Best CD players 2023: CD players for every budget

Cyrus CDi with CDs
(Image credit: Cyrus Audio)

Who needs streaming and randomised playlists? Nothing can beat putting on a CD and listening to a great album from start to finish, and the best CD players take you on a fantastic musical journey.

While streaming undoubtedly has the convenience factor compared to physical media, many of us still prefer owning a physical object – something that digital files can't replicate. And that's why we still regularly review CD players and CD transports.

CDs are also enjoying a resurgence for the first time in over 15 years. According to data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), CD shipments in US rose by 47 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year (from 31.6 million to 46.6 million). It's still shy of the billion discs sold in 2000, and vinyl (and streaming of course) outstrip CD sales by far, but it's nice to know that those of us who never replaced our disc collection aren't alone.

CD players haven't quite increased in demand in the way turntables have, but some manufacturers still produce dedicated disc spinners (at both budget and high-end prices) to cater for CD fans and audiophiles alike. Many new all-in-one systems are starting to feature CD players alongside streaming starts, too.

So if you want to give your CD collection a fresh spin and are looking for the best disc player to buy, you're in luck. Every recommendation on this list has been thoroughly tested by the team of experts at What Hi-Fi? in our dedicated listening rooms. Each CD player has a star rating based on our test findings, so you can trust that when you make a purchase you'll be buying only the best.

How to choose the best CD player for you

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

What should you consider before purchasing a CD player? It's worth taking into account factors like DAC functionality, ease of use, controls and of course audio performance when making your choice. 

Integrated CD players

Marantz CD6007

The latest iteration of Marantz's excellent CD player is the best option for first-time buyers on a budget. (Image credit: Marantz)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. A sensational entry-level CD player.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial, line level
Dimensions : 10.5 x 44 x 34 cm
Weight: 6.5kg

Reasons to buy

+
Class-leading insight
+
More dramatic presentation
+
Excellent build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Looks like previous models

This Marantz model has been around in various guises for a long time, and remains the best option at this price. 

You'll need to go back a decade and four model cycles to find a CD6000 that looks notably different, which is why you might do a double take if you scroll down to the predecessor further down the list. Despite the typically excellent build quality, though, it's the insides where Marantz has made the improvements to their CD players count.

It has a quieter power supply and improved HDAM amplifier modules, helped along by a sprinkling of higher quality internal components, not least of which is the change of DAC chip to an AKM 4490. That chip allows the CD6007 to process high-resolution files through USB-A on front socket, supporting PCM music up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD128.

What does all that mean? It makes your music sound great. It's full of rhythm and drive. It's precise, clean and delivers for dynamics at every inch of the spectrum. Stereo imaging is focused and expansive, and there are even a few digital filters to tweak the sound to your tastes.

Owners of the CD6006UK needn't rush to change their player but the CD6007 is most definitely the right choice for first time buyers at this end of the market.

Read the full review: Marantz CD6007

Cyrus CDi player

For those with a higher budget, this multiple award-winning Cyrus CDi is an outstanding CD player. (Image credit: Cyrus Audio)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. The long-running CDi still delivers an outstanding sonic performance at this step-up price.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial, 2x line level
Dimensions: 8.5 x 22 x 39cm
Weight: 5.72kg

Reasons to buy

+
Dynamic expression
+
Rhythmic ability
+
Entertaining listen

Reasons to avoid

-
Dated display
-
Noisy loading disc

Cyrus hasn’t put a foot wrong with its CD players for as long as we can remember; it would be fair to say that its track record has been phenomenal. So it’s no surprise that the Cyrus CDi is another gleaming example of the company treading the right path.

The long, narrow aluminium chassis isn’t exactly a bolt from the blue, but underneath lies one of the best-sounding CD players we've heard at the money. We like the fuss-free design, easy to read display and high-quality remote (earlier SE models came with a rather plasticky affair). The slot-loading CD transport is a touch noisy when loading a disc, though as silent as you’d hope it would be during playback.

As for the calibre of sound, it's truly impressive for the money, offering buckets of detail and rhythmic precision. Pace and momentum is exercised with articulation and vibrancy. You'll have to spend significantly more to hear anything better.

Read the full review: Cyrus CDi

Hi-fi system: Technics SA-C600

A supremely talented CD-and-streaming all-in-one player. (Image credit: Future)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. A truly compact just-add-speakers streaming system that shines with CDs, too.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: 3.5mm headphone, subwoofer
Dimensions (hwd): 9.4 x 34 x 34cm
Weight: 4.8kg

Reasons to buy

+
Entertaining sound
+
Expressive and punchy dynamics
+
Well equipped
+
Good MM phono stage

Reasons to avoid

-
Setting up without the app is a bit clumsy
-
Line-level input could sound better

The Technics SA-C600 is an elegant all-in-one system with extensive streaming and connectivity (even an MM phono stage) that you just have to add speakers to – and it also has a talented CD player.

We like the tactility of the swivelling transparent CD cover on the top; it’s made of toughened acrylic and feels good to use. The SA-C600 proves an admirably consistent performer across the board, producing musically compelling results with CD as well as high-res files across our network. 

It’s an expressive and punchy performer that builds its performance around a solid framework of surefooted rhythmic drive and expressive dynamics. Details levels are good, but it is the confident way this unit organises that information into a cohesive and musical whole that really impresses.

If all you're after is a CD player, then you might want to choose something more dedicated in this list that puts all its eggs in the audio basket. But if versatility is required and you want to stream your music services over wi-fi as well as spin records - and why not - then this Technics is worth your attention.

Read the full review: Technics SA-C600 review

Cyrus CDi-XR player

"Bursting with rhythmic drive" - the new, premium CDi-XR continues Cyrus' legacy of producing talented CD players. (Image credit: Cyrus Audio)
A new, premium Cyrus CD player that performs to a very high standard.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial, 2x line level
Dimensions: 7.3 x 21.5 x 3.9cm
Weight: 3.8kg

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent clarity and detail resolution
+
Powerful and articulate lows
+
Upgradeable with external power supply

Reasons to avoid

-
Front panel control buttons work inconsistently
-
No digital inputs

Cyrus already dominated this list before the arrival of the CDi-XR, but its latest disc-spinner just reinforces the brand's domination of this category over the years.

The XR version sits above the Award-winning CDi (positioned above) in the grand scheme of Cyrus products. It looks quite similar thanks to the half-width casing but the LCD display is new and it's also been fitted with new control buttons.

Under the bonnet there's a second-generation 32-bit QXR DAC platform and a new power supply arrangement plus other tweaks designed to boost sonic performance.

Connectivity includes two pairs of RCA stereo analogue outputs, coax and optical digital outputs, and MC-Bus connections that allow an all-Cyrus system to synchronise things like power on/off. You’ll also find a socket for Cyrus's new outboard power supply unit, the PSU-XR £1995 (around $2770/AU$3740).

Sonically, the CDi-XR delivers detail, dynamics and powerful bass in spades. There's a fantastic level of clarity to the sound and it presents low-level information in a manner that rivals struggle to match. It's bursting with rhythmic drive, and can communicate the energy and momentum of the music effortlessly.

Read the full review: Cyrus CDi-XR

Roksan Caspian M2 CD player

It's been around for nearly a decade but this Roksan remains a hugely likeable, composed and dynamic performer. (Image credit: Roksan)
The Caspian boasts excellent timing and dynamics, making it one of our long-running favourites.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, line level, balanced XLR
Dimensions: 43.2 x 33 x 8cm
Weight: 10kg

Reasons to buy

+
Combines refinement, bite and rhythm
+
Sonic composure
+
Excellent build

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may not like the revised looks

Despite being around for nearly a decade, the Roksan Caspian M2 CD is still going strong. It remains one of the best players at £2000 (around $2700, AU$3700). The M2 CD has an immensely solid, well-damped feel that suggests it will be working for years to come. The softly suspended CD transport is an unusual touch, but it minimises the amount of vibration fed in to and out of the mechanism to the benefit of performance.

Speaking of which, the Roksan prefers a slightly smooth and full-bodied balance which helps give one of the friendliest and most likeable presentations we’ve heard at this price. Yes, this Roksan will resolve the tiniest detail. Yes, it will communicate the music’s message beautifully. But what makes it great is that it will make the best of any disc you feed it. Take the most compressed and hard-sounding recording you have, and the Roksan will reveal all that’s good about it.

It lacks digital inputs and there's no streaming capabilities, but what it does do is play CDs better than similarly-priced rivals. A What Hi-Fi? Award-winner back in 2014 (!) and still a terrific buy.

Read the full review: Roksan Caspian M2 CD

Best CD players: Musical Fidelity M2sCD

A wonderfully sleek, elegant and musical player that's a bargain for its sub-£1000 price. (Image credit: Future)
An agile and refined-sounding CD player at the mid-level price.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Coaxial, optical, line level
Dimensions: 10 x 44 x 37.5cm
Weight: 6.65kg

Reasons to buy

+
Clear, elegant vocals
+
Layered and expansive soundscape
+
Refined and musical across frequencies

Reasons to avoid

-
Plays a little safe

The M2sCD is the firm’s most affordable CD player, sitting below the M3 and M6 models. Although initially launched at £799, some retailers are now offering the player for less and that puts it in a clever spot with the Marantz on one side and the likes of the Cyrus CDi and the Quad on the other.

There are no complicated features. It has a sleek, fuss-free design with line level and coaxial outputs and no digital inputs to think about. It's a player with a 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential DAC built-in and nothing more.

Instead, your money goes towards a musical presentation that's refined and enjoyable to listen to. For those who like a smooth, musical, elegant and highly listenable sound, it’s a fine proposition – easily beating less expensive models for both breadth and clarity.

Read the full review: Musical Fidelity M2sCD

Best CD players: Technics SL-G700

Combining disc spinning with streaming, this fun-sounding Technics is a fine option for your digital music library. (Image credit: Technics)
A high-quality digital source that covers all bases and sings like a bird too.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: Yes
Outputs: Coaxial, optical, line level, XLR, 6.3mm headphones
Dimensions (hwd): 9.8 x 43 x 40.7cm
Weight: 12.2kg

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent sound with disc and streaming
+
Impressive connectivity
+
Lovely build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be clunky in use
-
Streaming app could be slicker
-
Headphone output not as good

CDs, SACDs, Bluetooth and music streamed over a network - this is a player for the 21st century. It's both Chromecast and AirPlay-enabled for easy connectivity and goes high quality on the wireless too thanks to MQA support.

Ergonomically, you can't argue with it. The precision controls and the silky smooth disc drawer feel top notch, even if it's a little squished up to one side for aesthetics. Likewise, the software for the streaming control isn't the best we've seen but it definitely gets the job done.

Fortunately, the functionality is rock solid whether from a disc or over the air and its sound is superb. It's nuanced enough to deliver the full emotional impact of vocals snd strings, and comes with enough weight in the bass to keep your tracks feeling big. 

Punchy and tuneful, feature-packed and fun: if you’re looking to buy a high-quality digital source that covers all bases, the Technics SL-G700 is a brilliant option.

Read the full review: Technics SL-G700

Note: A new version of this streamer-with-CD-player, the Technics SL-G700M2, has been announced, promising to deliver “a host of performance and sound improvements” including a new and enhanced DAC, better noise-reduction in the power supply and a USB-B input.

Cambridge AXC35 CD player with AXA35 stereo amp

Cambridge Audio once again delivers if you're looking for a stylish, affordable and enjoyable CD player. (Image credit: Cambridge Audio)
Slimline, no-frills affordable CD player – a capable contender.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Coaxial, line level
Dimensions: 7.5 x 43 x 30.5cm
Weight: 4.3kg

Reasons to buy

+
Good detail resolution
+
Fits well within AX series
+
Minimalist design

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be beaten for sound
-
Functional build
-
No optical output

With an asking price just shy of £300, the AXC35 CD player is actually the pricier of two compact disc spinners in this affordable Cambridge range. The inclusion of coax is the main difference but there's no optical out and no USB (for the connection of Apple products or USB memory devices).

Nonetheless, the sound is good. It offers plenty of scale, lots of subtlety and a good degree of dynamic fluidity too. The minimal design is slim and stylish, and you get a functional remote with a basic dot matrix display. 

In summary, this fuss-free CD player serves up enough detail and clarity to justify its entry into our rundown of the Best CD Players. However, it's up against the truly brilliant Marantz CD6006 UK Edition, which sounds better across the board and has the added bonus of a USB input. Still, if you prefer the AXC35 CD's slim and stylish form factor, this unit is a very worthy proposition. 

Read the full review: Cambridge Audio AXC35

Best CD players: NAD C 538

One of the most affordable CD players around, this NAD is worth a listen if you're on a strict budget. (Image credit: Future)
A solid budget CD player worthy of serious consideration.

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Coaxial, optical, line level
Dimensions: 7 x 44 x 25cm
Weight: 3kg

Reasons to buy

+
Informative and organised sound
+
Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Sound lacks sonic authority

At £249 / $349 / AU$549, the NAD is one of the most affordable and appealing machines on the list, even though it doesn't boast a five-star rating. NAD seems to have followed the same style notes for decades, and the C 538 bears many similarities to its forebears. The transport mechanism works well with minimum fuss and not much noise.

Once properly warmed up, the C 538 is a good, solid performer. It doesn’t set new standards for budget CD players, but it does deliver enough in the way of detail and clarity to keep most people happy. Stereo imaging is convincing too and the player’s soundstage remains solid throughout with instruments located with a good amount of stability. 

Round the back, there are the standard stereo line level analogue outputs augmented by coax and optical digital connections – the latter being essential if you want to use this player as a transport. 

A likeable all-round performer that isn't a class-leader, but for those who are keen on the NAD sound, the C 538 is definitely worth considering at this price.

Read the full review: NAD C 538

CD transports

Marantz SA-10 lifestyle

A superb player, this premium Marantz SA-10 shows off its tremendous skill with insight and dynamics. (Image credit: Marantz)
Not outrageous money by high-end standards, but as accomplished a no-compromise CD player as we've heard.

Specifications

Type: Transport
SACD: Yes
Outputs: Optical, coaxial
Dimensions (hwd): 12.7 x 44 x 41.9cm
Weight: 18.4kg

Reasons to buy

+
Refined, informative sound
+
Fluid dynamics
+
Superb DAC section

Reasons to avoid

-
iPhone compatibility is limited

If price isn't an issue and pure sound-quality is your focus, then the Marantz SA-10 could be the CD player for you. This impressive-looking box can handle pretty much anything you care to throw in its direction. That includes SACDs and FLAC, DSD128, ALAC, AIFF and MP3 files fed into the player via USB.

Playback is aided by Marantz's custom-built SACD-M3 transport and a brand new signal path and digital-to-analogue section called Marantz Music Mastering. The result is breathtaking sound quality with amazing attention to detail. We’re struck by the way the Marantz renders the instrumental texture and the subtlety with which it tracks small-scale dynamic changes.

The remote control feels more luxurious than most supplied with high-end players, and we're impressed by this CD player's casework – it’s immensely rigid and well damped. If it's within budget, the Marantz SA-10 is a brilliant choice and one of the finest disc players you'll probably ever come across.

Read the full review: Marantz SA-10

Best CD players: Cambridge Audio CXC

If you're looking for an affordable way to play CDs in your system and already have a DAC, try this fuss-free CD transport.
If you already own a DAC, you can buy this entry-level CD transport instead of a standalone player. Trust us, its sound will impress.

Specifications

Type: Transport
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial
Dimensions: 8.5 x 43 x 31.5cm
Weight: 4.7kg

Reasons to buy

+
Musicality and muscle
+
Well-built
+
Good remote control

Reasons to avoid

-
It requires an external DAC
-
Getting older now
-
Minimal for some

The Cambridge Audio CXC transport is an affordable way to listen to your CDs with precision quality that takes full advantage of an external digital-to-analogue converter. Yup, you'll need your own DAC, but that's why you get this attractive CD transport, which simply reads the data using its single-speed transport and S3 Servo, for under £500. 

Using this separate bit of kit to do one specific job makes for better sound quality. There’s a real musicality here that can get lost on lesser players, with organic, fluid interplay between instruments. Although the CXC is restricted to doing one thing – it only reads CDs, not SACDs or MP3 CDs – it does that one thing very well.

It's a nicely made bit of kit too, with a machined -metal chassis that feels solid and a design than matches the rest of Cambridge's impressive CX range, including a streamer and integrated stereo amplifier.

If you already own an external DAC, we would not hesitate to recommend the Cambridge CXC over a standalone CD player. You’ll have to spend a good deal more than £300 to match the sound quality it offers.

Read the full review: Cambridge Audio CXC

Best CD players: Cyrus CD t

Cyrus is no stranger to CD players, and it also makes a terrific CD transport that delivers "near-faultless" sound quality.
This Cyrus CD transport delivers tremendous bang for your buck if you have a higher budget.

Specifications

Type: Transport
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial
Dimensions (hwd): 7.3 x 21.5 x 36cm
Weight: 4.7kg

Reasons to buy

+
Superb, near-faultless performance
+
Exquisite detail, rhythm and precision
+
Backlit remote

Reasons to avoid

-
Old-fashioned design and display
-
Requires external DAC

The Cyrus CD t is one of the best CD transports you can get, regardless of price. It's a CD transport, rather than a CD player, meaning it will simply read the data on the disc. You'll need a standalone DAC to handle all the digital-to-analogue conversion.

Cyrus's Servo Evolution disc-reading software, plucked from its £1750 CD xt Signature (below), combined with enhanced internal circuitry, creates a performance that's difficult to criticise. Sound is nuanced and subtly dynamic while offering deep bass with varied textures and precision throughout. 

The die-cast aluminium chassis design is solid and the backlit remote offers a great way to enjoy everything from a comfy chair. Connectivity is best described as 'minimal', with two digital outputs – optical and coaxial – and the standard MC-BUS control connections. 

Provided you own, or are willing to invest in, a good DAC, the CD t is an exceptionally talented transport for the money. Clarity and insight are unrivalled at this price.

Read the full review: Cyrus CD t

How we test CD players

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door – including CD players.

What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so we listen to every CD player we review against the current leader in its field to gauge how it compares to the best-in-class competition. We keep What Hi-Fi? Award winners – like the Cyrus CDi – in our stockrooms so we can always pit new products against ones we know and love, and we do our best to review as many new models in as many markets as possible to ensure our contextual knowledge is the best it can be.

We are always impartial in our testing and ensure we hear every CD player at its optimum – connected to the appropriate kit and placed on a sturdy and level surface. We'll use them in their best use case with different partnering amplifiers and speakers, as well as play plenty of discs in different genres of music through them. Naturally, we give them plenty of listening time (and time to run in) too.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

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Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products, been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found catching up with TV shows, tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.

  • MrMeaning
    What about portables? (Or are they considered beyond the pale?)
    Reply
  • Dan Sung
    Beyond pale in the face of PMPs loaded up with lossless music files. Both the size of the discman and the need for carrying around CDs is just too impractical. Besides, some of these players sound brilliant - https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/portable/best-portable-music-players
    Reply
  • Sclafonz
    I paid $600 for a Marantz CD player and after 9 years it stopped reading CDs. The USB input still works great. I didn't expect the CD player to last forever, but at least 10 years. I didn't abuse it either. Once it was set up it never moved. It really wasn't used that often. A few times a week. I tried cleaning the laser, but no luck. Based on this experience I wouldn't buy a Marantz CD player. Perhaps it was just my unit and not a design flaw, but I wouldn't take the chance.
    Reply
  • sprachnroll
    Sclafonz said:
    I paid $600 for a Marantz CD player and after 9 years it stopped reading CDs. The USB input still works great. I didn't expect the CD player to last forever, but at least 10 years. I didn't abuse it either. Once it was set up it never moved. It really wasn't used that often. A few times a week. I tried cleaning the laser, but no luck. Based on this experience I wouldn't buy a Marantz CD player. Perhaps it was just my unit and not a design flaw, but I wouldn't take the chance.
    Same thing happened to me and I think I paid far more for my Marantz CD player. Still love CDs and SACDs and have never gotten into streaming, though my receiver is supposedly capable of it.
    Reply
  • DELBOY14
    Sclafonz said:
    I paid $600 for a Marantz CD player and after 9 years it stopped reading CDs. The USB input still works great. I didn't expect the CD player to last forever, but at least 10 years. I didn't abuse it either. Once it was set up it never moved. It really wasn't used that often. A few times a week. I tried cleaning the laser, but no luck. Based on this experience I wouldn't buy a Marantz CD player. Perhaps it was just my unit and not a design flaw, but I wouldn't take the chance.
    I have had a Marantz CD63 Ki for around 25 years, two years ago I put a new sled and laser in it and lubed the sled with dry PTFE, made an improvement and I am now using it with an Audiolab MDAC plus. Very pleased. Like all electrical components, some last some don't and it could all be down to the house wiring, the socket or plug or how stable your supply is.
    Reply
  • Peter Bailey
    I've eliminated the ones beyond my budget, and I've selected the ones with the features I need. I'd be interested in your preferences. Is the best at the top, or is the list somehow weighted according to purchase price? If it is how do I remove the weighting? I'd hope the best was No. 1, so the reader can work down the list based on budget.
    Reply