When I was a child, CDs were the primary way to access music. I spent countless hours exploring my brother’s CD collection, always looking for something new to listen to. They held a special place in our lives and now evoke a sense of nostalgia, much like vinyl records do. My grandparents, parents, brother, and I all used them – so it’s fair to say they’re remembered fondly across generations.
CDs had fallen somewhat out of favour in recent years, but much like vinyl, they are experiencing a resurgence. This revival is evident in the rising CD sales reported by the RIAA, which noted an 11% increase in the U.S. and a 2% rise in the UK, amounting to £126 million in 2023.
Whether you’re like my brother, with an eclectic collection of CDs, seeking a purer high-resolution audio format beyond streaming, or simply someone who values owning the music you listen to, you might find yourself in the market for a new CD player. If that’s the case, I’ve curated a list of the best CD players and outlined everything you need to know about them.
In a hurry?
| Arcam CD5 | Exceptional performance and transparency, with a high-quality DAC. | Check the current price |
| FiiO DM13 | A nostalgic concept with modern functions. | Check the current price |
| Denon CEOL RCD-N10 | A compact, all-in-one system, delivering a soundstage that belies its price point. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these CD players
In compiling this list, my main criterion has been simple: Would I own this? I fully understand the reasons behind the format’s resurgence and its benefits, and so with an appreciation for both the technical advantages of CDs and how those translate into the listening experience, I’ve ensured that every CD player on this list is one I’ve personally used and tested.
I’ve placed a strong emphasis on the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) components of these CD players and transports, as well as their decoding capabilities. Connectivity, stability, and, most importantly, sound quality have also been key considerations as, while technical specifications are important, the true measure of a CD player lies in how it sounds.
I’ve been fortunate enough to personally test each of these players, allowing me to provide an honest assessment of their performance and the way they make me feel during music reproduction.
The best CD players
1. Arcam CD5 – A high-performance CD player for everyone
Key features
- Excellent Audio Decoding as part of the Radia re-model
- Compatibility with WAV and FLAC-encoded file formats
- 16- to 24-bit audio with sample rates of up to 96kHz
Pros
- Discrete styling and semi-hidden display
- Capable of reading FLAC and WAV files from CD and USB formats
- Supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW, from 16-24 bit and sample rates up to 96Khz
Cons
- Not the most tactile player to the touch
I remember the “old” Arcam range, in its polarising space grey colour-way – and I loved it. When I was told they were discontinuing this range in favour of something new, I was conflicted. The CDS50 was a great player, although expensive, due to it playing SACD.
When I finally saw the new iterations, I was initially put off by the yellow styling and the massive “spoiler” that overhangs the back connections. However, I then got my hands on one and realised a couple of things: a; the spoiler is detachable, and b: the yellow actually looks quite good.
Aesthetics aside, on a performance level, the Arcam CD5 had some big boots to fill, and in all honestly, it fills them comfortably, so much so that it was the What Hi-Fi? Award winner 2024. The CD5 is awesome in every way.
The DAC in this player rivals the DACs in some much more expensive players I’ve heard; the soundstage is what you would hope it to be, wide, clear, and transparent while having its own colour; and you can use it as a transport via the optical out.
This was a hugely popular CD player when it was released – and it’s easy to see why!
2. FiiO DM13 Portable CD Player, Bluetooth – For anyone wanting to listen to CDs on the go
Key features
- BT aptX HD transmitter
- Multiple output options with USB, SPDIF, and analog line-outs
- 8-hour battery life
Pros
- Portable design
- ESP that actually works
- Provides a nostalgic way of listening to music
Cons
- Doesn’t fit in a pocket
Cast your mind back to 1997. Not only was this the second-best year for cinema since 1939 (yes, that’s a fact), but it also gave us portable CD players.
3. Denon CEOL RCD-N10 Network CD Music System – The best budget all-in-one CD system
Key features
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2
- 65W per channel stereo amplifier
- HEOS multiroom audio compatibility
Pros
- Detailed, room-filling sound stage
- All-in-one streaming and CD playback
- Compact, discreet design with easy controls
Cons
-
No support for banana plug speaker cables
If you’re looking for a capable all-in-one system that doesn’t compromise on sound (or break the bank), the Denon CEOL RCD-N10 is ideal.
Despite being so compact, it offers a generous 65 watts per channel, giving your music plenty of presence and depth. And it’s not just a CD player; it’s a network music player with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HEOS (which allows you to connect to other HEOS-enabled speakers), and AirPlay 2 support, meaning you can also stream your music. The soundstage is broad and clean, making everything from radio to streaming services feel lively and engaging.
Its sleek, touch-sensitive top panel feels responsive and intuitive, and the system fits easily into smaller rooms without feeling cramped. Plus, with extras like Alexa voice control and dual optical inputs, it’s a practical and future-ready option for your daily listening.
4. Marantz CD6007 – Excellent player for beginners and long-time fans
Key features
- Two selectable digital filters
- Compatible with MP3, FLAC HD, WAV, AAC, ALAC, and more
- High-quality AK4490 D/A conversion
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Dedicated headphone connection and level trim, which is a rarity
- Very robust, durable build
Cons
- It feels big and un-wieldy
The Marantz CD6007 is great, and I would describe it as an exceptionally user-friendly CD player. What do I mean by that? Well, it’s easy to pair with other components and it has a very coloured sound by comparison to more expensive players, with a soft and warm tonality.
This CD player is a modern classic. It’s not trying to be more than it is, it’s exceptionally reliable and has a pleasant sound from the DAC. Plus, it works excellently as a transport and a headphone listening station. I can’t really think of a negative apart from that it’s quite a big unit.
If anyone were to ask me for a CD player recommendation, I’d suggest the Marantz CD6007 as it’s just good in every way. If you need a CD player and don’t want to get carried away, the CD6007 is a great option.
5. Audiolab 9000CDT – A transport for higher-end systems
Key features
- Temperature-controlled oscillator
- Read-ahead buffer
- 4.3” colour information and menu display
Pros
- Very nice display graphics
- Very transparent sounding with the right amount of character
- Incredibly solid build
Cons
- Would have been nice if it was a CD player not just a transport
We’ve reached the point of the article where we start to talk about CD transports.
What is a CD transport? Imagine a CD player… then imagine that it just reads the information and spits this out as digital 1s and 0s for use with an external DAC.
OK, so what’s the difference to streaming? Well… this is where it gets interesting, as you may know, streaming is digital information pulled from the cloud that is then decoded and turned into audio. However, when a song is digitised into the cloud, it is compressed to an extent where information is lost or blurred.
A transport’s job is to decode the CD as accurately as possible with zero compromise. The Audiolab 9000CDT does this brilliantly.
The whole purpose of transports is to be as transparent as possible, not inflicting any “colour” on the sound like a CD player’s DAC would. The 9000CDT is as clear as you could want it to be without being sterile-sounding. It has its own hues and shades but no definitive colour.
There’s only an optical and coax out, which is all you need, and if you pair it with the 9000A amp, you have a pretty mighty combo. The tonal hues and shades of the CDT compliment the colour of the 9000A perfectly, giving you the perfect balance of contrast and saturation.
6. Naim CD5SI – An entry point into the Naim Separates eco-system
Key features
- Burr Brown DAC with 24bit/192 kHz audio
- Unique CD mechanism assembly, involving a “puck” system
- Dedicated 5-pin din connection
Pros
- Rich, warm sound
- Feels substantially built, as you would expect from Naim
- Digital error system can cope with some especially damaged CDs
Cons
- I’m not a huge fan of the swinging door design
I’ll hold my hands up and confess I am a Naim and Focal fanboy. I think it has something to do with the fact that they sound excellent and look monolithic, like something out of Blade Runner. My love for the Naim sound extends to the CD5SI. There’s “muscle” in its sound, and its aluminium cabinet is sleek, robust, and modern.
The sonic qualities of the CD5SI are everything you would really expect from Naim: precise, warm, and bold. The CD5SI uses a distinctive “puck” system to lift the CD from the tray and hold it in the laser assembly, and it’s these “pucks” that rotate the CD more accurately than a traditional CD player mechanism would.
The CD5SI comes with a five-pin din connection for use with other high-end Naim gear that supports it, such as the NAIT-5SI. However, it also features a traditional phono out for more traditional connections.
There are no digital outputs of any kind – the point is that you’re getting this player for its dedicated DAC integration and to fit with the rest of your Naim Gear. So, you can’t use this as a transport, but then… why would you want to?
The other subtle benefit to this player is that it weighs a lot (for a CD player) and that extra mass helps absorb vibrations for the rotational motor and dampens any wowing from the floating puck system.
7. Marantz CD 50n – For anyone wanting a single solution to multiple “issues”
Key features
- Built-in streaming functionality
- HDMI connection
- Hi-res HDAM chipset
Pros
- Nice upgrade on the classic Marantz styling.
- Multi-room HEOS support, will deal with bandwidth for high-res audio
- HDMI connection allows TV connectivity into an amp as well as wireless rears through HEOS
Cons
- Potentially trying to do too much
I’m a big fan of the Marantz CD 50n. I like the new Marantz aesthetic as it reminds me of something you would see on the set of Suits or in the corner of a Tokyo executive’s apartment or office. The CD 50n has far more functionality than anything else on this list in that it has an array of digital ins and outs, analog connections, USB, Network connectivity (wired and wireless), and a somewhat rogue HDMI connection.
Having all this it makes me think that the CD 50n might be trying to do more than it needs to. And in some respects that’s admirable, acting as a solution to multiple problems; however, at what cost?
As £1200 CD players go, you can’t fault the CD 50n in its sonic characteristics. It shares the same colour palette as the CD6007 but with more warmth and depth.
Where the CD 50n really stands out is in its use as a transport. The digital processing on the player has been upgraded dramatically to accommodate all the extra digital functions – so if you were to pair this with an amp containing a nice DAC or an external one, that’s where the CD 50n shines.
If you don’t need the extra network solutions and want to save money, check out the CD60.
8. Audiolab 6000CDT – Simple and effective transport for beginners
Key features
- Coaxial output
- Output impedance of 75 ohms
- Maximum sampling rate of 96 kHz
Pros
- Excellent digital extraction
- Simple yet effective design and functionality
- Read ahead digital buffer akin to the 9000CDT
Cons
- The remote UI functions are not the nicest
In the Audiolab range, there’s the 9000, the 7000, and the 6000 series – and the 6000CDT is the smaller brother to the 9000CDT (despite coming out first). However, it is by no means poor in comparison. In fact, the 6000CDT is my default recommendation for CD transport.
For a modest price, it delivers performance that rivals much more expensive transports, making it an excellent entry point for anyone curious about high-end audio. Its minimalist design matches the rest of Audiolab’s 6000 series, with a sturdy build that feels solid without being bulky.
While it lacks some bells and whistles like a built-in DAC or streaming functionality, the 6000CDT’s focus is on doing one thing – and doing it exceptionally well.
If you pair it with an amp or DAC that can showcase its crisp, transparent output, this transport proves itself as an investment in truly enjoying your CDs, not just playing them. Featuring Audiolab’s renowned slot-loading mechanism and a read-ahead buffer, the 6000CDT excels at minimising errors from scratched or damaged discs, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted listening experience.
9. Roksan Attessa CD transport – Aimed at fans of Roksan and the Attessa range
Key features
- MQA playback support
- MaestroUnite App
- Designed to be paired with the Integrated Attessa amplifier
Pros
- Extremely low levels of distortion
- Extra levels of functionality when paired with the matching Attessa amp, utilising BluOS
- Tasteful styling
Cons
- Only has a coax out
The Roksan Attessa CD Transport falls in with some pretty big hitters in the CD player world, as Roksan have a rich history of producing iconic models like the K3 series, the Caspian, and the Blak. Each of these players earned a reputation for delivering outstanding sound quality with robust, elegant designs. The only issue? They’re no longer in production, those days are over… leaving the Attessa to carry the torch.
While it may not boast the ultra-high-end specs of its predecessors, the Attessa fills its role perfectly, striking a balance between performance and practicality, without being a Sting on the wallet.
What sets the Attessa apart is its focus on doing the fundamentals right. As a dedicated CD transport, it doesn’t come with a built-in DAC, allowing it to focus solely on delivering an exceptionally clean digital signal to your external DAC or amplifier. This streamlined design doesn’t skimp on quality – it employs a high-precision mechanism that ensures accurate, error-free playback, even with older or imperfect discs.
Pair it with the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier, and the system becomes BluOS-enabled, meaning you can control playback via an app, seamlessly blending the tactile joy of CDs with the convenience of modern streaming technology. Once you hear the combo you’ll know your mind is made up.
Its minimalist, industrial aesthetic is very Roksan and is somewhat unique compared to other units out there. I just wish it had an optical output.
10. Denon DCD-900NE – Great entry point for returning CD users
Key features
- Chassis designed to reduce vibrations
- FLAC support via USB input
- AL32 Processing Plus
Pros
- DAC master clock does a great job at minimising jitter
- Remote shares the same RFiD as other Denon/Marantz units
- Pure Direct mode to minimise any internal signal processing
Cons
- The CD drawer isn’t the most robust
Essentially the little brother of the CD6007, the DCD-900NE hits a great price point and manages to pack a surprising array of tricks up its sleeve.
Supporting CDs, CD-R/RW, and even high-resolution audio files like FLAC, WAV, and DSD via its USB input, it offers versatility well beyond basic playback. Denon’s Advanced AL32 Processing Plus ensures that even older CDs sound fresh and vibrant, while its high-precision 32-bit/192kHz DAC delivers smooth, detailed audio that punches above its price tag.
There’s also Pure Direct Mode, which bypasses unnecessary processing for a cleaner, more transparent sound. The chassis feels solid and premium and is designed to reduce vibrations, ensuring your music is heard as intended.
While it doesn’t quite have the warmth and tonal colour of its bigger sibling, the DCD-900NE focuses on precision and clarity, making it an excellent choice for those who want solid performance without stretching their budget.
If you’re looking to dip your toe back into the CD waters or your old player has died and needs a replacement, the DCD-900NE is a great solution.
11. Technics SL-G700M2E-K Network/Super Audio CD Player – Designed for audiophiles with established systems
Key Features
- Supports SACD, CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback
- Dual ESS ES9026PRO DACs with coherent processing
- Multiple USB, coaxial, and optical inputs
Pros
- Superb audio resolution and depth
- Versatile input and streaming options
- Strong, well-isolated internal build
Cons
-
Display interface is relatively minimal
The Technics SL-G700M2E-K is a serious digital upgrade for any hi-fi system. It plays a wide range of disc formats, including SACD, with advanced digital-to-analogue conversion supported by dual ESS DAC chips in a dual monaural layout. This is paired with coherent processing and a custom amplifier circuit to retain tonal accuracy and minimise signal errors during playback.
Alongside the physical performance, the digital side is fully modernised. You’ve got USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, along with support for MQA decoding, so your digital library plays back in high detail. Add to that built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and you have a sublime-quality system that lets you also stream wirelessly from your devices or home network – pairing the old-school CD player with something a bit more current. You can also access major platforms like Spotify Connect, TIDAL and Amazon Music directly through the player.
Design-wise, the SL-G700M2E-K has been engineered with precision. Its high-rigidity chassis and aluminium die-cast tray ensure your discs load smoothly and remain protected, while the 7mm aluminium front panel provides a solid, minimalist display. There’s also a headphone output for listening to your music without disturbing others.
The benefits of CDs
As I touched on earlier, there are a few key benefits to CDs that consistently resonate with listeners. One of the biggest advantages is the sense of ownership – when you buy a CD, you truly own the album and the music on it. You’ve exchanged your money for something tangible. Additionally, purchasing CDs supports artists more directly, as the revenue they earn from streaming is, unfortunately, dismally small in comparison.
CDs often offer better sound quality than streaming thanks to the fundamental differences in how the two formats handle audio data.
Streaming services rely on compressed files to make playback more efficient, which can result in a loss of detail. In contrast, CDs provide uncompressed, raw digital information, delivering what is arguably the best sound reproduction outside of vinyl. While vinyl has its own unique analog characteristics, CDs deliver clarity and consistency without the inherent compression of streaming.
How to choose the best CD player for you
The “best” CD player for you is subjective, it all depends on how you’ll use it and what gear you already have.
If you have a nice amp with a good DAC, you may be better off getting a transport. If you prefer having the CD player handle all the digital-to-analog conversion, a CD player might be the ideal choice for you. The DACs in CD players are often of higher quality than those found in most amplifiers, ensuring a more refined and detailed sound. If you do have an amp that you want to bring into your setup, check out our guide to connecting CD players and amplifiers.
Ultimately it comes down to how important are CDs to you. The Marantz CD6007 and the Aracam CD5 are awesome units without too many bells and whistles. But if you have thousands of CDs and want to enjoy them to their full potential, you may be better served by the CD5 and beyond. Die-hard CD fans may be tempted by the Naim CD5S or the Technics SL-G700M2E-K.
It’s all personal and there is no wrong answer.
FAQs
Do newer CD players sound better?
Newer CD players can sound better, but it depends on the specific models being compared. For example, a high-end older model like the Arcam CDS50 may outperform a newer, budget-friendly FiiO portable unit due to its superior components and higher price point. However, when comparing a 1982 Marantz player to a modern CD6007, the newer player is likely to sound better, thanks to significant advancements in digital decoding and audio technology.
Does an expensive CD player make a difference?
An expensive CD player can make a difference, but it depends on the context and the balance of your audio system. For instance, pairing a £1,800 CD player with a £100 amplifier creates an imbalance, as the amp’s limitations will overshadow the benefits of the high-end player. On the other hand, pairing the same CD player with a £2,000 amplifier ensures balance, allowing you to fully appreciate the CD player’s capabilities without the amp diminishing its performance.
Are CD players being phased out?
Final thoughts
If you’ve stuck with my ramblings this far, you’ve likely gathered that as someone who grew up at the tail end of the CD era – between the worlds of streaming and physical media – I can fully appreciate the tangible benefits of CDs. I also understand the mindset of those who cherished them during their heyday.
CD players are likely here to stay, offering unique advantages over vinyl while delivering one of the purest audio reproductions possible in a digital format.
Whether you’re the hi-fi guru with the mega system looking for a new high-end Naim or Cyrus unit or you just want to enjoy your CDs with a bullet-proof system like the Marantz or Denon options, or maybe you want to revel in the nostalgia of the ’90s with portable options, there’s something for you on our list of the best CD players.
For more hi-fi content, check out these related guides:
The 9 Best Record Players for Beginners
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