CD players

This Plinius CD player/amplifier is pretty much unbeatable for the money. Dynamic, punchy and enthusiastic – this gets to the heart of the music

The Pathos can take on any hard-driving tune and leave the ring without a scratch. Well-crafted player with verve and a rhythmic bite

The NAD fights its corner convincingly: robust build, disciplined soundstage and stunning levels of depths. But it needs to learn to cut loose occasio

This is a very capable high-end CD player that need fear no rival. Add in excellent build, elegant styling and new-age usability – and it’s a must-aud

It’s weird, quirky and sometimes downright frustrating – but the Fog 3 is one of the most natural-sounding CD players you’ll ever hear

The Azur 340C's energetic delivery is one of its strengths, though it can go OTT at times, losing some detail in the process

The Leema’s sound is rich without being sanitised, sparkly but never harsh, and punchy without being hard – a near-perfect player

With more style, sharpness and sense of timing than James Bond, the Rega Apollo has it all to give

This amazing Scarlatti is a strong contender for the title of ‘World’s Best CD Player’

Detailed, refined but a little too polite to firmly dislodge any fillings