Shanling CD50 – Compact CD Player with Balanced Headphone Output

Shanling has launched the CD50, a compact CD player that opens the company’s new Shanling 50 series of audio components. Measuring 188 × 53 × 205 mm and weighing around 1.6 kg, the unit combines the functions of a CD transport, digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. The model supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback and features a loading tray with an HD850 laser mechanism.

Unlike many modern source components, the Shanling CD50 offers neither streaming capabilities nor Bluetooth, and it cannot be used as an external DAC. Instead, the manufacturer has focused entirely on physical media playback. Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by a Cirrus Logic CS43198 chip, while Rubycon capacitors are used in the analog stage. The RCA output is rated at 2.6 V RMS, with a dynamic range of 124 dB and total harmonic distortion of 0.002%.

Particular attention has been paid to the built-in headphone amplifier, which is based on two SGM8262 chips. The front panel provides a 3.5 mm single-ended output and a 4.4 mm balanced Pentaconn connection. The former delivers up to 210 mW into 32 ohms, while the balanced output increases power to as much as 830 mW into the same load. Both dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio are specified at up to 126 dB.

For integration into a conventional hi-fi system, the Shanling CD50 is equipped with stereo RCA analog outputs, as well as coaxial S/PDIF and optical TOSLINK digital outputs. The player can be controlled from the front panel or via the supplied infrared remote, while operating information is shown on a 2.2-inch display. The Shanling CD50 is available in black and silver finishes at a recommended retail price of $279 / €299.