they never answered me. However, Eversolo did communicate with me. If you own SMSL and Topping products and you have bought them used, where do you take them in case they break or need service in the USA? Denafrips has Vinshine Audio; there is one person in Texas, USA that repairs and services Denafrips gear and other Chinese gear like Kinki Studio and Jay's Audio.

[@rolandlickert2904]

Shanling is a more professional company selling in Europe for years but I have no Idea in the USA. As I stay in Bali I have no problems except if there is a problem Jakarta has an official Shangling dealer. I would recommend going to their website and finding out if they have a dealer /distributor for the USA?

[@epi2045]

I’m so old. Each time Shanling is said, it sends me down a rabbit hole; Gary Shandling from the Tracy Ullman show which debuted The Simpson’s in 1987. The year I bought my first CD player… Sony CDP-207 ES.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Funny you mention that, most of my audio gear is made by the Sanders corporation.

[@earthoid]

"I2S (as written) is basically catnip for audiophiles." I love it John!

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

Great review. Love the saucepan lid and top controls. Love the half size too. 👍🏻

[@maxhirsch7035]

Yes, a good touch - I've already tried making curried noodles in mine- didn't turn out so well though!!

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

@@maxhirsch7035 Analogue would have been better.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

I like the unit's appearance it's both retro and current at the same time. 🙂

[@beefsflat7426]

Mines arriving tomorrow. £580 from opic with 10% new customer discount. Love the design and form factor and looking forward to listening to my old cd collection, messing around with upsampling, streaming from my nas etc through my rme adi2 dac. No doubt it won’t provided better 1’s and 0’s than any other cd transport or player but I’m sure I’ll enjoy messing about with it. 😊

[@PhilipBallGarry]

I like it 👌. I like the way a cd is loaded - feels a bit like a digital vinyl in a way. Selecting play whilst you're stood at the unit feels completely natural too 👍

[@jkelley2091]

@@PhilipBallGarry it’s the only transport that upsamples

[@FabiolousBarker]

750 dollars. No thank you, I’ll go for an used Sony ES or Pioneer for this obscene price

[@RobinMarples]

How you do take those on vacation to listen to your open back headphones on those ?

[@matthewfrazee3352]

The et3 is a good visual and form factor match to the nad m10 v2. I love the looks, sound and functionality of my NAD, Shandling, Rega P8 and my Revel 126 speakers. I think looks and pride of ownership can be as important as sound quality of your equipment.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Absolutely- there are no rules for how to enjoy the audio experience. Life is an existential domain- we get to choose our values. While in my experience the sound quality is the preeminent concern, that's just my own value. Pride of ownership can be cool, too.

[@blipco5]

I have trouble spending hundreds of dollars on a cd transport when I can buy a DVD player for $10 bucks off of Craigslist. Sounds good.

[@samrhee3880]

Yeah this is definitely not appropriate for your use case and many others.

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

You could torture me with Alsations and I'd not be able to tell the difference.

[@Wordsalad69420]

Silly take. Most don't have dedicated buttons for play/paus, ff, etc. Their remotes also tend to be a mess.

[@fusionfan6883]

Got to disagree, tried many dvd players and in every case my dedicated transports were noticeably better. So, it depends on your priorities. If you just want an acceptable sound, then of course a dvd will be fine, but if hi fi is your hobby and you are chasing sound quality, then transports are an improvement.

[@misterzero8667]

Go for it listen to cheap crap and enjoy

[@jonathangmallender]

I'm 52 years old and tight as a crabs arse, I'm still using my Pioneer CD player from 1990. It plays CDs and it sounds really good. Works for me 😊

[@martinaston1715]

But u only live once..

[@alexandraphares8511]

I think I've finally talked my mother into getting rid of ours after 2 years.... We haven't used it in a decade and there aren't even speakers at this point though.... Do you have a system with the vinyl deck on top?

[@steveee2511]

great for you does it read all cd,s

[@iwearLingerie]

I'm still using my 1996 Denon

[@trickyrat483]

Great video - no Schiit. :) I think it's the first one in a while where I didn't hear you utter the near mandatory "IT'S NOT A NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE!" :)

[@2HatHudders]

I'm glad your reviewing the Chinese brands. I think there's a ton of good gear coming from China which doesn't always get the reviews. S.M.S.L have just released a CD - DAC. Interesting product.

[@krwd]

i will not support a communistic country that is working so hard to create problems in the world and openly uses slave labor to build things sorry

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

OCD Mikey would disagree w you! I disagree w him!! My whole system is from asian -pacific area. Love it! Shand ET3 is on my short list!!

[@manodirivera6703]

​@@krwdIt's not they are trying to stir up trouble in the world, it is more of western neocon propaganda portraying it that way. But luckily, it only works on stupid people.

[@MHillaryPhotography]

I love your style of reviews!

[@naim70s]

Melco Audio D100 CD drive can rip and also play CDs via USB only has been available for at least 3 years!

[@robertwang7825]

I bought one , it’s pretty darn good sound for the price. It is better than my Eversolo A6 ME. Very good quality indeed.

[@Lutznn]

Thanks for the video John! There is a Schiit distributor out of the Netherlands called schiit-europe. Their stock has been a bit sparse but looks ok at the moment. No URD in stock currently though…

[@Pirxel]

Darko, this is not affordable, especially given it's just a transport. Don´t get me wrong, I'd love to have a dedicated transport, but for the cash you need for that you can get a full, actually affordable high-fi system. Unfortunately for us normal folks, if they want to add a cd player in there, buying and old cd player from yamaha or such remains the only really affordable option.

[@riing]

Yes, a relevant comment. Don't know if manufacturers put more money into parts in a CD transport when they can ignore other non-essential parts, but it's interesting how some products seem to get more expensive when you remove things...

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

@@riingyes, it’s clear that the priciest components do fewer things and not more things. i think you’re right to be curious about this and i think you’d be wrong to assume there’s no there, there

[@misterzero8667]

Most normal folks can afford £600

[@christopherorman5769]

This is an interesting point, however, everything is relative. The Shanling ET3 is certainly affordable in the hi-fi cd transport field. For example, it is half the price of the Urd and three times cheaper than the Jay's Audio CDT2-mk3; and beats both in terms of performance. With it being a top loading unit, the ET3 should last a long time. Therefore, $730 for an end game CD transport is extremely affordable.

[@caps-thetechenthusiasticgu812]

John, you didn’t list that i2S Cable. I need like three! Thanks.

[@seabud6408]

My old portable Sony all metal thin elegant cd player I bought 30 years ago .. has the most useful feature of all .. a digital optical out, which I could use with an optical to coaxial converter with my amplifier (Monitor audio A100) which has a good dac (digital to analogue converter) in it It’s only recently that I was able to get a CD player .. an Amazon branded device (costs £20 and has a very functional remote ) which runs off a standard phone charger or external battery pack for phone charging. (Which makes it movable .. possible to play it without a mains charger unit) Importantly it has a coaxial wired digital out (and hdmi) which I connect to the dac in my amp and sounds indistinguishable from the great mains £400 Arcam cd player I have .. which has great digital to analogue conversion . My new set up has a tiny foot 🦶 print in my living room. Very pleased with it and cost £20. The A100 dac amp can be had 2nd hand for 100 to £200

[@devarsiratdas1425]

You are right....for example My Sony S Master digital amp with inbuilt cd player has the same digital optical out. It's not 30 years old, but 24 years and it sounds like yours absolutely SUPOIB 😊 I connected it to with my recently purchased Marantz amp. No need to buy this expensive stuff. My old Sony S Master tape radio cd looks classy, also all metal with chrome decoration and is available everywhere for about £30 now.

[@hi-rez3552]

Maybe I missed Darko covering it but does anyone officially know if the ET3 supports gapless CD playback?

[@psysword]

I think it does

[@JOSEJUANPlascencia]

have you guys confirmed if it supports gapless playback?

[@darkpatches]

If it didn't, wouldn't I be better off with a $8 1989 CD player from Goodwill to listen to Dark Side of the Moon?

[@bobannon7799]

Can confirm it does lossless playback, over both CD and connected USB drive

[@spoolstring1853]

Disconnected Lid is cool idea no hinge issues damn genius

[@MrKupoman0]

Silly question (no audiophile). Can I use this CD player with my Kef LS50 II Wireless speakers? They already have an integrated DAC.

[@beefsflat7426]

Yes

[@bhob666]

Thanks, good review. I was excited about Schiits CD transport until I saw the price. This looks more reasonable with more features (even though I'm still a Schiit fan).

[@ruste9565]

Wow! Awesome Black Box Recorder collection, you have good taste mate!

[@DarkoAudio]

Yeah, it's a great box set! 🇬🇧

[@JOSEJUANPlascencia]

does anyone know if the Shanling ET3 supports gapless playback?

[@bobannon7799]

Yes, it does. Both from CD and reading files from a connected USB drive. 👍

[@Silsoe123]

Seems good value. Has a colour display, a well designed gravity based cd loader, an app and remote and some decent customisation. I can't see any other equivalent with those sorts of features at that price point

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

High end audio is about performance and not just price. High end and high value can (and should) go together.

[@dragosvarovici2368]

Can you please review their EH3 headphone DAC and amp?

[@AllanWasonga]

Please review the Moondrop Discdream. I'll appreciate.

[@rangerscoach]

wow when you look at that new shanling product it amazes me that we havent seen such things from western hifi companies already. i get the feeling that the decide not to make products that will affect the sales of other products in their line. a cd player that is also an sacd player that upsamples and streams. this is so obviously what comsumers have wanted for ages its shocking we dont have 15 of these already on the market.

[@Bever70]

Nice review 👍! One question though, are you sure it also upsamples over USB? Because when it first came out, there was a mention in the manual I believe that it couldn't upsample, using the USB out to a DAC?

[@lisar3944]

You are correct: it can't upsample over usb

[@patricaomas8750]

Similar physical config to SMSL CD player ie putting disc in/ on

[@bassebassesen2254]

Did you know that PS1 first gen with coax actually has a very good drive mechanism and very good sound. Almost on par with the Sony 5400es in sound, not quite, but close

[@Cherishthamoment]

I have one, what speakers do I connect with it?

[@rolandlickert2904]

In my experience of over 55 years in HiFi audio I always had problems with CD player because I'm living in the tropics without AC. The frontloaders use a rubber belt that deteriorates over time and has to be replaced spare parts are not easy to get even from big brands like Marantz(claiming no more spare parts available) NAD had to get the spare parts from China. One transport lasted 10 years it was a TEAC Esoteric SUPER QUALITY and at that time it was still affordable. I spoke with some technicians and they all said top loaders cause fewer problems. If I will buy a new player I will go for a toploader. Besides the point, I have Two DAP Players from China one over 7 years and one over 4 years never encountered a problem. You have to do research about the company &product you buy from and Shanling is serious.

[@wrangler10]

0:32 HAHAHA ,Coffee came out of my nose

[@auronthas]

The return of CD 💿! With more this kind of CD transport , CD will revive like vinyl 😅 .

[@ThePresentpresence]

How about the ones on Ali express that look exactly the same but cost £150. Theyre just the same without the branding right? Right,?

[@jphw]

yeah

[@misterzero8667]

Totally different they use cheap components

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

Smsl pl200 v shandling ET3 ?

[@lisar3944]

can't speak for the Shanling transport, but when I asked a seller whether the Shanling E*C*3 supports gapless playback, they said it didn't. Based on that, I got the PL200 - it arrived today - and it handles gapless content perfectly. It's a bit goofy and has quite a few features I have no iterest in, but testing so far as a transport only, I'm pleased (will play with the dac later). The top loading design is really great on both of these devices!

[@dominicwalker6201]

Could the USB be used to connect directly to a PC to use as a ripper?

[@robertwang7825]

Thks John. This maybe the CDT n streamer ( I only use Apple Music, no Qobuz available ) ) I’m looking for instead of the Jays Audio CDT because of the price and size. It’s also slightly cheaper cuz I’m in China ( Eu518 ) and didn’t want to spend over 1k. Also I have a DDC and DAC ( Pontus 2 ) so this fits perfect in my system. CDs are very cheap so it’s a no brainer.

[@geographyinaction7814]

I went with the matching CD11 Tribute from Rotel to go with the A11. There are some great low cost CD options, but once Cdn exchange was considered, i chose the Rotel.

[@GWA_UK]

Mate… we went from 0 to 1000 with the technobabble. Was looking forward to a CD player working. Love my CD’s…. Love the content but boom…. First 5 min was crazy

[@DarkoAudio]

Sounds like you have some studying to do! 😉

[@GWA_UK]

Totally agreed Sensi! Am a 3/10 for knowledge so was looking forward to how in my dream set up I could add CD’s… shhhhit happens 😂

[@slammers51]

Hey John, thank you for another nice video. Do you know what the upper USB-connector is for (not USB audio)? It came to me how wonderful it could be, if this player would be recognized by a pc as a cdrom drive for ripping my cds

[@DarkoAudio]

AFAIK, it's to play back from USB storage devices.

[@slammers51]

@@DarkoAudio Thank you for your reply 🤓

[@donniet8953]

Great review, Darko. Your honest and intelligent opinions are appreciated by us old guys getting back in the audio game. How would match a DAC up with player? Would you favor a mid priced Schiit Modi+ or a Topping D70 over a similarly priced Denefrips Ares II? I'll be playing vinyl and CDs - thinking about going with a tube amp. Any suggestions are appreciated!

[@WireHedd]

I have to ask you if you've tried the SMSL PL200 CD which is very similar as the Shanling. I ask because I'm planning to pick up the SMSL in the spring.

[@DarkoAudio]

Nope, not heard the SMSL. The next CD player I cover with be big bucks.

[@k-doggy1762]

I like it. Just wish they’d done the lid connected to the actual chassis like the Chord Blu or Gryphon Ethos.

[@sinliong9095]

Hello sir, can you share for me the link where to purchase this unit? Thank you

[@stephentapp]

I would love to hear a comparison between this and the SMSL PL200

[@DarkoAudio]

How would one compare them? There is no DAC in this and there is in the SMSL. The Shanling is only a transport. Also, the Shanling contains an upsampler and network streamer and the SMSL does not.

[@rolandlickert2904]

Cheap Audiomen claims to be expensive he was not impressed he said the asking price is too high it should be 200US less around 400 US

[@bobannon7799]

@@rolandlickert2904 Could you point me to that video please? Thanks.

[@jeremyratter3634]

@@DarkoAudio I trust you and would have been interested to know how the ET3 sounded to your ears compared to the PL200 used as a CD transport.

[@pavelmarchev1468]

What is your opinion on SACDs? I started buying them and I think with my mid-tier setup I can hear a bit more realism.

[@patbarr1351]

I have not become an SACD convert, although I love the multichannel, which seem to be fewer and fewer lately. I don't hear a difference myself, but some say they hear a better soundstage. There's a lot of music in the standard CD format! (I have a Cambridge universal player.)

[@free5403]

And this could be exactly what I was looking for. A transport, toploader and some basic streaming capabilities 🎉

[@paulomurteira2515]

Quick question, how can I rip cd's with the ET3 and or it's a better idea to use a Brennan B3+?

[@stuartkennedy4202]

Any idea when it will be available in the U.K.

[@F1fletch]

I own a Marantz Model 40N and I want to get a CD Player or Transport in the $600 range. I was thinking of getting a transport since I don’t need a DAC per se, since the Marantz has a decent one. This could also give me an upgrade path down the road. There are a couple of these small CD transports/players out there like the one you reviewed. I don’t need BT or a DAC though. Thoughts?

[@delakota555]

This doesn't look very transportable to me and if I have to plug it into a separate DAC and carry that around too... I'm going to look pretty stupid... I think I'll stick to my Sony Discman. 😔

[@Krell666]

Nice review. Have to agree on Schiit supply, the official distributer here in Oz doesn't seem to bring in much and doesn't seem interested in the brand at all, which is a pity.

[@devarsiratdas1425]

My old Sony S Master digital amp with inbuilt cd player has an optical out. Is 24 years old and it sounds absolutely SUPOIB 😊 connected to my recently purchased Marantz amp and i immediately knew that i don't need to spend money on any totally overpriced expensive stuff. My old Sony S Master tape radio cd combo looks classy, its all light grey metal with chrome decoration and is available everywhere for only about £30 now. I wifi stream tidal as well and when a song plays on cd quality this cd player gives it a run for it's money and sounds much better and clearer than tidal. Can't beat some of the old stuff.

[@aceofspades6667]

Schiits new cd player is a transport with a built in ddc. I’m even more interested in their new balanced phono which is a step above the mani for like 300.

[@michaelmueller3228]

Here in Canada Schiit ain't so cheap, duty, exchange and shipping add up. 😞

[@marioplus321]

cd IS and will BE alive👉✌

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

we will not let this marvelous format die

[@nighthawk_zl1]

Darko putting out some gems!

[@MH-rl9ep]

Curious about the AirPlay feature…you didn’t specify if it’s AirPlay 1or 2. (1 would be preferred as per your article detailing the ins and outs of AirPlay)

[@lookfrance1]

Thank you for the great review, I'm thinking of get ET3 or Audiolab 7000CDT.

[@pajodato5339]

Some of these late Chinese audio things are really good.

[@Scott-DJ]

Cool product & even cooler demo material. The Gil Norton production on that Blue Aeroplanes album probably sounds pretty good upsampled! One of the few people in the States that definitely know who that group is...the guitarist on that masterpiece album was recently lost.

[@DarkoAudio]

RIP Angelo Bruschini 😣

[@Graphiaphoto]

Fun review John, Catnip question, do you know if the I2s output is compatible with PS Audio DSD Dacs I2s input? Thanks, great review as usual 👍

[@charlienyc1]

Is the PS Audio I²S input configurable? Newer DACs ("ChiFi" if you must) have this functionality since there are no current standards for that interface.

[@bobannon7799]

Can confirm, use mine with a PS Audio Directstream dac with no issues whatsover. 👍

[@SergeySedlovsky]

Specifically for CD Transports, why would someone want to use from an Audiophile company instead of trusted good old Sony/Yamaha/etc... ?

[@hushpuppykl]

Wonder how the EC3 stacks up against the CXC for CD playback?

[@bpalpha]

I've been searching for a decent single disc CD player for nearly four years on the second hand market! Today I passed up a Denon Atmos receiver for $18, but there was no acceptable CD players. I'm also trying to avoid the dvd/blueray solution, unless it's some immaculate unit like a Pioneer elite or a Sony ES. Still searching...

[@yellow_noise3]

Find meridian 6000 series. Great transport an cd player, oldschool but still does the job if you have large cd collection and dont need all upsamle, dsd jazz

[@PK92156]

Is it possible to use ET3 as an upsampler (up to DSD512 my DAC support) of computer flac files 16/44, sent via USB and output to DAC via I2S?

[@PeterMooshammer]

You made me buy one. Glad you did. I like it. Looks good next to my amp. That SW though. Still can’t control the cd player via the app.

[@AlphaToker]

The software blows, it's pre-alpha at best. Making clicks and pops with Airplay, dropping BT, not pulling proper artwork, albums getting stuck on the screen. The wi-fi set up is pretty tedious as John said, and it really works half the time, conflicts between sun-link and wifi. Not a very thought out product. You can tell by ET3 displaying Vinyl as the background for playing CD's.

[@alexdenton6586]

I don’t understand how you can call your company Schitt and everybody thinks it’s fine

[@brendonla]

They set out to be an unconventional brand from the outset and it's working for them. Read founder Jason Stoddard's book. He came from a good marketing and advertising background which has served him well with making a name for Schitt Audio. I own two of their products and they work well in my stereo system.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Apparently north Americans think its an appropriate name for a home grown product.....while they disparage foriegn products excrement 🎶🙄🎶

[@delakota555]

I wonder how Ralph Lauren would have fared if he had kept his original name for his brand ...Ralph Lifshitz...? 🤔 Maybe fashion is less forgiving than Hi-fi...

[@Tomlinsky]

To be fair, having a loyal base of Schitt Heads seems to be working for them.

[@TrollDecker]

They seem to be leaning hard as hell into how it sounds...

[@drjezza]

Thanks John. I was unpacking an ET3 that arrived today so your timing was spot on. I was debating between this and the Schiit Urd, so you have ensured no buyers remorse 🙃. Looking forward to listening to it. I didn’t see the link to the podcast mentioned in the review regarding upsampling, but I’m curious to see if I can hear any difference….

[@drjezza]

As a follow up, having now played a few cds, I’m loving the top loading mechanism. It’s weird but tactile and somehow really satisfying. I’ve only had slot or drawer systems before and this is much more natural somehow 🤷🏻

[@DarkoAudio]

As someone else said here, it has more of a turntable vibe.

[@manodirivera6703]

Hey, give us an update in few days, cheers

[@seanchang4442]

😂 I got distracted, all my attention was focused on “Shitt”, and my brain is seriously fried now 😅