Anybody own Shanling CD player?

I agree with Sean on the cool look - it is hot and in a few weeks if it doesn't bring the sound across you will not need a money tree to pick one up on the used market. Kind of like the SACD thing. I wouldn't mind having one and may wait until then. If sounds as good as it looks my wait might be a long time coming.

I love the looks and overall build quality. The sound was
mediocre with the stock tubes. However, it really opens up
with NOS Western Electric 396As. Still a touch of brightness but it is gorgeous.

I understand that the Shanling CDP has recently been modified/upgraded. I heard one about 4 months ago (the older series apparently) and thought the Rega Planet/2000 and the Classe CDP.3(both less money) were far more musical, layered and textured. Would like to hear newest incarnation however --certainly sweet looking with solid construction.

peter jasz.

Heard that the player costs less than US$1000 in the Far East.

Wow Allied, the Rega and the Classe .3 "were far more musical, layered and textured" than the Shanling? If so, the new version will have to be ALOT better than it's predecessor to be a real contender, even at the $2k price point. Seems like the RCA only outs might be a compromise if you have an amp or pre amp that has an xlr signal path that is shorter or better designed than its RCA run.
Good luck Sean, I've usually had to work my butt off before I could get any money out of a tree.