Although the CD player revolution peaked more than 20 years ago, CDs remain a common choice for enjoying and listening to high-quality music because of their high-resolution playback. Nothing compares to putting on a CD and listening to a fantastic album from beginning to end; the best CD players let you get the most out of that musical experience.
The ability to stream the entire history of music is now more accessible than ever, thanks to services like Spotify, but because the audio files are so small, they lack warmth and richness. It simply sounds better, which is why audiophiles keep harping about “CD quality.” In our opinion, the CD players listed below are all of the top models. Based on performance per pound quality, the closer it is to the top, the more we like it.
But rest assured that all of the models listed below make excellent choices.
1. CD6007 Marantz
This Marantz model, which has been around for a while under different names, continues to be the best choice. To find a CD6000 that is noticeably different, you’ll need to look back a decade and four model cycles. Despite their generally excellent build quality, Marantz has made improvements to their CD players on the inside.
Along with improved HDAM amplifier modules and a quieter power supply, it also has many higher-quality internal parts, not the least of which is the replacement of the DAC chip with an AKM 4490. The CD6007 can process high-resolution files using the USB-A front socket and play PCM music up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD128, thanks to that chip.
Your music’s audio quality is enhanced. It is very driven and rhythmic. It is accurate and faultless, and it also provides dynamic across the board. You can change the sound to your preferences with as few digital filters as you like. Stereo imaging is thorough and also accurate.
Type: Integrated
Outputs: RCA, coaxial, and optical digital
Dimensions: 10.5 x 44 x 34 cm
Weight: 6.5kg
2. Cambridge Audio AXC35
With a price of under £400, this slimline player from British audio experts Cambridge Audio is a capable performer. This CD player is more reasonably priced when compared to its top-tier competitors, and it has a vintage appearance that makes us think of our old DVD player. Despite a simple design, it does not have an optical or USB connection but produces clear and detailed sound.
Speaker: n/a
Power Source: Primary Power
Connections: Digital Coaxial Input and Output, Line Output, Headphone Jack
Dimensions: 51 x 42 x 15 cm
Weight: 4.3 kg
3. Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
Bose provides excellent audio quality, living up to its illustrious reputation. The Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV is an excellent CD player and in-home audio system because it can produce rich highs and deep, bassy lows with that distinctive Bose sound without distortion.
The Wave SoundTouch IV supports wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in addition to CDs and MP3 files on CDs and CD-RW discs. It can play music directly from your connected computer or smartphone and is great for streaming connected apps like Pandora and Spotify.
On either side of its front-facing CD tray, it also has two speakers. Its hands-free control mode is appropriate for devices that support Amazon Alexa.
Wireless: Yes (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
Compatible audio formats: AAC, FLAC, Apple Lossless, MP3, WMA
Inputs/Outputs: Ethernet, USB, headphone jack, FM antenna, and AUX
Number of Supported Discs: 1
4. Cynthia CDi
One of the best-sounding CD players you’ve ever heard for the money is hidden beneath the long, narrow aluminum chassis, which isn’t exactly out of the blue. You appreciate the hassle-free design, readable display, and premium remote (earlier SE models came with a rather plasticky affair). While playing a disc, the slot-loading CD transport is as silent as you’d hoped during loading.
The sound quality is truly impressive for the price, so offering tonnes of detail and rhythmic accuracy. Pace and momentum are exercised with articulation and vibrancy. To hear anything better, you’ll have to spend significantly more money.
Type: Integrated
Outputs: Coaxial digital, optical digital, and two presets
Dimensions: 8.5 x 22 x 39cm
Weight: 5.72 kg
5. Oakcastle CD100 Portable Bluetooth CD Player
You all remember the Sony Discman, but in 2022 it won’t be easy to find one of those models. That doesn’t mean the portable CD player is obsolete, though, as this model comes with a few modern conveniences like a rechargeable battery (via the USB cable), support for in-car playback, and Bluetooth for wireless headphone connection. It also comes with vintage earbuds with in-line controls and an aux cable to connect it to external speakers.
Speaker: n/a
Power Source: Power Source: Rechargeable (Lasts 12 Hours)
Connections: Audio Input Jack, Aux, and Micro USB
Dimensions: 2.8 x 14 x 14 cm
Size: 230g
6. PD 301 CD player from Teac
Since entering the high-end audio market in the 1970s, the TEAC brand has come to be associated with dependable performance and excellent quality for a no-frills price. It should come as no surprise that the TEAC PD 301 is a top-notch CD player. While it is small, measuring 8.5 inches wide by 9 inches long by 2 inches high, it makes up for this with excellent music quality and user-friendly built-in features.
On CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs, the TEAC PD 301 is compatible with MP3 and WMA files. The PD 301 has a USB port to play WAV, MP3, WMA, and AAC files and CDs. The PD 301 has both digital and analog outputs, and TEAC has worked hard to refine the hardware that supports it to produce an exceptional product with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as an impressive 105 dB. By doing this, you can be sure you will enjoy amazing sound quality straight from the source.
Wireless: No
Audio Formats Accepted: AAC, MP3, WMA, and WAV
Inputs/Outputs: Bluetooth, USB
Total Discs Supported: 1
7. Panasonic SC-HC302 Bluetooth DAB+ Micro Hi-Fi System
Choose this Panasonic model if you want a simple and stylish home stereo system. This provides DAB radio stations, audio files via USB, streaming music over Bluetooth, and Chromecast Audio, in addition to serving as a standard CD player. This can be mounted on a wall so that it also blends in with your decor. Given its affordable price and versatility as a mini HiFi, there aren’t many drawbacks, but it’s important to note that it can’t transmit to wireless headphones.
Speaker: 20W
Power Source: Primary Power
Connections: Aux, USB, and headphone jack
Dimensions: 19.7 x 40 x 10.7 cm
Weight: 2.5 kg
Also read: Why should You Go for Truly Wireless Earbuds
