Ready to rewind to the golden age of music, but with a modern twist? The Shanling ECZero AKM isn't just a retro CD player; it's a portable powerhouse designed to bring your physical music collection into the digital age. This device is more than just a CD player; it's a versatile audio hub, offering a blend of classic and contemporary features.
Let's dive in!
Beyond the Disc: A Multifaceted Music Machine
The ECZero AKM goes beyond simply spinning discs. It’s equipped with CD ripping capabilities to USB drives, Bluetooth wireless transmission, and both balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs. Plus, it includes digital coaxial/optical outputs, offering flexibility for various setups.
Solid-State vs. Tubes: The Heart of the Matter
Shanling made a bold move with the ECZero AKM. They ditched the tubes and R2R DAC found in the ECZero T, opting for an all-solid-state design. This new model is built around an AKM AK4493S DAC and SGM8262 op-amps. This shift in design is a key differentiator, influencing both the sound profile and the price point.
Power and Performance: Driving Your Headphones
When it comes to headphones, the ECZero AKM doesn’t skimp on power. The 3.5mm headphone jack delivers 525mW into 32 Ohms, while the 4.4mm balanced output pumps out 836mW per channel into the same load, particularly when using external power. These numbers suggest ample power for most headphones. Shanling has also lowered the output impedance to make it more friendly for in-ear monitors (IEMs).
Connectivity: A Symphony of Options
The rear panel offers a range of connections, including a 3.5mm line out, a 4.4mm balanced line out, and a combined 3.5mm coaxial/optical SPDIF socket for connecting to external DACs. This variety ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.
User Experience: Simple and Intuitive
The ECZero AKM features a 1.68″ color LCD that displays track information, playback status, and volume level. Physical buttons control transport functions, while a volume slider provides precise control. This design prioritizes ease of use, keeping the focus on the music.
Built to Last: Design and Build Quality
The device measures 158 x 150 x 28mm and weighs 575 grams. It features a metal housing with tempered glass covering the disc mechanism. The mechanism uses magnetic pressure to stabilize the CD, reducing vibration and minimizing read errors – a critical feature for portable use.
Battery Life: Music on the Go
The ECZero AKM boasts a 5500mAh battery, promising up to ten hours of portable playback. It charges via USB-C, which also supports external power for desktop use.
Wireless Freedom: Bluetooth Capabilities
Bluetooth 5.3 opens up wireless streaming options. However, the ECZero AKM transmits rather than receives. It supports SBC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive codecs. The absence of AAC means that AirPods users will be stuck with basic SBC transmission, while the lack of LDAC limits options for Sony headphone owners.
Digital Archiving: Ripping Your CDs
The CD ripping feature is a boon for music lovers. You can rip CDs directly to a USB drive via the USB-C connection. The process happens in real-time, so a 70-minute album takes 70 minutes to rip. The documentation doesn’t specify the file format options, leaving users to manually tag their files after ripping.
Computer Audio: A Versatile DAC
A second USB-C port transforms the ECZero AKM into a desktop DAC for computer audio. The AK4493S DAC supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256, exceeding the Red Book CD standard. This overspecification ensures the chip operates well regardless of the source material.
Price Point: Value Proposition
The ECZero AKM is priced at US$319, a significant reduction from the tube-equipped ECZero T at US$589. This price difference reflects the shift to a solid-state design.
The Big Question:
Does a portable CD player make sense in 2024? And, more importantly, is there a market for this nostalgic revival?
What do you think? Are you excited about the resurgence of CD players, or do you prefer streaming? Share your thoughts in the comments!
