Over the past 12 months, we fully embraced our classic Hi-Fi heritage and launched an interesting range of CD Players. We started with a
multifunctional EC3, followed by the highly focused
ET3 Transport and this summer we launched our low-budget models
CD80 and
CA80.
Now it’s time for our most unique CD player yet, our first transportable Multifunctional CD Player powered by batteries., the
Shanling EC Mini.
Battery Power for CDs On-the-Go
Fully powered by a pair of 18650 batteries, EC Mini is our first transportable CD Player.
EC Mini works great as a desktop device, compact enough to fit onto cluttered office desks or small bedroom tables. And its fully independent battery power makes it super easy to move between desks in the office, switch between rooms in a house or take it out to a coffee or garden, to enjoy CDs in the fresh air.
As EC Mini demands just a standard USB output for charging, it makes for a perfect fit into modern cars, which completely gave up on the traditional CD players. With EC Mini fitted into a car, you can connect it directly to a stereo system over its RCA outputs or pair it with modern car systems over Bluetooth. And thanks to the dedicated In-Vehicle mode, EC Mini connected over USB cable can even detect when the car starts up, for the automatic Power On/Off function, making for a smooth playback on your trips.
And to carry EC Mini in style, we designed a special shoulder carrying case. Making for easy transportation, protecting the device from any bumps or scratches, all while keeping easy access to all controls and outputs. Carrying case sold separately.
More than just a CD Player
EC Mini is much more than just a simple CD player, under its hood it actually matches our MTouch portable players. Built on the same Ingenic X1000 platform, running our dedicated system optimized for portable players, this time customized to a 2.33-inch touch screen sitting on the top.
This brings a whole new dimension of features, turning EC Mini into a true multifunctional device, way above the limitations of other CD players.
Firstly, we get an option for local playback from MicroSD card and USB drives, with the touch screen allowing for full navigation through the music library right on the device. And our SyncLink feature allows even for remote controlling directly from your phone or tablet.
Secondly, we added Bluetooth, for both receiving and transmitting functions. So this might be the first time when you can play your CDs straight into your Bluetooth headphones on-the-go! Then, with the receiver function, EC Mini will turn into a Hi-Fi quality Bluetooth DAC/AMP for wireless playback from your phone. And if you want to play music over USB connection, EC Mini can serve as a classic USB DAC.
But, the most unique feature on the EC Mini might be its USB output, allowing for a digital output directly to any standalone USB DAC, from small portable units to high-end USB DACs. This is such a rare feature on CD players, yet we managed to fit it even into our cheaper transportable player.
Proven Hi-Fi Components
Audio section of EC Mini is based on our M3 Ultra, packing a pair of our favourite ESS ES9219 DACs, supported by a pair of Ricore RT6863 headphone amplifiers, for a fully balanced audio circuit and 4.4mm output, alongside the standard 3.5mm jack. Putting out up to 248 mW @ 32 Ohms over balanced out.
The CD system is of comparable quality to our CD80 and CA80 players, with a Phillips CD drive and Sanyo HD860 laser for accurate CD and MQA-CD reading. And to prevent any interruptions on a bumpy ride, EC Mini adds extra mechanical and electronic anti-vibration systems.
MSRP 359 USD
Available in October
Key Specification
Dimensions: 25 x 20.5 x 5.2 cm
Weight: 1.2 kg
System: Ingenic X1000 & Shanling MTouch OS
Controls: 2.33-Inch Touch screen & Hardware Buttons
CD System: Philips CD Drive & Sanyo HD860 Laser
DAC: 2x ESS ES9219
Amplifier: 2 Ricore RT6863 Headphone amplifier + LTA8092 Line-Out
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm & RCA
Output Power: 240 mW@32 Ohm Balanced // 140 mW@32 Ohm Single-Ended // 2.1V Line-Out
Output Impedance: Less than 1 ohm
Bluetooth: Two-Way Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Codec: Receiver LDAC, AAC, SBC // Transmitter LDAC, aptX, AAC, SBC
Local Playback: MicroSD card slot & USB-C Input for USB Drives, Hi-Res support up to 32/384 & DSD256
USB Input: USB-C connector for use as USB DAC
USB Output: USB-C Connector for use as a transport for external USB DACs
Battery: Two Built-in 18650 batteries, separate USB-C Charging Connector
Battery Life: Up to 23h with MicroSD card playback, up to 7.5h with CD Playback