Play All Your Favorites With The Best CD Players
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Onkyo 6-Disc CD Player -
Denon Single-Disc CD Player -
TEAC 5-CD Carousel Changer -
Cambridge Audio Transport CD Player -
Marantz Super Audio CD Player -
Buyer's Guide
As the most easily obtained physical source material for music, as well as the most popular format for high resolution playback, CDs are still indispensable for truly serious listeners, and a CD player of some sort is typically at the center of any home sound system. Whether serving double duty as CD and DVD / Blu-Ray player in a home theater, or feeding a dedicated amp in an audiophile headphone rig, a CD player is the heart of most audio systems, and finding a good one can be tricky. Sure, you could go to Best Buy or Radio Shack and pull the cheapest one off the shelf, but it’s probably not going to last, and likely won't sound too great either, assuming you are using quality speakers or headphones.
These lists serve as a guide for buyers new and old, for home audio/theater enthusiasts, audiophiles, or even just regular people who want a product that is made well and sounds good. The products listed here have been chosen after hours of careful listening and research, and should provide excellent solutions for most, and a jumping point for further research for anyone who is new to audio as a hobby.
For more information on what to look at in selecting the best CD player in 2022, We have listed below the best cd player available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
Comparing the Best CD Players for 2022
Onkyo 6-Disc CD Player - Best CD Player Overall
Onkyo's brand name speaks for itself amongst audiophiles and gear heads, and while they are better known for their receivers, this changer does what it does very well, especially for the price it can be had at these days. It delivers a clean, neutral signal without any severe coloration, and should pair well with nearly any system short of summit-fi speakers and headphones, so long as ultimate detail is not am expectation. It will also allow the remaining five CDs to be changed while one is playing, an oft-neglected convenience. The only real drawback to the DXC390 is its size: while its 17-inch width is relatively standard, it is also 18 inches deep, noticeably larger than 5-disc carousels. It also comes in at nearly 6 inches tall, also noticeably larger than most CD players or changers, so be ready to modify your system if necessary. This one caveat aside, the DXC390 is a solid, reliable unit that produces excellent sound for the price.
Denon Single-Disc CD Player - Best Single-Disc Changer
Easily the best quality CD changer currently in production, the Denon earns its price, delivering the build and sound quality enthusiasts have come to expect from the Japanese firm. While it lacks the premium feel and heft of the NAD, the Denon is still built well, and has the ability to stand the test of time, if properly cared for. It has both coaxial and optical outputs for those with more advanced systems who are picky about connections, and while it lacks SACD capabilities that hardcore audiophiles demand, it will play high-capacity MP3 CDs, meaning that those who aren't obsessive about hearing every last detail in the music can store up to over 100 hours of tunes in its 5-disc carousel. Fans of the Denon house sound will immediately recognize the warm, rich, melodic tone common to nearly all Denon products; some, especially analytical listeners, may prefer the more neutral tones of the NAD or Onkyo changers. Bass lovers, however, should be quite pleased with the Denon's rich sound signature, which combines with a wide sonic image to create a very impressive, involving sound. Its an easy source to love, and even easier to recommend to anyone looking for a convenient source to round out a home speaker system.
TEAC 5-CD Carousel Changer - Best CD Changer
Though better known for their high-end kit, TEAC is as good an option as any if absolute fidelity is not a concern. It's an especially attractive unit, and produces good quality sound, though not in the same league as changers from Denon or NAD, and is bested by the Onkyo as well, though not by as much. It has a neutral to warm tone with a shade of extra bass, and delivers a fairly standard presentation. Treble is not as exciting as it can be on the higher-end players in this list, and while it has a fuller sound, it doesn't quite match it's levels of detail. However when push comes to shove, for a player that can be bought for a single bill, the TEAC has nothing to be ashamed of, and I have to say, it looks cooler than anything else on the list!
Cambridge Audio Transport CD Player - Best Looking CD Player
The Cambridge offers the versatility of a standalone DAC with the convenience of an all-in-one unit. It's solidly-built aluminum chassis inspires confidence and makes it feel like a truly premium product. Unlike it's predecessor, the 840C, the new flagship includes a pre-amp to give your system a bit more juice to help your headphones or speakers reach that last level of refinement.
The Cambridge is not for lovers of a warm sound; those expecting a lively, fun sound would be better served by Rotel's latest, while lovers of a more relaxing, private sound may prefer the newest offering from Marantz.
Anyone in search of ultimate detail, on the other hand, could hardly be disappointed by Cambridge's new flagship. Perfect for critical listening, the Cambridge sports a sound signature that, despite not having the largest dynamic range or bass impact, reproduces high quality recordings with precision accuracy and a lean sound perfectly suited for analytical listening and professional applications - have no doubt, this is a mastering-grade source and can be put to work as such without worries of missing a single detail.
Marantz Super Audio CD Player - Consider
Sporting the well-known Marantz house sound, this CD player delivers an improved version of the same smooth, relaxing signature that the fist top-shelf CD player known to the world, the Marantz CD-63, used to captivate the attention of audiophiles who had never heard any music source even begin to approach the quality of vinyl. CDs have since become known as the second most authentic method of reproducing recorded music, after vinyl, of course, and are perhaps the most popular source material for modern audiophiles.
Unlike most of the products mentioned here, the SA8004 is not the flagship model in Marantzs lineup; while a $1,000 for a CD player might seem like its already too much for a CD player to some, Marantz has models running all the way up to $4000 MSRP. This one, however, represents the sweet-spot in Marantzs lineup for music lovers seeking quality sound without breaking the bank, and despite its $999 MSRP, the Marantz can easily be had for less than $700 on ebay or through online dealers, making it perhaps the best bang-for-buck offering listed here. Its warm, easy-going sound is less dynamic and fun than the RCD-1570, and not as spacious or detailed as the Cambridge, but lovers of a smooth, relaxing signature will be very pleased with the Marantz. For the headphone lovers out there, Marantz products, with their warmer sound, tend to compliment brighter, less bassy headphones like those from Grado and AKG. On balance, though, the Marantz is a stellar all-around player and has an easy-to-like sound that is not extremely picky about source material, and will sound great with most systems.
Buyer's Guide
Things To Consider When Buying A CD Player
A CD player isn’t much of a complex machine. However, you need to know the key parts of a player so you’re clear about what you’re looking for.
Digital-To-Analog Converter (DAC)
Since speakers are designed to only play an analog signal which means the digital information you can find on the CD has to be converted. While you’ll find a good DAC in most CD players, it is usually preferred by true audio fanatics to have an outboard DAC instead of the one inside the CD player.
Transport
A CD transport plays an important role in ensuring sound quality. It is the tray that spins and loads your CD while using a laser to read the information on it. You’ll find some CD players only have the transport system on them, without the built-in DAC. The outboard DAC is great at reading digital information with perfect accuracy, resulting in better sound quality and imaging.
Power Supply
Having a solid power supply is essential for any type of electronic device. When shopping for a CD player, make sure to get one that has a high-end variant and provides high currents with low noise power.
Recording Options
Most CD players have a synchronizing function that can help you record digitally with much ease. It gets the recording machine and the playback working simultaneously. If you’re someone who loves to not only listen to music but also make some of your own then this feature is something you should definitely be looking out for.
Built-in Speakers
If you’re looking to have a CD player that also doubles as a speaker then you might want to look into some that come with built-in speakers to save some space on your console.
Bluetooth Connectivity
We know the main purpose of a CD player is to play the CDs. However, there’s nothing wrong with ensuring that you also get bluetooth connectivity for times you might need it. While playing CDs is what you want the CD player for, we all know those discs aren’t as widely played as they used to. Hence, you need to make sure you have bluetooth connectivity.
Benefits Of A CD Player
Besides being able to let you listen to your audio in crystal clear quality, a CD player can do a lot more. Let’s take a look.
A CD player can be multi-functional. It doesn’t only play CDs but also your MP3 players and iPods like an all-in-one playing device. It can also give you better sound quality than a regular MP3 player might. Or even your smartphone. Moreover, you can save all your favourite music with more ease than you store your digital music. No having to worry about space on the Cloud or on your smartphone device.
You can also get a disc changer with your CD player, although most contemporary players already come with them. But this would mean being able to load more than one CD in the player at the same time and listening to more music than you thought possible. Seems too good to be true? Well, it’s not.
Types Of CD Players
Home CD Players
You’ll usually find this type of CD player as part of home theatre systems with a range of CD changers. But it is important to note that whenever you pick out a component CD player, there will rarely be any speakers included, which means you will have to manually attach speakers to the device in order to have any kind of audio playback.
Portable CD Players
When it comes to having music around no matter where you go, you need the portable CD players to always have your back. Although they might require headphones, they are extremely convenient and only a little bigger than the CD itself. All you need are some batteries and you are ready to take the music with you wherever you need to go.
Boombox
If you don’t know what a boombox is, that’s okay. Most people born after the 90s don’t. It essentially has two speakers connected to a CD player in between and looks pretty similar to a tiny stereo. All you need to power it are batteries or an electrical outlet.
Car CD Player
Cars today come equipped with CD players for you to slip your disc into and enjoy your ride. It’s usually just a small slit in the dashboard, less bulky than the normal CD players but it gets the job done pretty well.
Computer Disc Drive
You might not find many desktop or laptop computers with a disk drive today but they still do exist. You can easily play your media or even copy your files digitally onto the computer’s hard drive.
FAQs
How can I clean my CD player?
To clean your CD player, first take the disc out and turn off your device. The next step is to spray some compressed air on the front of the device to get rid of any dust. Then use a slightly damp cloth and clean the opening of the player and its surrounding until it’s good enough for you to lick salt off. Just kidding, don’t do that!
How can I clean my CD?
You need a damp paper towel to wipe the CD completely. You can also just wash it under a tap without any fear of ruining it. Once you’ve washed it, simply dry with a lint free cloth. But be careful not to rub vigorously or you’ll end up scratching your CD.
Do CD players require repairs?
Yes, CD players are just like any other machine. They need repairs and maintenance in order to function well. If your CD player is damaged then don’t lose all hope because chances are, the issue is pretty fixable.
How to take care of my CDs?
The first rule in taking care of any CD is to handle it carefully. The right way to hold it is by the outer edge or from the center. If you need to label them, then use a non-solvent based permanent marker. But be careful, when you’re not using them, they should be stored properly in their cases and well away from any dust.
