Disclosure: I’d like to thank Shanling for providing me with the EC Zero AKM for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and Shanling had no say or input on the contents of this review.

The Shanling EC Zero AKM is the latest addition to Shanling’s innovative line of portable CD players, representing a significant evolution in the modern resurgence of physical media. Building on the foundation laid by the original EC Zero T, which combined a custom R2R DAC and tube output in a portable chassis, the AKM variant pivots to a more accessible price point and a different sonic philosophy by employing the AKM AK4493S DAC.

The EC Zero AKM is positioned as a high-value, feature-rich portable CD player that caters to audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic disc playback and modern digital versatility. With a retail price of $319 USD, substantially lower than the $589 USD of the EC Zero T, the AKM version aims to retain high-fidelity CD playback without sacrificing essential features such as USB DAC functionality, robust output options, Bluetooth transmission, and CD ripping. Its introduction comes at a time when the market for portable CD players is experiencing a renaissance, driven by nostalgia, a renewed appreciation for physical media, and the desire for ownership and permanence in music collections.

The question on most people’s mind, I think, is: does the lower price of the EC Zero AKM compromise the sound and physical quality of the device compared to the EC Zero T? In this review, I will be answering that question, as well as some direct comparisons between the EC Zero T and FiiO’s DM13. So let’s get into it.

• Shanling EC Zero T
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• Manual and warranty information

The Shanling EC Zero T AKM maintains the premium aesthetic of the EC Zero line with its square, minimalist design that evokes classic full-size CD players rather than the rounded portables of the 1990s. The aluminum alloy body combines durability with a satisfying tactile feel, while a tempered glass lid protects the disc mechanism and allows you to watch your CDs spin during playback.

Measuring 158 x 150 x 28mm and weighing 575 grams, the player strikes a balance between portability and desktop presence. The device’s compact, squared-off form factor is reminiscent of classic home audio components, yet it is designed for transportable use, fitting comfortably in a backpack or Shanling’s optional PU leather carrying case (available for $39 USD and compatible with both EC Zero variants).

The front panel is dominated by a 1.68-inch color LCD, which displays track information, playback status, and volume level in a retro-themed orange and white UI. Physical controls are thoughtfully arranged: five tactile buttons on the right manage playback and menu navigation, while a 100-step digital volume slider on the left provides precise attenuation. The slider’s movement is smooth and satisfying to use, though it can be a bit too sensitive for fine adjustments a lot of the time. I’d prefer it to have a bit more resistance to make it easier to increase or decrease the volume in individual steps.

Connectivity is plentiful, with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs on the front, and matching line outputs on the rear. A combined 3.5mm coaxial/optical SPDIF output, dual USB-C ports (one for power/CD ripping, one for USB DAC input), and a Bluetooth antenna round out the comprehensive I/O suite. The device’s bottom features four rubber feet for stability, and the overall fit and finish are simply impeccable, with no rattles, flex, or loose components.

The EC Zero AKM’s disc mechanism employs an active magnetic clamp and custom servo system, which continuously optimizes laser tracking and disc stability. This design minimizes mechanical noise and vibration, ensuring smooth, silent playback even during movement, which I can verify is whisper-quiet during use.

CD playback remains the EC Zero AKM’s core function, and Shanling has engineered the experience to be both intuitive and robust. Powering on the device is accomplished with a long press of the side-mounted button, after which the user can open the glass lid, place a disc on the spindle, and close the lid to initiate reading. The magnetic clamp secures the disc, and the player takes a few seconds to read before displaying track and time information on the LCD.

Playback controls are straightforward: play/pause, stop, previous/next track, and a function/menu button. The right-side lock switch disables the buttons and volume slider for worry-free portable use. The EC Zero AKM supports gapless playback, ensuring seamless transitions between tracks, which is an essential feature for albums with continuous music or live recordings.

The anti-skip system is highly effective, leveraging both mechanical and electronic shock protection to prevent interruptions during movement. The player resists skipping even when shaken, dropped (with the case on, of course), or used in vertical orientations (just don’t turn it upside-down), making it suitable for walking, commuting, or casual listening on the go. It’s always active, so there’s no need to enable or disable it.

Supported disc formats include standard Redbook audio CDs, HDCDs, the CD layer of SACDs, and CD-Rs containing WAV and MP3 files. I tested FLAC CDs, and they did not play. The player’s ability to handle scratched or copy-protected discs is also extremely robust, with only the most severely damaged discs causing playback issues. Overall, I experienced no playback issues, whether it was using Enhanced CDs or CDs longer than 74 minutes (some players can have issues with CDs over 70 minutes).

One usability note is that the EC Zero AKM, like its R2R sibling, does not support pre-emphasis (a rare mastering technique from the early days of CD production) as it does not apply de-emphasis automatically. For the vast majority of users, this is a non-issue, but collectors of vintage or rare discs should be aware of the limitation.

The player includes both battery and desktop modes. The built-in 5,500mAh battery provides approximately 10 hours of playback with wired headphones, which is generally enough for a workday or long trip. Bluetooth transmission extends this to around 18 hours since the internal DAC and headphone amplifier aren’t actively working. When using the player at home, connect external power via USB-C and switch the Power mode to “EXT DC” to bypass the battery entirely, preserving its lifespan while enjoying unlimited playback time.

A standout feature of the Shanling EC Zero AKM is its ability to function as a high-resolution USB DAC, dramatically expanding its utility beyond CD playback. By connecting a computer, smartphone, or tablet to the dedicated USB DAC port, users can leverage the AKM AK4493S DAC for playback of PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.

The USB DAC mode is activated via the function/menu button, with the LCD indicating the current input and sample rate. The device supports both headphone and line outputs in DAC mode, allowing it to serve as a desktop DAC/amp or as a source for powered speakers and external amplifiers.

The USB DAC implementation is plug-and-play on most systems, with instant response and low latency. You are also still able to use Bluetooth, which means the EC Zero AKM also serves as a Bluetooth USB DAC.

The Shanling EC Zero AKM delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound signature that prioritizes musicality and engagement over clinical accuracy. The presentation is deep and spacious, with excellent separation both laterally across the soundstage and in terms of layering front-to-back. Vocals sit slightly forward in the mix, while background elements remain clean and well-defined.

The AKM AK4493S DAC contributes to a clear, dynamic presentation that handles both complex orchestral works and intimate acoustic recordings with equal competence. While purists might prefer the R2R character of the EC Zero T, the solid-state implementation in the AKM version offers its own strengths: lower noise floor, tighter bass control, and consistent performance regardless of volume level.

Output Power

Output impedance is notably low, making the EC Zero AKM particularly well-suited for sensitive IEMs that might hiss or sound off-balance with higher-impedance sources. I had no issues using IEMs like the 64 Audio Solo, ZiiGaat Crescent, Sivga Nightingale Pro, or DUNU DN242. This goes for both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. The player also drives most headphones confidently, and I never had a single instance of wishing I had more output power. Planars like the HIFIMAN Sundara and Edition XV, and higher impedance headphones like the Sennheiser HD 660S2, all sounded great with the EC Zero AKM.

When powered via external USB-C, the balanced 4.4mm output delivers 836mW per channel into 32 ohms, while the single-ended 3.5mm output provides 525mW. Unless you have something that is monstrously demanding, I don’t think you will need to use an external amplifier with this player.

PCM Filters

The Shanling EC Zero AKM has 6 distinct PCM filters to choose from:

• Sharp Roll-Off
• Slow Roll-Off
• Short Delay Sharp
• Short Delay Slow
• Super Slow
• Low Dispersion

I personally preferred the Sharp Roll-Off filter for my tastes, but I would suggest experimenting with which sounds best to you.

The EC Zero AKM offers a comprehensive suite of playback options and user-configurable functions, which can be selected from the menu. The menu system is accessed via a long press of the function button, with navigation handled by the playback buttons. Available settings include:

• Gain Level: Low/High
• PCM Filter Selection: See the previous section for the filter types
• CD Play Mode: Normal, repeat all, repeat one, random
• Brightness: 0-10 brightness levels
• Screen Off: Never, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds
• L/R Channel Balance: Fine-tuning for personal preference or hearing differences.
• Audio Output Selection: Headphone, line out, digital, Bluetooth.

The interface is simple yet effective. Pressing the function button brings you to the USB DAC mode, where the above options can also be accessed and changed.

One of the EC Zero AKM’s features is built-in CD ripping capability. Connect a USB drive (formatted as FAT32) to the USB/DC port, insert your disc, and long-press the Play/Pause button to enter recording mode. The player rips your CD to uncompressed WAV files in real-time, so a 60-minute album takes 60 minutes to rip.

This isn’t the fastest ripping solution available, and the WAV files require manual tagging afterward since the player doesn’t retrieve metadata. However, for backing up your physical collection or creating digital copies for other devices, it’s remarkably convenient. No computer required, no software to install, just plug in storage and go.

The limitation of the WAV format ensures bit-perfect copies, though it means larger file sizes compared to lossless compression formats like FLAC. For archival purposes or critical listening, this uncompressed approach is ideal, and you can always convert the WAV files to FLAC on a PC or Mac.

The EC Zero AKM includes Bluetooth 5.3, allowing wireless playback to headphones, speakers, or other audio devices. It supports SBC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive codecs.

Pairing is fairly straightforward. In the output menu, select Bluetooth, and it will automatically search for headphones in pairing mode. Pressing the Play/Pause button will force the player to search again. Once a headphone is detected, its name will appear on the screen, and you can navigate to it using the Next Track button. Pressing the Play/Pause button when the headphone is selected will start the pairing process.

The whole process can be a little cumbersome, but once done, it connects instantly.

Overall, Bluetooth performance is excellent, and I experienced no dropouts or stuttering.

vs. Shanling EC Zero T ($589 USD)

The EC Zero T represents the premium version of this platform, featuring an in-house developed R2R DAC module and dual JAN6418 vacuum tubes in the output stage. That exotic circuitry delivers a distinctive warmth and musicality that some listeners prefer, along with the visual appeal of glowing tubes behind the tempered glass lid.

However, the $270 price difference buys components that don’t necessarily translate to proportionally better sound. The EC Zero AKM actually offers some practical advantages: improved battery life (10 hours vs. 8 hours), lower output impedance for better IEM compatibility, and a cleaner, more consistent sound signature across all volume levels.

The R2R/tube combination in the EC Zero T imparts a slightly colored, romantic presentation with emphasized midrange bloom and softer transients. The EC Zero AKM trades that tube coloration for solid-state clarity, tighter bass control, and lower noise floor. For IEM users, particularly, the AKM version is arguably the better choice. For those seeking tube warmth and willing to accept slightly reduced battery life, the EC Zero T justifies its premium.

Both players share identical chassis, UI, connectivity options, and CD playback capabilities. The choice between them comes down to sonic preference and budget rather than feature differences.

vs. FiiO DM13 Bluetooth version (~$169 USD)

The FiiO DM13 Bluetooth version costs roughly half the EC Zero AKM’s price while offering similar core functionality: CD playback, USB DAC capability, CD ripping, and Bluetooth transmission. The main differences come down to the DACs used  (AKM vs Cirrus Logic) as the amplification chips are exactly the same.

The DM13 delivers 660mW per channel into 32 ohms from its 4.4mm balanced output, somewhat less than the EC Zero AKM’s 836mW, but still ample for most headphones. Build quality is excellent on both, with the DM13 available in multiple color options, including a “skylight” transparent lid version. The EC Zero AKM excels at the “little things”, such as very stable and clicky buttons, a satisfying magnetic lid, and a volume slider.

Where the EC Zero AKM really pulls ahead is in overall sound quality and refinement. The Shanling exhibits better soundstage depth, smoother midrange presentation, and more sophisticated tonality. The DM13 sounds slightly more forward and energetic, with emphasized bass that some may find punchy and engaging, but others might consider slightly bloated.

The FiiO includes aptX HD support (which the Shanling lacks), potentially offering better Bluetooth quality with compatible devices. However, neither supports AAC nor LDAC. The DM13’s CD ripping function performs exactly the same in my testing.

For budget-conscious buyers or those who primarily want basic CD playback with modern connectivity, the FiiO DM13 represents exceptional value. For listeners prioritizing sound quality, build refinement, and a more mature sonic presentation, the EC Zero AKM’s additional cost is justified.

The Shanling EC Zero AKM succeeds as both a practical tool for CD enthusiasts and a capable audio component for critical listening. It proves that modern portable CD players can be more than nostalgic novelties and can serve genuine needs for listeners who value physical media ownership.

At $319 USD, the EC Zero AKM costs more than budget alternatives like the FiiO DM13 but substantially less than the tube-equipped EC Zero T. That positioning is shrewd: it offers enough refinement and capability to satisfy most listeners without demanding the premium that exotic components command. The practical benefits, like slightly extended battery life, lower noise floor, and better compatibility with sensitive IEMs, should make the decision pretty clear for most. None of these screams compromise, so it’s safe to say that Shanling succeeded in offering a cheaper alternative to the EC Zero T without sacrificing anything.

I don’t have much to complain about here, especially at the asking price. The only real issue I have is that the volume slider is far too easy to slide, making it sometimes difficult to make small volume adjustments. Otherwise, if I had to nitpick, I would say that LDAC should have at least been included for Bluetooth support. Ideally, I would also want to be able to use the EC Zero AKM as a CD drive so I could rip discs straight to my PC, but cheap, external drives do exist.

For anyone maintaining a CD collection, seeking a dedicated CD player with modern connectivity, or wanting a versatile USB DAC that happens to spin discs, the Shanling EC Zero AKM represents excellent value. It won’t convert streaming devotees, but it doesn’t need to. It’s built for the audience that already knows why physical media matters and simply wants the best way to enjoy it.

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