I have a Shanling CD-T100 and I have posted a fairly comprehensive review here. I can confirm that the sound of it has improved even more since then... smoother and more coherent still.
I do not think reliability is an issue with the export production models, which is what you would get if you bought one in the U.S. or Canada today. I cannot speak for earlier models; export models are marked with a sticker on the back panel. My own machine, from the first North American batch ( thus with the earlier "Plunge" and "Hind" skip button labels), has shown no problems whasoever and seems absolutely rock-solid. I love it. Its only disadvantage for me, which I noted in my review, is that it's a major light source.
There was some talk awhile ago at AA about interconnects and the Shanling. Let me set the record straight here: if you use a $29 Monster IC you will get the sound you pay for. I use Ensemble Masterflux and the player sounds gorgeous. I am certain the CD-T100 is no more sensitive to IC issues than any other player in its class.
Finally, Thorsten Loech has posted an interesting and positive review of the player. You can get to it via the Canadian distributor's site at http://www.charismaaudio.com/ However Mr. Loech marks the player down on PRAT, and I believe this was because he did not have the machine for the necessary 200 hours break-in time (he suggests as much in his review). I note in my own review that the machine sounded tame during break-in but picked up beautifully once this was over.
I do not think reliability is an issue with the export production models, which is what you would get if you bought one in the U.S. or Canada today. I cannot speak for earlier models; export models are marked with a sticker on the back panel. My own machine, from the first North American batch ( thus with the earlier "Plunge" and "Hind" skip button labels), has shown no problems whasoever and seems absolutely rock-solid. I love it. Its only disadvantage for me, which I noted in my review, is that it's a major light source.
There was some talk awhile ago at AA about interconnects and the Shanling. Let me set the record straight here: if you use a $29 Monster IC you will get the sound you pay for. I use Ensemble Masterflux and the player sounds gorgeous. I am certain the CD-T100 is no more sensitive to IC issues than any other player in its class.
Finally, Thorsten Loech has posted an interesting and positive review of the player. You can get to it via the Canadian distributor's site at http://www.charismaaudio.com/ However Mr. Loech marks the player down on PRAT, and I believe this was because he did not have the machine for the necessary 200 hours break-in time (he suggests as much in his review). I note in my own review that the machine sounded tame during break-in but picked up beautifully once this was over.