SNACK in 3 lines
- Physical CD playback with a 24-bit Kunlun R2R DAC and switchable dual JAN6418 tubes
- Up to 1,300 mW into 32 ohms, limited to the 4.4 mm output in AB high-gain mode on battery
- Japan: reservations from September 18, sales from September 25, ¥113,850 including tax
Snackgirls react
Red Loading a disc and then deciding whether to switch the tubes on—that physical sequence is what I’d want to try first.
AIKO The USB-DAC path could turn this CD player into the center of a desk setup. My cable map has already requested overtime.
The SHANLING EC Zero T MAX puts an in-house 24-bit Kunlun R2R DAC and switchable dual JAN6418 tubes inside a portable-format CD player. Its revised AD8397-based headphone amplifier is rated at up to 1,300 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm output, specifically in AB high-gain mode while running on battery.
The tubes are optional, and the maximum output has conditions
The two JAN6418 tubes can be switched on or off. SHANLING also uses a vibration-control structure intended to reduce microphonic noise. Output varies by connection and mode: at 32 ohms in high gain, the official figures are 361 mW from the 3.5 mm output in AB mode, 1,300 mW from 4.4 mm in AB mode and 1,162 mW from 4.4 mm in tube mode. The 1,300 mW maximum therefore does not apply to every jack or operating mode.
The Kunlun DAC offers OS and NOS filter modes. When connected to a computer or another compatible source, the player can also operate as a USB DAC supporting up to PCM 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512.
Wired outputs cover headphones, line-level gear and digital connections
The connection set includes 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone outputs, matching 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm line outputs, and a shared 3.5 mm optical/coaxial digital output. Bluetooth 5.3 is listed as a transmitter-only function with aptX Adaptive, aptX and SBC, rather than a Bluetooth receiving or app-streaming feature.
The 5,500 mAh battery carries official playback estimates of eight hours through 3.5 mm, 7.5 hours through 4.4 mm and 20 hours when used as a Bluetooth transmitter.
Transportable, but far larger than a pocket audio player
The CNC aluminum body measures 158 x 150 x 28 mm and weighs 669 g. It can be moved between listening locations, but its size and weight place it well beyond a pocket dongle or typical digital audio player.
In Japan, reservations opened on September 18, 2026, and sales begin on September 25. The price is ¥113,850 including tax. No official South Korean price or release schedule has been announced.
Sources and checked date: September 19, 2026 (KST)
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