SHANLING SCD1.3
Desktop SACD Player DAC Headphone Amplifier and Streamer
The SCD1.3 not only shines as a High-End DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and player, but Shanling presents an advanced, high-end, multifunctional device. Its tuning is based on Shanling's portable player flagship, the M9 Plus, with the AKM AK4499EX and AK4191EQ DAC chip combo, complemented by the XMOS XU316 USB interface and TPA6120 headphone amplification. It provides extremely detailed and expansive sound with precise sound quality, while also offering a pleasant warmth and smoothness characteristic of classic Shanling sound. With extremely accurate volume control and the MUSES8920 functioning as a preamplifier, the SCD1.3 can be directly paired with power amplifiers or active speakers, achieving a simple and high-quality 2-channel speaker setup. It uses the MediaTek ME1389EE system alongside the Sanyo HD870 laser, tray mechanism, fully exploiting the capabilities of high-resolution SACD discs, but also handling traditional CDs excellently. For hybrid SACD discs, a separate button facilitates easy switching between SACD and CD layers.
In addition to playing CD formats, it offers numerous options, including Bluetooth functionality, USB-A U-Disk port, as well as network support via WiFi for NAS, DLNA, and AirPlay. Through Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX HD, and LDAC resolutions are available, and the free Eddict Player application simplifies remote device control. Besides USB-B, coaxial SPDIF, and Toslink optical inputs, I2S HDMI, coaxial SPDIF, and Toslink optical digital outputs, as well as RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs, are available, allowing the SCD1.3 to be integrated into virtually any audio system.
The SCD1.3 is built with a simple and elegant aluminum housing, featuring a 5" M-Touch touchscreen display, available in black and silver colors. It stands out remarkably for lossless music listening, not just for collectors.