And you don't have to spend a fortune - our Best Buys start from just under £300. Of course, if you want to spend more and get an even bigger lift in performance, we're not going to stop you...
See all our CD player and transport reviews
Cambridge Audio CXC
A CD transport that impresses with the musicality of its sound. If you already have a decent DAC, then we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this transport over a standalone CD player.
Marantz CD6006
We’ve lost count of the gongs the Marantz 6000 series has scooped over the years, yet Marantz shows no sign of losing its touch.
The CD6006 is the latest model in an illustrious line-up. Despite a significant price hike, it is still a fantastic player and proves that Marantz remains the master of making affordable CD players. This 2016 What Hi-Fi? Award-winner is the best entry-level CD player on the market.
Also consider
Onkyo C-N7050
Onkyo C-N7050
The enticing Onkyo C-N7050 is a CD player and music streamer in one box, making it a versatile addition to any home hi-fi system. It’s a clever, feature-packed performer that we urge you to consider.
Cyrus CD t
An exceptionally talented transport for the asking price, the CD t delivers a performance that’s difficult to criticise.
There's a level of transparency, clarity and insight that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere at this price.
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Cyrus CD i
Cyrus CD i
Another exceptional CD player from Cyrus that will make the most of your disc collection. The Cyrus CDi – the successor to the Cyrus 6SE and Cyrus 8SE – is another gleaming example of the company treading the right path.
In fact, Cyrus says this is its best-sounding CD player yet. And, as much as we’ve loved the company’s previous models, we’re more than happy to back that claim. That's why it's our 2016 Product of the Year.
Also consider
Roksan K3 CD Di
Roksan K3 CD Di
Plenty of players offer sound-per-pound scale and detail at this price, but few are as musical as the K3 CD Di. It’s a player that promotes the character of your music and for that reason you’ll never tire of listening to it.
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Cyrus CD i
Roksan Caspian M2 CD
Another Roksan player that emphasises the character of your music, the Caspian M2 CD might be a little long in the tooth, but it’s showing few signs of its age.
There's still more than enough in terms of timing, dynamics and authority to make to make the M2 a superb buy.
Also consider
Roksan K3 CD Di
Cyrus CD Xt Signature
Looking for a top-class transport? The Xt Signature doesn't disappoint with a sound that’s cleaner, crisper and more dynamic than anything we've recently heard at the money. Partner it with a suitable DAC and you’ll be in hi-fi heaven.
Also consider
Esoteric K-05
Burmester 069
£35,840. Yes, you read that correctly. This CD player is the price of a very good car. But if you want the best CD player money can buy, then we haven't heard one better than this.
