Shanling has updated its 28cm-wide CD80 player to MKII status with a new DAC circuit – built around a Cirrus Logic chip instead of an ESS – and a new CD loading mechanism, which is now a draw instead of a slot. The new model also guarantees gapless playback from both CDs and USB storage devices inserted into its front panel USB-A socket for which file selection and playback comes via Shanling’s rather basic Eddict app.
The CD80 II is a headphone-focussed CD player with 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm sockets on the front panel to respectively offer 215mW and 850mW into 32 Ohms. Output impedance on both sockets is less than 1 Ohm to make this player IEM-friendly.
On the back panel, analogue RCA sockets and a digital coaxial output – that supports PCM up to 24bit/192kHz for USB drive playback – permit hook-ups to external DACs, external headphone amplifiers and loudspeaker amplifiers. The CD80 II’s RCA sockets can also be switched from line-level output to variable for full pre-amplifier functionality. Menu system control comes via a porthole 1.3″ LCD screen and the multi-function volume wheel.
The Bluetooth input talks SBC, AAC and LDAC; and an IR remote is supplied.
The price? A very affordable US$359. Your choice of silver or black.
Further information: Shanling