CDs might not be the dominant format they once were, but plenty of music lovers still have shelves full of discs. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how to keep enjoying your collection in a world where streaming and digital libraries have taken over. That’s where the Shanling CR60 comes in.
It’s not just a CD player, but a CD transport and ripper, meaning it doesn’t just play discs—it also lets you convert them into digital files for easy storage and playback on other devices. Whether you’re looking to integrate CDs into a modern hi-fi system or digitize your collection without compromising audio quality, the CR60 is designed to bridge the gap between physical and digital music.
At its core, the Shanling CR60 is a CD transport, meaning it reads CDs but doesn’t convert the signal to audio on its own. Instead, it sends digital audio to an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) or AV receiver via optical, coaxial, or USB-A outputs. If you want to listen through headphones or speakers, you’ll need a compatible DAC or amp in your setup.
But beyond just playing discs, the CR60 also functions as a CD ripper, letting you digitize your collection onto USB drives, digital audio players (DAPs), select Android devices, and computers. By default, it rips in WAV format, but you can switch to FLAC using Shanling’s mobile app. The CR60 even automatically organizes track metadata and creates separate folders for each CD, so you don’t have to deal with a mess of untitled files.
One thing to keep in mind: The CR60 doesn’t work with all Android devices, particularly Samsung phones and tablets, so you’ll want to check compatibility if you’re planning to use it that way.
Physically, the CR60 is a compact, sturdy unit. It comes in black or silver, with an aluminum alloy chassis that gives it a solid, durable feel. At 11.61” x 11.22” x 5.31”, it’s small enough to fit neatly on a desktop, rack, or shelf without taking up too much space.
The 1.14-inch screen provides basic information like playback status and ripping progress, and a rear switch lets you quickly toggle between playback and ripping modes.
Inside, the CR60 uses a Philips CD drive and a Sanyo HD850 laser assembly, components that are widely regarded for their reliability and accuracy in reading discs. That means fewer playback issues and more precise rips, even if your CDs aren’t in perfect condition.
The CR60 is pretty straightforward to set up:
It also comes with a remote control, so you don’t have to get up every time you want to change tracks. If you want extra customization options, you can use Shanling’s Eddict App, which allows for file tagging and album artwork retrieval.
If you’re someone who:
Then the Shanling CR60 is worth considering.
However, if you’re looking for a standalone CD player with built-in analog outputs, this isn’t it—you’ll need an external DAC or receiver to actually hear your music.
CDs might not be the dominant format anymore, but that doesn’t mean they’re obsolete. The Shanling CR60 offers a practical way to keep enjoying your collection, whether you prefer playing discs or converting them into digital files.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all device—you’ll need a DAC for playback, and not all Android devices are compatible for ripping—but for $299 on Amazon, it’s a versatile and compact option for anyone looking to bring their CDs into a modern setup.
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