Introducing Shanling CR60 - CD Transport & CD Ripper at just 269 USD

[Davywhizz]

I'm enjoying my CR60. I bought it as a CD transport. If I need rips, I use dBpoweramp on my laptop and store them for playback on a Brennan B2. I'd say so far I like the CR60 rather than love it; but I'm definitely happy I bought it. It's solidly made, with a bit of weight and looks great.

I chose the CR60 firstly for its size and also the features. It sits perfectly in a Topping SR2 rack, with a Bluesound Node streamer, Graham Slee headphone amp and NJC Audio reference DAC. My little headphones system. A top loader CD transport wasn't an option; not enough headroom in the rack.

I was disappointed the CR60 usb output does not work with my NJC DAC, despite it being designed as UAC1 to work without drivers. But the optical and coax outputs work very well. The sound is fine and the CD mechanism runs very quietly. Nothing audible through headphones, but I can hear it close to the case when it's loading. The remote is not great. It's a generic one for various Shanling devices so some buttons don't do anything.

I've had no problems with any CDs not playing, no skipping or dropouts. I use a 12 volt/3 amp power supply. Not the cheapest I could find, but definitely not high end. I did wonder if some of the reported early problems might be due to people using 5v usb phone chargers with insufficient power rather than the recommended 5v at 2 amps. The CR60 ships without a Shanling power supply in some countries.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Well, this is what I'd be doing with it. I have a drive for ripping CDs to my computer. I need a quality transport. This conversation has been dominated in part by people complaining about one or two CDs not working or complaining about the ripping function. Is that the experience of most of you? I'm guessing, no. I have an old Music Hall (aka, Shanling) CD player I've been using as a transport, but one channel of the analog output has failed and the drive mechanism isn't going to work forever. This particular transport looks to me to be exactly what I need: Sanyo laser, Phillips drive mech, coaxial and toslink outputs. The compact size is is perfect, too.

I don't know if I'll ever use the ripping function, but I literally have not seen anything that looks like a quality transport for less than $500. This thing is priced right... Maybe I'll pull the trigger. The only thing holding me back is the thought that a top-loader might be more reliable in the long run. The SMSL PL200 T just came out.

People who have these and are enjoying them as transports, please let me know the positives.

I am also one who is enjoying my unit, I use it several times a week with no issue, and personally I love the fact that I can use USB to any of my DACs. My other unit is an Audiolab and personally I hear no difference between the two. Where the Shanling wins in my book is it fits in with "desktop size" where the Audiolab is more of a full-size unit and not best suited for desktop.

I power mine with an iFi 12v power supply with no issues

I have recommended it to many friends looking to get back to CD listening at their desk or listening station as it fits very well there.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!!

 

[TinearedOne]

@Shanling, has the CR60 been tested with Schiit's Unison USB? Just curious about compatibility with my Modius.

 

[Shanling]

@Shanling, has the CR60 been tested with Schiit's Unison USB? Just curious about compatibility with my Modius.

No, Schiit is not really present on Chinese market and it's not something we ever tested.

 

[TinearedOne]

No, Schiit is not really present on Chinese market and it's not something we ever tested.

Thanks. I suspect, since it is a standards based implementation that it'll be fine with the CR60. Will post if I purchase one.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thanks. I suspect, since it is a standards based implementation that it'll be fine with the CR60. Will post if I purchase one.

I have a Schiit Modius here, do you know if that's Unison? I don't remember but I could check it.

I would say there would be Zero issues

Cheers!!

 

[TinearedOne]

I have a Schiit Modius here, do you know if that's Unison? I don't remember but I could check it.

I would say there would be Zero issues

Cheers!!

Yes, both the AKM and ESS versions are Unison USB. I confirmed that with Schiit.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Yes, both the AKM and ESS versions are Unison USB. I confirmed that with Schiit.

Cool, I will check it out for you and post back...

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

@Shanling, has the CR60 been tested with Schiit's Unison USB? Just curious about compatibility with my Modius.

I can confirm it works, no issue USB A to Micro....

Good luck!

Cheers!!

 

[UrsusMajr]

Has anyone tried the CR60 connected to a Schiit DAC, specifically the Modius E? Any issues?
Thanks!

 

[Ham guy]

Hello everyone!There is a review on YouTube where a person disassemblesthis transport. So, when disassembling it turned out that there is no drive from Phillips and laser from Sanio. Copies are installed, not the original. This drive costs 2-3 dollars on Aliexpress.Who needs a link to the video, write me a private message.All the best.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Has anyone tried the CR60 connected to a Schiit DAC, specifically the Modius E? Any issues?
Thanks!

Tested with an original modius post right above yours, no issues

If E means ESS I don't see why there should be any issue I have AKM but unison is very good and should not matter.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hello everyone!There is a review on YouTube where a person disassemblesthis transport. So, when disassembling it turned out that there is no drive from Phillips and laser from Sanio. Copies are installed, not the original. This drive costs 2-3 dollars on Aliexpress.Who needs a link to the video, write me a private message.All the best.

Why do you need a private message to post a video link to YouTube?...

Drive by?....

Cheers!!!

 

[Ham guy]

Here is the link:


Video in Russian.By the way, on the Russian marketplacethis transport costs less than 270 dollars, with free delivery. You can also buy a drive there for 3 dollars.

 

[SausageDog]

Not really easy to follow as the voice over is most likely russian and the translated subtitles may not render the actual meaning of the reviewer but findings (maybe just speculations) made in the video seems to be quite clear: drive mechanism and laser seems not be what are advertised but just very cheap parts that can be found on usual market places and some other concerns are raised regarding some other component used in the devices, especially for what regards the durability of the product.

I'm not a technical guy here to express a valid opinion on the consideration made in the video but a clarification from a Shanling representative would be very appropriate since some findings could be quite concerning.