Now available in the U.S., the EC Zero T features Shanling-developed R2R DAC and dual tube output.

Montreal, Quebec, June 11, 2025 – Forte Distribution, a leading distributor of audio and audiophile music products, announced today that the Shanling EC Zero T portable hybrid CD player is now available in the U.S.

With its in-house developed R2R module, dual JAN6418 tube output, and TPA6120 audiophile-grade headphone amplifier, the EC Zero T (SRP: $649) combines the best of both solid state and analog tube technologies in a sleek, stylish chassis that fits easily in a backpack, bike pack, or other types of portable storage. (The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 ensures outstanding sonic resolution when streaming to earbuds and headphones.)

“With millions of CDs continuing to be sold every year, the format is gaining traction with a steadily growing market of music lovers who, after sometimes seeing their favorite tracks disappear from streaming services, see the value in owning their favorite recordings on physical media,” says Roger Fortier, VP and Director of Sales, Forte Distribution, U.S. distributor of Shanling Electronics. “The EC Zero T taps into the thriving market for compact discs with next-level sonics, thanks to a proprietary combination of tubes and a Shanling-developed R2R DAC.”

The EC Zero T’s hybrid design allows users to choose between analog or digital output, thanks to the placement of an easily accessed toggle switch. In addition, the unit is designed for multiple applications: CD player, and outboard DAC when connected to a laptop via USB-C, handling up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512.

Flexibility is at the heart of the EC Zero T’s industrial design, making it an easy, aesthetically pleasing addition to desktops and rack systems thanks to its coaxial/optical SPDIF line output. Two headphone outputs — unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm — make it compatible with nearly every lifestyle and audiophile-grade headphone on the market, in addition to connectivity with active speakers, AVRs, and more. The internal headphone amp will drive up to 1220 mW through the balanced jack, and 330 mW on the 3.5mm jack.

Similarly, Bluetooth 5.3 brings wireless listening to a level on a par with wired options. High-performance ear buds, over-ear wireless headphones, and Bluetooth speakers are maximized with the EC Zero T.

Rounding out the extensive feature set is a CD ripping function that saves files to an outboard USB drive.

For further information about the Shanling EC Zero T, visit https://forte-distribution.com/product/shanling-ec-zero-t-portable-cd-player. (U.S. only)

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About Forté Distribution

Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec in Canada, Forté Distribution is a leading distributor of audio products in the United States. With a legacy that reaches back to the original XLO Electric and continued with Motet Distribution, Forté Distribution is committed to bringing a diverse portfolio of high-end audio brands to dealers and consumers. Current brands available through Forté Distribution include Eversolo, Shanling and several others. For further information, visit https://forte-distribution.com.

About Shanling

Shanling is a well-established name in the high-fidelity audio industry, founded in 1988 in Shenzhen, China. Over the past 30+ years, Shanling has grown from a small audio manufacturer into a globally recognized brand, renowned for its innovative, high-quality audio products. Shanling’s product offereings include portable music players, amplifiers, DACs, CD players, and SACD/CD transports. For further information, visit https://en.shanling.com.