Shanling CT90 High-End CD Transport

Description

Shanling CT90 High-End CD Transport

The Shanling CT90 High-End CD Transport the CT90 is all about doing one job exceptionally well, delivering the cleanest possible digital signal from your CDs.

What we like about a dedicated transport like this is the focus. Unlike all-in-one players, the CT90 is built purely for transport duties, which means better clocking, reduced noise, and improved signal integrity. When paired with a quality DAC, the difference can be very noticeable.

In listening terms, that translates to better timing, improved detail retrieval, and a more stable soundstage. It is the kind of upgrade that reveals more from your existing CD collection rather than changing the character of your system.

For customers who already own a high-quality DAC or integrated amplifier with a strong digital stage, this is a logical and worthwhile step up from standard CD players or transport mechanisms

 

View Product Manual >> View Shanling products >>

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a CD transport and a CD player?
   A CD transport only reads the digital data from a disc and sends it to an external DAC. A CD player includes a built-in DAC. The CT90 is a transport, so it requires a separate DAC to produce sound.
2. Do I need an external DAC with the Shanling CT90?
   Yes, the CT90 does not include a DAC. You will need a compatible external DAC or amplifier with digital inputs to convert the signal into audio.
3. Will a CD transport improve sound quality compared to a standard CD player?
   In many systems, yes. A dedicated transport can provide better signal stability and lower jitter, especially when paired with a high-quality DAC, resulting in improved clarity and detail.
4. What type of connection is best between the CT90 and a DAC?
   Coaxial and AES/EBU connections typically offer the best performance due to their stability and bandwidth. The best option depends on your DAC’s input capabilities.
5. Is the Shanling CT90 suitable for entry-level systems?
   It is better suited to mid to high-end systems where the benefits of improved digital signal quality can be fully appreciated. It is most effective when paired with a high-quality DAC.

 

What the Experts Say

• “A dedicated transport that focuses on precision, stability, and signal integrity.”
• “Delivers improved timing and clarity when paired with a quality DAC.”
• “A strong upgrade for CD enthusiasts seeking better digital performance.”

 

Ideal For

• Audiophiles with CD collections
• Systems with external DACs
• High-end stereo setups
• Users upgrading from standard CD players

 

Features

• Top-Loading Design: Features a manual tiltable cover and a precision-tuned magnetic CD puck for stability and reduced mechanical vibration.
• Dedicated Upsampling Circuit: Uses a CT7302 chipset to upsample standard CD audio (16-bit/44.1kHz) to high-resolution PCM (up to 768kHz) or DSD (up to DSD512) before it leaves the unit.
• I²S Output (via HDMI): Managed by an FPGA with 10 selectable pinout modes to ensure compatibility with virtually any third-party DAC.
• Dual AES/EBU Outputs: Rare at this price point, these allow direct connection to high-end active speakers or professional monitors.
• External Clock Input: Supports 44.1kHz or 10MHz master clocks for audiophiles seeking ultra-precise timing.
• Digital Hub Capabilities: Includes Bluetooth 5.0 (supporting LDAC and aptX HD) and a USB-A port for playing high-res files from external drives up to 2TB via the Shanling Eddict Player app.

Dedicated CD Transport Design

Focuses purely on digital signal extraction, delivering improved accuracy and performance compared to integrated CD players.

High-Precision Disc Mechanism

Engineered for stable, low-noise playback, ensuring consistent data retrieval from CDs.

Advanced Clocking System

Low-jitter clock design improves timing accuracy, resulting in clearer and more detailed sound.

Multiple Digital Outputs

Includes coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU outputs for flexible connection to external DACs.

Premium Aluminium Construction

Rigid chassis reduces vibration and interference, improving overall signal stability.

Audiophile Signal Path

Optimised internal layout minimises electrical noise and preserves signal integrit

 

Suggested System Pairing

• DAC: High-quality external DAC (Chord, Musical Fidelity)
• Amplifier: Yamaha A-S Series or Marantz integrated amplifiers
• Speakers: ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm

 

Specifications

Brand: Shanling
Model: CT90
Product Type: CD Transport

Disc Compatibility
CD
CD-R / CD-RW

Transport Mechanism
Philips DA11

Servo
Sanyo SAA7824

DAC
None (transport only)

Upsampling
Chipset – Dedicated CT7302 upsampling circuit
Max via I²S – PCM 768kHz / Native DSD512
Max via AES/Coax – PCM 192kHz / DSD64 via DoP
USB Upsampling – Not available — CD native 16-bit/44.1kHz only
MQA-CD Modes – Full Decoder (4×), Core Decoder (2×), MQA Source

Digital Outputs
I²S (HDMI) FPGA, 10 pinout modes — PCM 768kHz / DSD512
AES/EBU Dual ×2 XLR — PCM 192kHz / DSD64 DoP
Coaxial S/PDIF RCA — PCM 192kHz / DSD64 DoP
Optical TOSLINK — PCM 192kHz / DSD64 DoP
USB Audio Out 16-bit / 44.1kHz only (no upsampling)

Inputs
USB Input (DAC) PCM 768kHz / DSD512 — CT90 as USB transport
Bluetooth LDAC (990kbps), aptX HD, aptX, AAC — no Wi-Fi
USB Drive Up to 2TB — PCM 768kHz / DSD512 / MQA
External Clock 44.1kHz word clock or 10MHz master reference

Internal Clock
Dual: 45 MHz + 49.9 MHz precision oscillators

Clocking
Low-jitter precision clock system

Control
Display 4.8-inch colour (294×1024) — non-touch
Dimming Auto-dim: 15 sec to 30 min timeout
Remote Included — no number pad (sequential skip only)
App Shanling Eddict Player (iOS/Android) via SyncLink
Chassis Rigid aluminium — SCD3.3-inspired aesthetic

Outputs
Digital only (no analogue outputs)

Dimensions
Approx. 280 mm (W) x 100 mm (H) x 91 mm (D)

Weight
Approx. 3.5 kg

Finish
Aluminium (Black / Silver)

MPN: CT90
SKU: SHAN-CT90

EAN / UPC / GTIN: Not publicly published

Colour: Black / Silver

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Authorised Shanling dealer
✔ Expert digital system matching
✔ NZ warranty support
✔ Setup and integration advice
✔ Trusted NZ hi-fi specialists