Shanling ET3 - Dedicated Digital CD Transport, With USB Drive and Wi-Fi Support

[plikestechno]

I played a 68.5 minute cd the other night. An early 90s press of a Jarre album. I did not hear a glitch. If it happened, it must have been pretty quick as I didnt notice it.

 

[TinearedOne]

A few days in with the ET3, and the clear benefit over the CR60 so far is that it’s dead silent in operation. The top-loading mechanism also feels more satisfying and premium compared to a traditional sliding tray.

I can’t take advantage of any oversampling beyond 192kHz to my DMP-A6 Gen 2 at the moment. Sonically, I didn’t compare the ET3 and CR60 side by side, but I’d bet I couldn’t tell them apart even blindfolded three times over in a float tank.

A couple of nitpicks: I’m not a big fan of the front logo script or the vinyl-style background—would’ve preferred a CD motif. That said, I do appreciate the black finish (SMSL would’ve been in the running if their unit came in black). I listen with my eyes open, so aesthetics matter in my setup.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the ET3. It’s my first dedicated CD transport, though I’ve owned several high-end players in the past—from modded Oppos to Yamaha units. The form factor and ability to USB into a DAC are welcome updates to my system, using coax for upsampling currently.

Question: dead silent when? While everything is closed and spinning? Was your CR60 not silent mechanically?

 

[OneEyedHito]

Question: dead silent when? While everything is closed and spinning? Was your CR60 not silent mechanically?

There is zero audible noise from the disc motor on the ET3, but there is audible disc motor noise on the CR60 from my sitting location which is right next to my desk, I sit about 24" from the Transport and if you are farther than that then you won't hear anything from the CR60 in my experience.

 

[TinearedOne]

There is zero audible noise from the disc motor on the ET3, but there is audible disc motor noise on the CR60 from my sitting location which is right next to my desk, I sit about 24" from the Transport and if you are farther than that then you won't hear anything from the CR60 in my experience.

Saves me the trouble. I’m about the same distance from my player as you. It needs to be dead silent mechanically. Thanks.

 

[Sharppain]

I am using the Shanling ET3 for past year and more with Gustard R26. I am quite happy with it.
Sounds excellent and musical. Form factor is a plus.

Here are some of my observations:

• Place your ET3 on flat surface which doesn't tilt on any side even by a small mm. Any tilt and it will screech and skip.
• Did not notice 65-67 skip or glitch ever. Yet, will try again today.
• USB sounds aweful, my preferred outputs are i2s > AES > Coax. Yes, I have made my own custom Gustard R26 to ET3 i2s cable. You can find the pinout diagram on previous posts. Currently running coax to hegel h390 and digital out to R26 coax. Hegel as DDC.
• I wish it gets roon certification, I don't have a streamer. Directly using LAN for R26 with Roon HQP.

All very much true.
Soft (self-leveling) extra feet does excellent job.

 

[Weber]

Here's my set up with the et3 transport. I'm use a pair of Meze 99 Classic silver cans with it. I'm very impressed with it.

 

[DrDen]

I am using the Shanling ET3 for past year and more with Gustard R26.
…USB sounds aweful, my preferred outputs are i2s > AES > Coax.

Some time ago I planned to purchase R26 as a secondary DAC, so I’ve read a lot about it. Seems like its USB input is not best. Many users prefer its LAN input.
Much depends also on the dounstream gear. After changing my amp I don’t like longer any upsampling by ET3. Its soundstage seemed artificial, the sound was less fluid. I liked it with my previous amp.
All of my gear is levelled up, the anti-vibration feet with ceramic balls inside are used. Never had any problems with my tube amps (they are usually very sensitive to any vibration). The only single glitch does constantly appear in the end of any CD longer than 67-68 minutes — I can’t believe it might be of a mechanical nature.
Last evening I’ve noticed this glitch around a 69 minute on a certain CD (69.24 long). Playing it again today I’ve heard no glitch! I will check it further. Fingers crossed! Very interesting: 67.05, 67.30, 69.00… I hope it have finally migrated outside of a CD playtime.

 

[Brummle]

Some time ago I planned to purchase R26 as a secondary DAC, so I’ve read a lot about it. Seems like its USB input is not best. Many users prefer its LAN input.
Much depends also on the dounstream gear. After changing my amp I don’t like longer any upsampling by ET3. Its soundstage seemed artificial, the sound was less fluid. I liked it with my previous amp.
All of my gear is levelled up, the anti-vibration feet with ceramic balls inside are used. Never had any problems with my tube amps (they are usually very sensitive to any vibration). The only single glitch does constantly appear in the end of any CD longer than 67-68 minutes — I can’t believe it might be of a mechanical nature.
Last evening I’ve noticed this glitch around a 69 minute on a certain CD. Playing it again today I’ve heard no glitch! I will check it further. Fingers crossed! Very interesting: 67.05, 67.30, 69.00… I hope it have finally migrated outside of a CD playtime.

I used to have the R26 also, great sounding DAC for the price!
Now I'm saving up for a HiFi-Rose RS130 (streamer), as I really like what I read about it.
My ET3 will then be "reduced" to playing CDs only, now and then.. I reckon I will keep it for this purpose, as I enjoy it's sound and small form factor

 

[Weber]

I have read reviews on other big dollar transports. It seems like the et3 holds it's own against them. I don't think I will buy a $3,000 transport to get a bit better than the Et3 transport. I don't stream music. The internet in my area has to many drop outs to enjoy it. So I spin my cd's and enjoy them.

 

[DrDen]

Another CD : glitch at 71.30 (total time is 75.23 — “Arminio” CD1).
Edit: CD2 is shorter — NO GLITCH!!!

Obviously it’s not a software bug.
The very last result — 72’. It behaves like a mechanical obstacle being gradually shifted. Well, it took half a year of almost everyday using.
Glitch almost gone, but questions stay.

 

[amrutmhatre90]

@DrDen can you place ET3 on a different surface, remove all anti vibration feet and test?

 

[naka9]

Some time ago I planned to purchase R26 as a secondary DAC, so I’ve read a lot about it. Seems like its USB input is not best. Many users prefer its LAN input.
Much depends also on the dounstream gear. After changing my amp I don’t like longer any upsampling by ET3. Its soundstage seemed artificial, the sound was less fluid. I liked it with my previous amp.
All of my gear is levelled up, the anti-vibration feet with ceramic balls inside are used. Never had any problems with my tube amps (they are usually very sensitive to any vibration). The only single glitch does constantly appear in the end of any CD longer than 67-68 minutes — I can’t believe it might be of a mechanical nature.
Last evening I’ve noticed this glitch around a 69 minute on a certain CD (69.24 long). Playing it again today I’ve heard no glitch! I will check it further. Fingers crossed! Very interesting: 67.05, 67.30, 69.00… I hope it have finally migrated outside of a CD playtime.

Can you please point me to where did you buy “the anti-vibration feet with ceramic balls inside“? Thanks

I am using 3 Pangea Pico Small feet with my ET-3 with great results, but want to try something different with my dac.

 

[DrDen]

Can you please point me to where did you buy “the anti-vibration feet with ceramic balls inside“? Thanks

https://sl.aliexpress.ru/p?key=VFIs3r3

 

[amrutmhatre90]

https://sl.aliexpress.ru/p?key=VFIs3r3

I use same, I once in a while had bad skips when these were not placed properly.
Problem is these bugger's are not 100% identical.

 

[DrDen]

Hello all! Moving the ET3 to other independent and absolutely horizontal surface have not changed things. The thing (glitch timing) seems elastic: last evening it was on 72 minute, but right now it is on 71’30” (same CD). Feet also don’t matter.
IMHO I’ve done enough to provide the manufacturer with information.