Best CD players 2024: tried and tested models for every budget

Who needs streaming and randomised playlists? For some, nothing can beat putting on a CD and listening to a great album in full, and the best CD players allow you to enjoy that musical journey to the max.

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, and have done so ever since 1983.

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 there are manufacturers who still produce dedicated disc spinners (at both budget and high-end prices) for CD fans and audiophiles alike. Many new all-in-one systems and network receivers/streaming amplifiers 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 CD player on this list has been thoroughly tested by the team of experts at What Hi-Fi? in our dedicated listening rooms, so you can trust our buying advice.

The quick list

The best CD player overall

Arcam CD5 CD player placed on a wooden shelf with CDs stacked below.

This mid-range entry from Arcam plays CDs with plenty of clarity and timing precision. (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. An impressive player with a capable, fun approach

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Optical, coaxial, line level
Dimensions: 43.1 x 34.4 x 8.3cm
Weight: 6kg

Reasons to buy

+
Engaging, punchy, muscular sound
+
Dynamically expressive
+
Great build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Sub-menus could be more intuitive to access

The vinyl revival in recent years has meant that turntables have seen quite a resurgence. CD players haven't enjoyed the same level of comeback, however, the Arcam CD5 has come along as a great mid-range entry and does one thing well – playing CDs with finesse.

If you're looking for an excellent level of clarity, timing precision, and refinement than what this excellent player offers, then you’re looking to spend more than double the money on the top-notch Cyrus CDi – a multiple Award-winner.

There hasn’t been a seriously good, seriously capable, and seriously fun CD player of this level in a very long time. The Arcam CD5, fresh from its 2023 What Hi-Fi? Award win, changes things. It's a tremendously talented player that deserves an audition if you’re still holding on to your beloved CDs and want to give them a new lease of life. 

Read the full Arcam CD5 review

The best budget CD player

Cambridge Audio AXC35 placed on a black unit surrounding be speakers, plants and a guitar

A great budget solution with a sleek minimalist design and clear, punchy detail. (Image credit: Cambridge Audio)
An understated but solid solution that's ideal for those on a budget

Specifications

Type: Integrated
SACD: No
Outputs: Coaxial, line level.
Dimensions (hwd): 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

The AX Series is Cambridge Audio’s most affordable range of separates, and while the AXC35 makes a couple of compromises to keep the price down, there are still plenty of reasons to recommend it.

For starters there’s the classy, understated design. The front panel is uncluttered, with just six buttons and a simple LED display under the disc drive, while the slimline build of the chassis gives it a contemporary feel and makes it look much more expensive than it is. The minimalist vibe carries through to the remote, which is perfectly functional but feels like an exercise in corner-cutting. Connections are also limited to just line outputs and a coax digital output – there’s no USB or optical here.

What it lacks in features, though, it makes up for with its very listenable performance that isn’t afraid to go big. The ACX35 is dynamically adept across the frequencies, keeping its cool with faster time signatures and delivering a sparkling, percussive rhythm through the treble. Instruments are easily distinguishable alongside textured voices in the mid-range. 

At this price, it’s a perfectly capable player, but if you’re really counting the pennies the NAD C 538 is an even cheaper alternative.

Read the full Cambridge Audio AXC35 review

The best mid-range CD player

Marantz CD6007 CD player in black finish on a wooden rack against black background.

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 winner. With detail, dynamics and a beautifully clear sound, this is 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

The Marantz CD6000 series has been a winning option for many years, in various versions, and while the CD6007 is business as usual on the outside (with typically excellent build quality, we're happy to report), it's on the inside where Marantz has made big improvements.

For starters, the CD6007 has a quieter power supply and improved HDAM amplifier modules. These are helped 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 the front socket, supporting PCM music up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD128.

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

Owners of the CD6006 needn't rush to change their player, but the CD6007 is most definitely an excellent choice for first-time buyers at this end of the market.

Read the full Marantz CD6007 review

The best premium CD player

Marantz SA-10 lifestyle

A premium priced, luxuriously built and stunning sounding Marantz CD player that will cater to demanding customers and kit. (Image credit: Marantz)
Not outrageous money by high-end standards, but as accomplished a no-compromise CD player as we've heard.

Specifications

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

Reasons to buy

+
Refined, informative sound
+
Fluid dynamics and excellent stereo imaging
+
Superb DAC section
+
Excellent connectivity
+
Terrific build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
iPhone compatibility is limited

When Marantz launches a new premium CD spinner it tends to be worth paying attention – and six years after it was originally reviewed the SA-10 still performs just as brilliantly as when it was first released.

Weighing in at 18kg, it’s pretty clear it means business before you even open the box, and that feeling of authority continues with the impressive casework. It’s immensely rigid, well damped and superbly finished, with buttons that are satisfying to press and a disc drawer that glides in and out with grace. Even the remote feels luxurious.

The sound is also suitably refined, with a wonderfully clean presentation, smooth tonality, and a stunning amount of detail that’s organized with care and composure. There’s plenty in the way of scale and authority, but it never sounds cluttered or stressed, and stereo imaging is also impressive.

Those who like to tweak will welcome the ability to adjust the amount of dither added to the signal during digital-to-analogue conversion, alter the type of noise shaping applied, and change the digital filter used, plus there are a wealth of connectivity options around the back, including balanced XLRs and USB.

It all adds up to yet another Marantz CD player that will meet the expectations of even the most demanding connoisseurs.

Read the full Marantz SA-10 review

The best CD streaming system

Technics SA-C600 sitting on a wooden shelf with plants.

A supremely talented CD-and-streaming all-in-one player. (Image credit: Technics)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 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 built-in amplifier, 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 Technics SA-C600 review

The best budget CD transport

Cambridge Audio CXC black edition finish on grey shelf.

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. (Image credit: Cambridge Audio)
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. Yes, you'll need your own DAC, but it's worth getting this attractive CD transport, which simply reads the data using its single-speed transport and S3 Servo, for under $650. 

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 Audio'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 this to match the sound quality it offers.

Read the full Cambridge Audio CXC review

How to choose the best CD player for you

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.

More premium players will have better DAC chips and internal components, fewer errors and also support different optical disc formats (SACD alongside standard CD, CD-R, CD-RW, for instance). Some CD players even pack in wireless and streaming tech to turn your CD player into an all-in-one media hub, and include a USB port so you can play 24-bit high-resolution files. It's up to you whether you want the extra features (which can be more expensive) or stick with a solid disc-spinner that will do the job well.

The other thing to consider is if you need an integrated CD player (one with a DAC built-in) or a CD transport (no DAC inside). Transports such as the Cambridge Audio CXC will need to use either a standalone DAC or the one in your stereo amplifier to handle the digital-to-analogue conversion before the sound reaches your speakers. The upshot of a CD transport? It puts all its concentration and skills on reading the CD disc. The downside is you'll need to make sure you buy or already have an appropriately skilled DAC to connect it to.

Or you can simply pick the player that's most closely aligned with your budget, system and preferred functionality. Do you prefer slot-loading or a disc tray? Does it have a display that can be read easily at a distance? Do you need Bluetooth, or do you have a large collection of SACDs that needs some love? Remember to set your budget according to the demands of the rest of your system.

How we test CD players

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, and some of those, inevitably, are CD players. We have complete control over our testing environment, and we test as a team of audio experts with a combined wealth of over a century of experience. 

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 also evaluate all the different features a player might support, and how easy it is to use.

It's important to us that we judge all products, including CD players, on a strict bang-for-buck basis, making sure to emphasize value and tell our readers how good something is for the money. Accordingly, we compare all products we review against similarly-priced class leaders to help us settle on the most accurate rating.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the in-house review 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. As a rule, there's no input from sales teams or PR companies ever in our reviews, with What Hi-Fi? enjoying a sterling reputation of delivering honest, unbiased feedback 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 (including speakers, amplifiers and headphones), 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 tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.

With contributions from
  • 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
  • mbinz
    Any reason Audiolab doesn't feature? the older 8200CD was hailed as a top pick when it came out, performing way above it's price point... Have the latest Audiolab offerings gone down in performance compared to other manufacturers latest advances?
    Reply