Shanling SCD3.3 SACD/CD Player

A top-loading SACD/CD player with 24-bit R2R DAC, 12AT7 tube output stage, MQA-CD support, USB DAC mode, Bluetooth input, and digital outputs including I2S, USB, and coaxial SPDIF

The Shanling SCD3.3 is a high-end SACD/CD player built around a top-loading disc mechanism, a 9.5 mm-thick CNC aluminum chassis, and a 5" touchscreen interface. It is designed to serve as a serious physical-disc source while also offering USB DAC, local USB drive playback, Bluetooth input, and multiple digital output options for broader system use.

For disc playback, the SCD3.3 supports SACD, CD, and MQA-CD, with Shanling’s proprietary disc system and HD850 drive. It can send DSD from SACD to its internal DAC, and it also provides digital output options including I2S, USB, and coaxial SPDIF, with format support varying by output.

The DAC section uses Shanling’s second-generation in-house R2R platform, built with 212 ultra-precision 0.01% resistors for 24-bit conversion. The analog stage combines an OPA1612 low-pass filter, a MUSES8920E output stage, and a matched pair of 12AT7 tubes used for both RCA and XLR outputs.

Top-Loading SACD/CD Playback

The SCD3.3 uses a proprietary disc system with an HD850 drive and a top-loading mechanism. It supports SACD and CD playback, as well as MQA-CD with four-times unfolding. Hybrid single-layer SACD and CD discs are supported, with automatic switching between CD and SACD layers. Multichannel discs are not supported.

Second-Generation R2R DAC Platform

The DAC section is based on Shanling’s second-generation in-house R2R design. The platform uses 212 0.01% ultra-precision resistors for 24-bit DAC conversion, along with FPGA processing, NOS/OS operation, and separate conversion paths for the balanced left and right channels.

12AT7 Tube Output Stage

A matched pair of 12AT7 tubes is used in the amplification stage for both the RCA and XLR analog outputs. Shanling specifies Beijing Electron Tube factory 12AT7 tubes, tested and matched for each unit.

Digital and Streaming Flexibility

In addition to disc playback, the SCD3.3 can operate as a USB DAC, play files from a local USB drive, receive Bluetooth audio, and accept coaxial SPDIF input. Output options include RCA and XLR analog outputs, plus I2S, USB, and coaxial SPDIF digital outputs for use with external DACs.

Touchscreen, App, and Remote Control

Control options include the front-panel 5" touchscreen, hardware buttons, remote control, and Shanling’s Edict Player companion app for Android and iOS. The app provides remote operation for USB drive playback, with access to folders, albums, artists, sorting options, and playback controls.

The Upscale View

Looking down on Chinese hi-fi is so 2018. There is a growing list of world-class Chinese hi-fi brands, including HiFiMan, Eversolo, iBasso, FiiO, Holo Audio, Gustard, Denafrips, and Topping. Shenzen-based Shanling stands out because it was formed in 1988 and has over 30 years of CD player manufacturing expertise. We love that they combine cutting-edge digital technology with a high-end R2R DAC and tube output stage. 

Shanling is clearly confident about the quality of their DAC, as they offer digital inputs on this CD player, so you can use the DAC separately. This is a feature not seen unless you get into ultra-high-end world.

Specifications

Disc Playback: SACD, CD, MQA-CD

MQA-CD Decoding: Full decoder, 4x unfolding

Disc Mechanism: Proprietary SACD system with HD850 drive

DAC Platform: Second-generation Shanling R2R DAC

R2R Resistors: 212 0.01% ultra-precision resistors

Tube Output Stage: Pair of 12AT7 tubes

Low-Pass Filter: OPA1612

Output Stage: MUSES8920E

Main Processor: Ingenic X2000

Display: 5" touchscreen, 854 x 358

Playback Modes: SACD/CD, USB DAC, coaxial SPDIF digital input, local USB drive, Bluetooth

Control Methods: Remote control, touchscreen, hardware buttons, companion app

USB Receiver Chip: XMOS XU316

USB DAC Support: PCM 768 kHz/32-bit, DSD512

Bluetooth: BT 5.0 receiver with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

USB Drive Playback: PCM 768 kHz/32-bit, DSD512

USB Drive File Support: ISO, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, DTS, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, MP2, M4A, AC3, M3U, M3U8, OPUS

DSD File Support: .iso, .dsf, .dff; DST not supported

Digital Outputs: I2S, USB Audio, coaxial SPDIF

Analog Outputs: RCA, XLR

I2S Output: PCM 768 kHz, DSD512; DSD64 for SACD playback

USB Output: PCM 768 kHz, DSD512; SACD playback not supported

Coaxial SPDIF Output: PCM 192 kHz, DoP DSD64; supported for SACD playback

RCA Output Level: 2.45 Vrms

RCA Frequency Response: 20 Hz–40 kHz (–0.3 dB)

RCA THD+N: 0.15%

RCA Crosstalk Rejection: 110 dB

RCA Dynamic Range: 117 dB

RCA Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 117 dB

XLR Output Level: 4.9 Vrms

XLR Frequency Response: 20 Hz–40 kHz (–0.3 dB)

XLR THD+N: 0.15%

XLR Channel Separation: 110 dB

XLR Dynamic Range: 117 dB

XLR Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 117 dB

Power Supply: 66 W dual R30 transformer and 15 W power module

Power Input: Region locked, 110 V or 220 V

Dimensions (WHD, Without Top CD Cover): 16.93" x 3.58" x 15.35" (430 x 91 x 390 mm)

Weight: 22.05 lb. (10 kg)