SHANLING CT90 Hi-Fi CD Transport
- Top-loading CD transport with independent puck
- Plays CD, CD-R/RW and MQA-CD
- I2S output with 10 pinout modes
- Dual AES/EBU and USB audio outputs
- Bluetooth LDAC and aptX HD input, USB input
- USB drive playback up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512
- Word clock input 44.1 kHz / 10 MHz
- 35W linear power supply, 5.26 kg
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A high end top-loading CD transport with many digital outputs and clock options for serious DAC owners. It has no headphone jack and no listed analog outputs, so it needs an external DAC.
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ASIN: B0GL8ZZHDQModel: CT90Category: CD Players
Overview
Not a complete CD player with built in conversion, this Shanling is a transport that spins discs and sends a digital signal to your DAC. A top-loading puck clamps the disc, and outputs cover inter-chip sound, AES/EBU and USB.
Wide digital output and clock options let it pair with almost any high end DAC. Without a listed analog output, it does nothing on its own, so the DAC is part of the purchase decision.
Who it's for
Hi-fi systems built around a standalone DAC benefit from the transport's outputs and clocking. Listeners without a DAC need an all-in-one CD player instead.
Pros and cons
- Puck system steadies the disc
- Many digital output types
- External word clock input
- Bluetooth and USB playback too
- Needs an external DAC
- No headphone jack
- Box contents not listed
Performance notes
The puck clamps the disc to the spindle, reducing vibration that causes read errors and jitter. Dual oscillators and an optional word clock tighten timing on the digital output. Configurable pinouts on the inter-chip sound port help match the signal to different DACs.
Specifications
| Brand | SHANLING |
|---|---|
| Model | CT90 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 5.26 kg |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Source | 35W linear power supply |
| Construction & materials | |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB, I2S, AES/EBU |
| Warranty & support | |
| Supported Audio Format | PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512, MQA |
| Other details | |
| Media Format Type | Audio CD, CD-R/RW, MQA-CD |
| Connector Type | I2S, AES/EBU, USB |
| Headphones Jack | No headphones jack |
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect the Shanling CT90 directly to an amplifier?
No analog outputs are listed. It sends digital audio over I2S, AES/EBU or USB to an external DAC.
Does the Shanling CT90 play MQA-CD?
Yes. It plays CD, CD-R/RW and MQA-CD, with full MQA decoder modes.
Can the CT90 play files from a USB drive?
Yes. USB drive playback supports PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512 and MQA files.