*Thank you for stopping by! Let me know which you prefer? A CD player or a CD Transport?* Shanling ET3 CD Transport: (USA) skybygramophone.com/products/shanling-et3-digital-cd-transport?_pos=4&_sid=8a749d92e&_ss=r (Canada): amzn.to/3NlxZkE Shaling EC3 CD Player: (USA) skybygramophone.com/products/shanling-ec3-compact-cd-player?_pos=1&_sid=651eaf3c7&_ss=r (Canada) amzn.to/4eWLRxA Arendal 1528 Bookshelf Speaker: store.arendalsound.com/product/1528-bookshelf-8/?refer=iyagi Aric Audio Motherlode XL Tube Pre-amp: aricaudio.com/the-motherlode-xl/ AGD Audion Monoblocks: agdproduction.com/product/audion/ Aurender N20: aurender.com/home/n20/ Audio Note CD Zero: www.audionote.co.uk/cd-zero Related Videos: Aric Audio Motherlode Xl Tube Pre-Amp Review: ua-cam.com/video/Ai5urd_KoU8/v-deo.htmlsi=ieACIhL5MjvBh1Cv AGD Audion Monoblock review: ua-cam.com/video/26bLvCAklHk/v-deo.htmlsi=xxXt2h1ElMT3NSBO 0:00 Shanling ET3 Modern CD Player 5:00 Best CD Player For DENAFRIPS DACs? 6:10 Shanling Streamer? 8:30 Shanling ET3 Sound Quality Review Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: ua-cam.com/play/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0.html Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
Transport for me - used an excellent Primare vintage CD player as transport for my Denafrips DAC. I have now ordered this Shanling after sitting on the fence.
I prefer my tube cd player over everything else I’ve heard. But I also wanted a simple, low box-count system instead of having many pieces of gear and cables all over.
I’ve owned the ET3 & the companion EH3 for about 4 months now absolutely love them both , so many connection options and really enjoy the smaller unit size. Great sound and great value for the money thanks, Jay.
Great review Jay. I have been interested in the ET3 since it came out, and there has been virtually no reviews except from a headphone guy who thought the features were not useful. You covered my intended use perfectly.
Just received my ET3 yesterday - sounds great with my Terminator Plus DAC - thank you for your review as I had been looking for a good and affordable transport for the last couple of years:-)
I also bought the ET3 and enjoying my CDs but I haven’t tried the oversampling mode and I2S so I will look forward to trying that. The design and compact form factor is very clean. Sounds pretty good.
I just bought the Shanling SCD1.3 SACD player. It has i2s output where i can send SACD in 88khz to my external DAC. Better sounding than the SACD analog out. Pairs very well with the Mola Mola Tambaqui! 3D sounding
Had this for 6 months with a Denafripps Venus II its amazing, I was on the verge of having to buy a Jays Audio CD transport at a much higher price but saw this and gave it a go, glad I did 🙂
I have also just tried the DSD upsampling as I never paid any attention to it previously - long story short it is slightly different softer more analogue ish, suspect it will be highly dependent on the balance of your current setup but it is an option that folks should try if their DAC can work with DSD rather than converting it to PCM
I bought the et3 transport 2 months ago. Works extremely good with I2S and oversampling. Some issues with this transport are: don't work with some CDs and connect to WIFI is complicated.
Just got my ET3 a couple of days ago. Replacing an Audiolab 6000cdt. Using it with a Denafrips Venus II - 12th DAC. I am trying to decide between upsampling to 768 kHz and feeding the pcm signal to the Venus. Or, up sampling to DSD512 and feeding that to the Venus. As I understand it, Denafrips routes the pcm signal through the R-2-R ladder; while the DSD signal is converted via a different circuit. I believe that I prefer the pcm approach (more airy/transparent) over the DSD (somewhat intoxicating but a bit “syrupy”). Curious about others’ experiences. Also, this is the first time I have fed DSD into my DAC. Should I expect any sort of evolution in the sound with increased use? I don’t even know if such “internal circuit break in” is a thing.
@@WilliamODonnell-t1u I have more or less the same question. Just bought an ET3 and will be hooked up to a Denafrips Terminator 2 12th via I2S. I'm curious about what signal to feed the DAC and whether it's better to let the transport or DAC do the upsampling via the filters. Guess I'll plenty to play about with. How's your experience so far?
I've had an ET3 for a while and use it to feed my iancanada DAC via I2S. As Jay, I'm not always a fan of upsampling. With this transport however, if the mastering on a CD is a little sharp, I've found rubbing some DSD all over it will smooth things out. Conversely, if the disc sounds foggy, upping the frequency will dial in the details.YMMV.
I'm planning on getting one of these. Incredibly well featured for its price. I'll definitely be going for the transport. Its USB's are more advanced than those on the player version.
Thanks Jay. What I would be interested in is a shootout with other similarly priced transports on the market from Cambridge, Arcam, etc. I’ve always wondered why no one has done this to my knowledge. Cheers from Vancouver!
My dream stack is a silver one of those with a denefrips pre amp, amp and dac all silver minimal and compact. Right now I use a pioneer elite Blueray as a transport. It cost $800 back in the day that I got at a thrift store. A lot of those work great. Good choice for a CD. I have been rocking on my reference playlist. Big change from DIO. Heavy 🤘
I just ordered one of these a few days ago. I won’t use nearly all of its features, and excited to hear it with my DAC. I ripped my entire catalog a couple of years ago, I anticipate this should sound better. Almost the only reason I purchased it is I2s. I can’t believe there’s still new devices coming out without it. Heard nothing but good things about the upsampling which years ago would be something I’d think I’d avoid.
I have the NuPrime CDT9 transport that also upsamples and has I2S for a couple of months now. I really do like it but I wish I knew about this one when I was shopping. Could have saved $500.
Your review just came right on time! I have been looking at the ET3 cd transport. I have a Holo Audio Spring 2 Dac which has an I2S input. Once i verified their I2S are compatible, i will very likely pull the trigger to order one. I always prefer top loading CD transport 😊 Thanks for the great review!
Looks like he received and soon going to review the Arendal 1528 Bookshelves @ 5:11. Apparently, the 1528 Towers are AWESOME. Can't wait for his review of the bookshelves.
Great review. I've had the ET3 for a couple weeks and really liking it into my Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. While I was waiting for the ET3 to arrive, I emailed Lyngdorf to get their thoughts on upsampling into the 1120 because I'm aware the 1120 doesn't use a traditional DAC and I was curious how an upsampled input would be processed... short answer, they don't recommend it. I'll probably still give it a try at some point, but it sounds great without.
Did you try PCM up-sampling ? If so did you find it to be inferior to DSD ? I saw a review that did a comparison, not on this CD transport but a DAC and they preferred PCM up over DSD, but again different component but the physical source is PCM native
@@Jayiyagi I was more interested if you compared DSD to PCM upsampling, as in the video you made it clear you liked the DSD more than NOS. Since this is a PCM CD in theory I would think that PCM might be better than DSD over sampling 🙏
I've been thinking of replacing my CD player, being used as a transport via Toslink w something better but under $1k. The upsampling feature seems like a differentiator but SPDIF (coax, optical) only supports up to 96/24. I would need USB or i2s to support higher upsampled rates?
Righ on time. Thanks for the detsiled review. This is interesting and considering buying, as i had a beautiful Shanling Tube cd/sacd player in the past. I understand the unit will not play SACD'S (which i have a nice collection of).....but i wonder: Will the upsampling be similar or even better quality compared to sacd? Hope to see & hear one at Toronto Audio Show.
SACD requires a different laser pickup, as they contain much more data, so the laser needs a different wavelength etc. Better to have it optimised for CD playback. I ripped my 60 odd SACDs.
Nice unit. Considering it for i2s and upsampling features. I do prefer the look of the CD player with its aluminium facia though. Is there a reason for the perspex front with the transport?
It would be helpful to know with these products if they have a north America service facility to does it have to be shipped to China or Korea or whatever for service.
I mention it briefly in the video but the Audio Note is a more tube like sound, holographic, smooth, slightly warm etc while the shanling is more about transparency, accuracy, detail with good bass extension etc
@@Jayiyagi Thank you for clarifying, I'm sorry I didn't pick that up. I have a TEAC VRDS-701T, and I was sure it was going to play nicer than streaming. But I prefer streaming due to it sounding better. The TEAC is supposed to be good. I don't know if I should just enjoy streaming, or search for a better CD transport. Thank you.
well do you have a large cd collection? Then it might be worthwhile to search for a better CD Transport or a streamer like the innuos zen mini mk3 that has a cd ripper built in. If you are thinking of trying the shanling et3, I recommend getting it from amazon as it's easy returns if you do not like it but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised
@@jackbaker9023 something not right there. CD imho always sounds better than streaming and that TEAC is a great transport. Have you checked the rest of the chain?
Hi Jay, appreciate your reviews. So I take it you usually don't use you Pontus in OS mode, but did you turn it on for this stack, resulting in Double oversampling? I've been listening to SACD and CD via I2s from an OPPO player into an I2s break-out box and on to a Pontus II with 12th firmware. I usually prefer OS on for more "air"/detail but would it be too much with the transport also upsampling? That OPPO is going to give up the ghost one day so I'm on the lookout for a replacement. My use is on a headphone only stack.
I’m thinking of pairing this cd transport with a Naim uniti atom, what’s do you think? Love your channel, I saw you at Torontos audio fest and wanted to say hello but you were filming at the time and I didn’t want to bother you.
Thanks for the review. I agree about I2S. Do you have any thoughts on the Shanling SCD1.3 Player which will also handle SACD? Not available from a US retailer as far as I know.
Interesting, I currently use an Integra CDC 3.4 as my transport. Would this sound that much better. I like being able to load 6 cd's and have music for hours.
Wow! The Shanling transport sounds better than your Jay’s CDT 2 MkII? I was seriously considering picking up the Jay’s but will have to rethink that now…
FYI Be VERY careful with the lid, it can slip out of your hand. Mine did and fell on the floor breaking the complex internal mechanisms. Making matters worse, had to order replacement from China. 3 weeks , still waiting
I am considering the Halo Cyan2 Dac and along with its I2S input. This transport sounds perfect. Sadly, I have a Classe CDP 1 which costs 4500.00 CDN and the unit will no longer accept a CD in its slot feed. Evidently the unit is not repairable.
I almost bought a Classe CD transport, but I dont listen to CDs anymore. Anyways if you do some reading I just forget which CD transport the classe uses, but you can probably still get it (might be teac or philips) that may cure your problem.
Shanling ET3 owner here You can’t change the display image… YET They are looking into several user suggestions for the next Firmware update. Shanling are very engaging with users on Hifi forums, which shows they stand by their products. Always a great thing to see, and gives confidence.
GM☕️🍩 I’m running the Audiolab 6000CDT ..with a Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC.. Having a dedicated transport IMHO is the best way to go 👍 Hope to see you at the upcoming Audiofest 👍
Your " CD transport " per minute count is 4.. So.. you've said it about 60 times.😇 I am going to hear your voice saying that in my head for a few days. ..😅
Ha ha....i lost count, but i was thinking that! Pedantic presentation, much as i like Jay. Why not say: The ET3/ unit/ this model/ the Shanling etc ? Thumbnail calls it a CD player, which is misleading.
Google the laser mechanism and CD drive, they are used in several “big manufacturer” transports, including McIntosh and Accuphase. No problems with the components in the ET3, I own one.
I wish 20 years ago, that I hadn't had a negative experience with Shanling . I'll never touch their product again for the way they didn't look after a defective product. It worked for 6 months and for the next 19.5 years ,it a has collected dust. No one will even try to fix it.
Thanks for this review. The issue of SACDs is frustrating. DACs like the Denafrips units like the Pontus or Venus do DSD -- and you spend a lot of time talking about the DSD capabilitities of the ET3-Pontus combo -- but Shanling won't play the DSD native "hard copy" medium... SACD. Silly. I know, I know, Sony has traditionally protected the DSD output from SACD readers. But their newest 4k blu ray players -- like the 800M2 -- are essentially SACD transports... they don't even have analog outputs! One can get a HDMI to I2S converter box and feed, say, a Denafrips Venus 15 (out soon) via its very best input. i dont see why at this point in time Shanling couldn't make an SACD version of this transport. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It's exactly what im looking for.
This transport only support CD, not SACD or DVD-A. But with oversampling you can virtually simulate a SACD, DVD-A or better. The only job for a DAC is to convert digital format to analog format. Over sampling is give to the DAC a bigger source to work like DSD. This is process is similar when you have a TV signal and the TV is oversampling that signal to 4K. A lot of TVs are doing that because the signal is 720p or less. Those TVs have an oversampling chip that do that job.
The ET3 is an odd contradiction of something aspiring to offer audiophile purity (no DAC, i2S) along with aspects that demonstrate they phoned it it (the almost-a-circle display, the weakly non-competitive streaming). Overall I get strong vibes of feature creep here, despite being attracted to the top loader. We do need more top load CD players! Another aspect of concern is that companies such as this don’t have a design language or even a design path. They already describe their own EC3 as obsolete. As great as the ET3 is, in 2 years no one will remember it because Shanling will have forgotten it too.
Et3 does have i^2s. One of the few cd transport that has it… and it’s normal to not have a dac in a transport… its for ppl who want to use their own external dac.. if you want a dac in it, thats what the cd player EC3 is for.
Hi Jay;I just bought the shanling c 60 cd transport to rip my cd collection to the eversolo master edition with a 1 tb ssd card..Had to buy an external 12v ac adapter..It rips very fast and sounds great..bought from Grammerphone sky..hope You do a video of the 60 review for $299.00,,Thanks
@@Jayiyagi yeah I figured it out, rather soon in the video 😁 still the links don't seem right, the transport is more expensive than the player? Did I miss that in the video (3 yo wanting attention tends to do that) 😎
The Shanling ET3, the CD transport costs more because it's a higher tier product despite looking similar to the Shanling EC3 CD player. The ET3 is NOT just the EC3 without a DAC. It is a much more sophisticated unit than the EC3.
*Thank you for stopping by! Let me know which you prefer? A CD player or a CD Transport?*
Shanling ET3 CD Transport: (USA) skybygramophone.com/products/shanling-et3-digital-cd-transport?_pos=4&_sid=8a749d92e&_ss=r
(Canada): amzn.to/3NlxZkE
Shaling EC3 CD Player: (USA) skybygramophone.com/products/shanling-ec3-compact-cd-player?_pos=1&_sid=651eaf3c7&_ss=r
(Canada) amzn.to/4eWLRxA
Arendal 1528 Bookshelf Speaker: store.arendalsound.com/product/1528-bookshelf-8/?refer=iyagi
Aric Audio Motherlode XL Tube Pre-amp: aricaudio.com/the-motherlode-xl/
AGD Audion Monoblocks: agdproduction.com/product/audion/
Aurender N20: aurender.com/home/n20/
Audio Note CD Zero: www.audionote.co.uk/cd-zero
Related Videos:
Aric Audio Motherlode Xl Tube Pre-Amp Review: ua-cam.com/video/Ai5urd_KoU8/v-deo.htmlsi=ieACIhL5MjvBh1Cv
AGD Audion Monoblock review: ua-cam.com/video/26bLvCAklHk/v-deo.htmlsi=xxXt2h1ElMT3NSBO
0:00 Shanling ET3 Modern CD Player
5:00 Best CD Player For DENAFRIPS DACs?
6:10 Shanling Streamer?
8:30 Shanling ET3 Sound Quality Review
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BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
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amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
Transport for me - used an excellent Primare vintage CD player as transport for my Denafrips DAC. I have now ordered this Shanling after sitting on the fence.
I prefer my tube cd player over everything else I’ve heard. But I also wanted a simple, low box-count system instead of having many pieces of gear and cables all over.
I’ve owned the ET3 & the companion EH3 for about 4 months now absolutely love them both , so many connection options and really enjoy the smaller unit size. Great sound and great value for the money thanks, Jay.
How much was it ? Thanks
I had TEAC Esoteric P-10 transport link to Audio Note DAC 1 to Auidio Note SORO SE for over 20 years. They sounds so awesome.
Great review Jay.
I have been interested in the ET3 since it came out, and there has been virtually no reviews except from a headphone guy who thought the features were not useful. You covered my intended use perfectly.
Just received my ET3 yesterday - sounds great with my Terminator Plus DAC - thank you for your review as I had been looking for a good and affordable transport for the last couple of years:-)
Which digital cable did u use?
I also bought the ET3 and enjoying my CDs but I haven’t tried the oversampling mode and I2S so I will look forward to trying that. The design and compact form factor is very clean. Sounds pretty good.
I just bought the Shanling SCD1.3 SACD player. It has i2s output where i can send SACD in 88khz to my external DAC. Better sounding than the SACD analog out. Pairs very well with the Mola Mola Tambaqui! 3D sounding
May I ask where you purchased it? Does not seem to be available from a US retailer?
Had this for 6 months with a Denafripps Venus II its amazing, I was on the verge of having to buy a Jays Audio CD transport at a much higher price but saw this and gave it a go, glad I did 🙂
What happened to it after 6 months?
@@sydsM3 Sorry my bad its my current system, I meant I've owned it for six months and intend to stick with it
I have also just tried the DSD upsampling as I never paid any attention to it previously - long story short it is slightly different softer more analogue ish, suspect it will be highly dependent on the balance of your current setup but it is an option that folks should try if their DAC can work with DSD rather than converting it to PCM
Did u use the i2s output to your Venus ii ? Or u using the USB? Any difference in SQ?
Which has a better SQ in your setup, I2S or USB ?
Wow, finally I can be the first person to comment here. Great video as always Jay
Jay, you have a run...you review only very interesting and unique gear these days. Spot on
🔥🐹🔥
I bought the et3 transport 2 months ago. Works extremely good with I2S and oversampling. Some issues with this transport are: don't work with some CDs and connect to WIFI is complicated.
Which cd did not work? I am curious as it played all the cds I have just fine
Thanks in advance!
@@Jayiyagi most likely cdr or homemade cds
Did you get the 1.6 firmware? I could just set it up using sharing password with my iPhone.
Just got my ET3 a couple of days ago. Replacing an Audiolab 6000cdt. Using it with a Denafrips Venus II - 12th DAC. I am trying to decide between upsampling to 768 kHz and feeding the pcm signal to the Venus. Or, up sampling to DSD512 and feeding that to the Venus. As I understand it, Denafrips routes the pcm signal through the R-2-R ladder; while the DSD signal is converted via a different circuit. I believe that I prefer the pcm approach (more airy/transparent) over the DSD (somewhat intoxicating but a bit “syrupy”). Curious about others’ experiences. Also, this is the first time I have fed DSD into my DAC. Should I expect any sort of evolution in the sound with increased use? I don’t even know if such “internal circuit break in” is a thing.
@@WilliamODonnell-t1u I have more or less the same question. Just bought an ET3 and will be hooked up to a Denafrips Terminator 2 12th via I2S. I'm curious about what signal to feed the DAC and whether it's better to let the transport or DAC do the upsampling via the filters. Guess I'll plenty to play about with. How's your experience so far?
I've had an ET3 for a while and use it to feed my iancanada DAC via I2S. As Jay, I'm not always a fan of upsampling. With this transport however, if the mastering on a CD is a little sharp, I've found rubbing some DSD all over it will smooth things out. Conversely, if the disc sounds foggy, upping the frequency will dial in the details.YMMV.
Can't wait for the Arendal 1523 review!
1523 ?... Could be waiting a while.
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
Salut Jay, j’ai parcouru votre survol de cet appareil et suis en tout points d’accord. Je trouve vos couvertures honnêtes.
I'm planning on getting one of these. Incredibly well featured for its price. I'll definitely be going for the transport. Its USB's are more advanced than those on the player version.
Another great review.
I am not really in the market for a CD player, I have an old Rotel just in case, but this is really cool!! I like it.
Thanks Jay.
What I would be interested in is a shootout with other similarly priced transports on the market from Cambridge, Arcam, etc.
I’ve always wondered why no one has done this to my knowledge.
Cheers from Vancouver!
Well it’s hard to get all those transports from various brands but perhaps one day!
Thanks!
My dream stack is a silver one of those with a denefrips pre amp, amp and dac all silver minimal and compact. Right now I use a pioneer elite Blueray as a transport. It cost $800 back in the day that I got at a thrift store. A lot of those work great. Good choice for a CD. I have been rocking on my reference playlist. Big change from DIO. Heavy 🤘
I just ordered one of these a few days ago. I won’t use nearly all of its features, and excited to hear it with my DAC. I ripped my entire catalog a couple of years ago, I anticipate this should sound better. Almost the only reason I purchased it is I2s. I can’t believe there’s still new devices coming out without it. Heard nothing but good things about the upsampling which years ago would be something I’d think I’d avoid.
I have the NuPrime CDT9 transport that also upsamples and has I2S for a couple of months now. I really do like it but I wish I knew about this one when I was shopping. Could have saved $500.
I BOUGHT THE ET3 TRANSPORT 4 WEEKS AGO. AMAZING
Your review just came right on time! I have been looking at the ET3 cd transport. I have a Holo Audio Spring 2 Dac which has an I2S input. Once i verified their I2S are compatible, i will very likely pull the trigger to order one.
I always prefer top loading CD transport 😊
Thanks for the great review!
The same style lid as my beloved vintage BOSE Wave radio/CD, nice to see that sort of BOSE style lid on a modern system.
I do love top load❤
I just think they look and feel classier!❤
Quite a few users reported in head-fi that the lid crack
well yes I'd imagine that the lid can crack on impact but it's not going to suddenly crack sitting there
Looks like he received and soon going to review the Arendal 1528 Bookshelves @ 5:11. Apparently, the 1528 Towers are AWESOME. Can't wait for his review of the bookshelves.
Great review. I've had the ET3 for a couple weeks and really liking it into my Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. While I was waiting for the ET3 to arrive, I emailed Lyngdorf to get their thoughts on upsampling into the 1120 because I'm aware the 1120 doesn't use a traditional DAC and I was curious how an upsampled input would be processed... short answer, they don't recommend it. I'll probably still give it a try at some point, but it sounds great without.
@@greganderson9618 thinking about making the same combo. Nice to see you're rocking the same gear!
Very informative review. Can you talk about CR60 as well?
No Wall Wart................................
Extra Points are Awarded.👍
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Why don't you make a report about the Smsl PL 200 ..?...I bought two items ; it's such a great cd reader...
I might! Thanks for the suggestion
Which 2 items? PL200 and this shanling?
Did you try PCM up-sampling ?
If so did you find it to be inferior to DSD ?
I saw a review that did a comparison, not on this CD transport but a DAC and they preferred PCM up over DSD, but again different component but the physical source is PCM native
yeap, like I said in the video, I was surprised that I liked upsampling on this unit
@@Jayiyagi I was more interested if you compared DSD to PCM upsampling, as in the video you made it clear you liked the DSD more than NOS. Since this is a PCM CD in theory I would think that PCM might be better than DSD over sampling 🙏
Using a NAD T562 DVD as a transport. It is pretty good
I've been thinking of replacing my CD player, being used as a transport via Toslink w something better but under $1k. The upsampling feature seems like a differentiator but SPDIF (coax, optical) only supports up to 96/24. I would need USB or i2s to support higher upsampled rates?
Righ on time. Thanks for the detsiled review.
This is interesting and considering buying, as i had a beautiful Shanling Tube cd/sacd player in the past.
I understand the unit will not play SACD'S (which i have a nice collection of).....but i wonder:
Will the upsampling be similar or even better quality compared to sacd?
Hope to see & hear one at Toronto Audio Show.
SACD requires a different laser pickup, as they contain much more data, so the laser needs a different wavelength etc. Better to have it optimised for CD playback. I ripped my 60 odd SACDs.
Is it a transport? I didn't hear you mention it
😅
Excellent review. Wouldn't you want to use this CD transport with USB output so that the Pontus could reclock the signal?
Wonder how it compares to the similarly priced SMSL PL200....🤔
good question. That looks like a solid contender as well!
This much better than topping
Nice unit.
Considering it for i2s and upsampling features.
I do prefer the look of the CD player with its aluminium facia though. Is there a reason for the perspex front with the transport?
It would be helpful to know with these products if they have a north America service facility to does it have to be shipped to China or Korea or whatever for service.
That would be the responsibility of the distributor within each region. In Canada, the service is provided by Asona audio
My CD player cost $59. I like it. It plays CDs.
Hi Jay, I don't think you mentioned CDs you spun for this review. Any honorable mentions?
Does it have a remote or did I miss it?
yes it comes with a remote. I am notoriously bad with not showing remotes... will show it from now on
Hi Jay,
Nice review, but I have a question. Can I use the et3 with my AV amp which is a Rotel with Wolfson dacs?
If it could play SACDs as well it would have been an instant hit.
That was my one hesitation, but TBH I have very few SACDs, and 90% of those are hybrid.
Shanling scd 1.3 can play sacd
Yeah, imagine they put thought into MQA CDs and not SACDs, kinda weird
If you had to choose one.. would you use i2s for a cd transport or for your dedicated streamer?
i envy your Aurender, looking for a replacement for my Bluesound, but not 6k
Shanling is still in business? Wow. Weren't they one of the first Chinese audio companies?
Great review! How does the Shanling compare to the Audio Note CDT Zero?
I mention it briefly in the video but the Audio Note is a more tube like sound, holographic, smooth, slightly warm etc
while the shanling is more about transparency, accuracy, detail with good bass extension etc
@@Jayiyagi Thank you for clarifying, I'm sorry I didn't pick that up. I have a TEAC VRDS-701T, and I was sure it was going to play nicer than streaming. But I prefer streaming due to it sounding better. The TEAC is supposed to be good. I don't know if I should just enjoy streaming, or search for a better CD transport. Thank you.
well do you have a large cd collection? Then it might be worthwhile to search for a better CD Transport or a streamer like the innuos zen mini mk3 that has a cd ripper built in. If you are thinking of trying the shanling et3, I recommend getting it from amazon as it's easy returns if you do not like it but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised
@@jackbaker9023 something not right there. CD imho always sounds better than streaming and that TEAC is a great transport. Have you checked the rest of the chain?
Hi Jay, appreciate your reviews.
So I take it you usually don't use you Pontus in OS mode, but did you turn it on for this stack, resulting in Double oversampling? I've been listening to SACD and CD via I2s from an OPPO player into an I2s break-out box and on to a Pontus II with 12th firmware. I usually prefer OS on for more "air"/detail but would it be too much with the transport also upsampling? That OPPO is going to give up the ghost one day so I'm on the lookout for a replacement. My use is on a headphone only stack.
The oversampling feature I assume is only available through I2s?
Hi Jay, thanks for your review. Do you consider that this Shanling ET3 has better sound than the Jay’s CD2 MK3?
cannot comment to that as I've not had the CD2 MK3
I’m thinking of pairing this cd transport with a Naim uniti atom, what’s do you think? Love your channel, I saw you at Torontos audio fest and wanted to say hello but you were filming at the time and I didn’t want to bother you.
when you say "digital inputs" do you mean "digital outputs"?
Prefer a transport, but own a player. In 1990 transports were way expensive 😂
Thanks for the review. I agree about I2S. Do you have any thoughts on the Shanling SCD1.3 Player which will also handle SACD? Not available from a US retailer as far as I know.
Who is that selling it for $641.52 as shown in the video? The Shenzhen link is at full price.
Thank you for the review! Could you please share what i2s (hdmi) cable do you use for connecting CD to DAC ?
HDMI cable
Is USB A-B connection compared to I2S really can hear the difference in SQ between a Denafrips DAC and this ET3 ?
Interesting, I currently use an Integra CDC 3.4 as my transport. Would this sound that much better. I like being able to load 6 cd's and have music for hours.
Jay...I have the Audio Mirror and Laiv Harmony DAC'S with i2s inputs...What i2s cable would you recommend?
Can you recommend a HDMI cable to connect to my Denafrips Aries II
My CD transport is a nice CD Walkman with optical out. Fight me 👹
Can you recommend a streamer upgrade from my crappy bluesound node 2?
CD transport
The Shanling transport - only sounds better than my Jay's CDT 2 mk3.
Wow! The Shanling transport sounds better than your Jay’s CDT 2 MkII? I was seriously considering picking up the Jay’s but will have to rethink that now…
Nice
Wow ! This is big !
Nice and small too.
Dominique Fils-Aimé! Heck yeah!
does not appear to be available on Amazon USA
Jay i think you meant digital outputs
FYI Be VERY careful with the lid, it can slip out of your hand. Mine did and fell on the floor breaking the complex internal mechanisms. Making matters worse, had to order replacement from China. 3 weeks , still waiting
I am considering the Halo Cyan2 Dac and along with its I2S input. This
transport sounds perfect. Sadly, I have a Classe CDP 1 which costs 4500.00
CDN and the unit will no longer accept a CD in its slot feed. Evidently the
unit is not repairable.
I almost bought a Classe CD transport, but I dont listen to CDs anymore. Anyways if you do some reading I just forget which CD transport the classe uses, but you can probably still get it (might be teac or philips) that may cure your problem.
How does this compare to audiolab 7000 would shanling be a upgrade
Shanling manual specifies: Up-sampling not available for USB Audio output.😮💨
I need a new transport.
From a pure sonic pov, how does it compare to the Jays or the Teac vrds 701t?
Hey sorry, I have no experience with the Teac but from sonic standpoint, the shanling to me was very satisfactory for me
Transports have outputs!!! 🙂
Correct! My bad. Slipped tongue
is possible remove the vinyl image on the hole center?
Shanling ET3 owner here
You can’t change the display image… YET
They are looking into several user suggestions for the next Firmware update.
Shanling are very engaging with users on Hifi forums, which shows they stand by their products.
Always a great thing to see, and gives confidence.
GM☕️🍩
I’m running the Audiolab 6000CDT ..with a Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC..
Having a dedicated transport IMHO is the best way to go 👍
Hope to see you at the upcoming Audiofest 👍
I REPLACED A CDT6000- NO COMPARISON
Same here with the Audiolab 9000 and a Pontis II. Suits me very well.
Try change the fuse for a hifi tuning u will be suprised
Your " CD transport " per minute count is 4..
So.. you've said it about 60 times.😇
I am going to hear your voice saying that in my head for a few days. ..😅
Ha ha....i lost count, but i was thinking that!
Pedantic presentation, much as i like Jay.
Why not say:
The ET3/ unit/ this model/ the Shanling etc ?
Thumbnail calls it a CD player, which is misleading.
tough call since i sold all my CD's except for about 100 DDC and Mobile Fidelity CD's
how does the Pontus 12th compared to the Pontus 15th?
I'm also interested in that comparison
How long will this thing last before the laser or transport gives out?
You'll get bored sooner than it will crack and you'll want a new product... considering the amount they literally throw up, it won't be a problem😅.
Google the laser mechanism and CD drive, they are used in several “big manufacturer” transports, including McIntosh and Accuphase.
No problems with the components in the ET3, I own one.
I wish 20 years ago, that I hadn't had a negative experience with Shanling . I'll never touch their product again for the way they didn't look after a defective product. It worked for 6 months and for the next 19.5 years ,it a has collected dust. No one will even try to fix it.
20 years is a long time, new people at the helm
Thanks for this review.
The issue of SACDs is frustrating. DACs like the Denafrips units like the Pontus or Venus do DSD -- and you spend a lot of time talking about the DSD capabilitities of the ET3-Pontus combo -- but Shanling won't play the DSD native "hard copy" medium... SACD. Silly.
I know, I know, Sony has traditionally protected the DSD output from SACD readers. But their newest 4k blu ray players -- like the 800M2 -- are essentially SACD transports... they don't even have analog outputs!
One can get a HDMI to I2S converter box and feed, say, a Denafrips Venus 15 (out soon) via its very best input.
i dont see why at this point in time Shanling couldn't make an SACD version of this transport. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It's exactly what im looking for.
Does it do SACD ...DVD - A ?
I am confused about the transport doing upsampling....is that not the job of the DAC??
This transport only support CD, not SACD or DVD-A. But with oversampling you can virtually simulate a SACD, DVD-A or better. The only job for a DAC is to convert digital format to analog format. Over sampling is give to the DAC a bigger source to work like DSD. This is process is similar when you have a TV signal and the TV is oversampling that signal to 4K. A lot of TVs are doing that because the signal is 720p or less. Those TVs have an oversampling chip that do that job.
Still have my unison research unico cd player with a cd rom drive ,
that by the way is beginning to give me problems ...we shall see !!!
but still sounds astounding
Why DSD support but no capability of playing SACDs?! Seems like a missed opportunity.
What's with the hair? Are you going to transition or something?
SACD requires a different laser. They also tend to wear out before the CD laser.
Can you use this with a AVR receiver???
Yes you could, you'd want to make sure your AVR has digital inputs
The ET3 is an odd contradiction of something aspiring to offer audiophile purity (no DAC, i2S) along with aspects that demonstrate they phoned it it (the almost-a-circle display, the weakly non-competitive streaming).
Overall I get strong vibes of feature creep here, despite being attracted to the top loader. We do need more top load CD players!
Another aspect of concern is that companies such as this don’t have a design language or even a design path.
They already describe their own EC3 as obsolete. As great as the ET3 is, in 2 years no one will remember it because Shanling will have forgotten it too.
Et3 does have i^2s. One of the few cd transport that has it… and it’s normal to not have a dac in a transport… its for ppl who want to use their own external dac.. if you want a dac in it, thats what the cd player EC3 is for.
$799.00 !!!!
Looking for budget CD Player, guess this is not the place to be 🤣🤣
Hi Jay;I just bought the shanling c 60 cd transport to rip my cd collection to the eversolo master edition with a 1 tb ssd card..Had to buy an external 12v ac adapter..It rips very fast and sounds great..bought from Grammerphone sky..hope You do a video of the 60 review for $299.00,,Thanks
Your description uses player where it should say transport, rather confusing. Also the links go to two players. 😂
EC3 is a CD player, ET3 is a CD transport (the one in this video). Sorry for the confusion
@@Jayiyagi yeah I figured it out, rather soon in the video 😁 still the links don't seem right, the transport is more expensive than the player? Did I miss that in the video (3 yo wanting attention tends to do that) 😎
The Shanling ET3, the CD transport costs more because it's a higher tier product despite looking similar to the Shanling EC3 CD player. The ET3 is NOT just the EC3 without a DAC. It is a much more sophisticated unit than the EC3.
@@Jayiyagi got it. Thnx
I wish someone would make a universal player (like sony makes for less than $400) as a top loader transport
That’d be awesome
Does it rip CDs?
Nope
@@20CycleMongerShanling do a CD ripper.
Can it play SACD’s ?
Red book only. My one tiny disappointment with it, but most of my SACDs are hybrid, so hopefully the upsampling makes up for it.
gapless playback?
Yeah, does gapless with both CD and usb playback from thumbdrive