Shanling CT-90
The Shanling CT90 is a premium, top-loading high-fidelity CD transport designed for audiophiles who want to extract the cleanest possible digital signal from their CD collection. Unlike standard CD players, it does not include a built-in DAC and must be connected to an external digital-to-analogue converter to function.
Key Features and Build
The Shanling CT90 is built with a focus on stability and signal purity, borrowing design elements from Shanling's flagship models.
Top-Loading Mechanism: Uses a manual top-loading tray with a precision-tuned CD puck and a tiltable cover to minimize vibration and mechanical noise during playback.
Advanced Servo & Laser: Features a Sanyo DA11 laser and a SAA7824 servo system for accurate, single-speed reading.
High-Resolution Upsampling: Includes a dedicated upsampling circuit capable of converting signals to high-res PCM (up to 768kHz) or DSD512 formats, though this is primarily effective over the I²S output.
Linear Power Supply: Equipped with a 30W-35W linear power supply and Hi-Fi transformer to reduce electrical noise and improve dynamic performance.
Pure CD Mode: Features a specialized "Pure CD Mode" that deactivates the remote, app communication, and screen to ensure the most direct and interference-free playback.
Connectivity and Compatibility
This transport is highly flexible, offering extensive digital outputs and high-resolution wireless options.
Comprehensive Digital Outputs: Includes I²S (via HDMI), dual AES/EBU, coaxial, optical SPDIF, and USB Audio outputs.
I²S FPGA Control: The I²S output features 10 selectable pinout modes to ensure compatibility with various external DAC brands.
Wireless Streaming: Supports Bluetooth 5.0 input with high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX HD.
External Clock Support: Includes a word clock input for integration with external 10MHz or 44.1kHz master clocks for timing-critical setups.