Best CD Players for Sound, Home Theater, and DJs 2024

We chose the McIntosh MCD350 as our best overall CD player as a direct step up to the MCT80. While the MCT80 is a great CD player at an even greater price, the MCD350 is made for folks who are serious about their CD collection and audio system. It’s a standard component sized CD player with an internal DAC that can handle up to 192kHz/32-bit! Much like the MCT80 it utilizes a 2x disc read speed that places CD/Data information in a buffer memory for spectacular tracking and error correction. The twin-laser optical drive featuring a single objective lens that captures information with extreme precision. The separate laser parts are dedicated to both SACD and CD playback.

The MCD350 is an award winning SACD player first and an award-winning CD player to boot. If you’ve got a large collection of SACDs or even plan to start one, look no further than this player. But don’t let that dissuade you from picking this up as your main CD player as it does a spectacular job in that regard as well.

The finest upgrade from the MCT80 is on the back panel of the MCD350. Balanced outputs are featured on the MCD350. The benefit to a balanced connection is that each phase has an equal impedance relative to the ground, which is where the “balanced” title comes from. The result will also typically add an additional +3db to the amplifier from the source.

Cosmetically it’s just such a captivating piece of equipment, and this is by far the heaviest CD player in the gear guide weighing in at a staggering 28lbs. Let’s not forget the green McIntosh glow, which is worth the price of admission alone.

Pros: SACD Support. 192kHz/32-bit DAC. Classic McIntosh look and feel. Quality component with a quality build.

Cons: No selectable filters for PCM and DSD in the DAC.

We hand-picked the Marantz CD6007 as the best single-disc CD player and it might just be the best CD Player in the whole bunch. Out of the box it features a reference class AK4490 192kHz/24-bit D/A converter along with an update HDAM-SA2 (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) to deliver a clean and pure sonic performance. The update on the HDAM module is by way of using a more stable power supply and the idling current stability is less influenced by power transistor temperatures to maintain a stable sonic performance at its highest-level output.

The D/A converter in the CD6007 is a reference class AK4490 which allows the user to select between two filter options and delivers 192kHz/24-bit and DSD 5.6MHz resolution for pristine musical fidelity with tighter bass, immaculate mid-range and smooth high frequency audio in both the CD and Hi-Res formats from a front-loaded USB stick. The two selectable filter options are Filter 1 (a slow roll-off preset to improve deep stereo imaging) or Filter 2 (a sharper roll-off filter for more accurate imaging).

The CD6007 has an improved and redesigned headphone amplifier section utilizing the HDAM-SA2 circuit with 3 different gain settings of Low, Mid and High. If you’re looking to clean up the audio from the CD6007 without the use of the built-in headphone amplifier, you can disable this feature to minimize interference or any additional unwanted noise.

Marantz brings over 65 years of experience and Hi-Fi expertise to the table, and it shows in this master class of a CD Player. Using that experience they were able to upgrade the power supply in the CD6007 from previous generations of the player by using Shottky Barrier Diodes and higher value current storage capacitors. The total increase of the power supply 120% compared to previous models which has increased stability and lessened the AC noise during listening sessions.

The Marantz CD6007 is a great CD player to introduce into your system as a new owner of Marantz products. It’s also a killer upgrade if you’ve got a previous model Marantz CD player as you can take advantage of the updated power supply and updated HDAM module. You won’t want to hide this beauty in a cabinet or behind closed doors. This should sit atop a credenza or other furniture as a focal point to your system.

Pros: Upgraded HDAM module for more accurate listening sessions. Built-in headphone amplifier that’s able to be turned on and off as needed.

Cons: None. This is a great piece of equipment.

We included the Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player on our best CD players of 2023 guide on account of it’s stylish appearance, simplicity of operation and the fact that after more than 40 years of producing consumer electronics, Yamaha is a trusted name with trusted equipment.

The CD-S303 brings studio quality sound to music lovers with a CD collection and caters to the new generation of file streaming with their front panel USB slot. Yamaha has taken on the endeavor of sending high quality audio through the CD-S303 by way of shortening their signal path which lessens the chance for any signal loss or external interference, and this was no easy task!

Another feature of the CD-S303 that any fan of Yamaha’s amplifiers and receivers will notice is a Pure Direct button on the front of the player. The Pure Direct button turns off the display and the digital circuitry inside the CD-S303 to remove the chance of interference and only sends out the top-quality analog sound from the player. Yamaha used nothing but the highest quality parts and is constantly working to provide the best materials in the game. The level of attention to detail in the assembly of this CD player is so meticulous that it’s price of $379.95 is akin to highway robbery. A great value for a top notch CD player

Additionally, built into the CD-S303 is a high performance 192kHz/24-bit DAC. This DAC is designed to promise a down-right perfect conversion precision, signal to noise ratio and dynamic range.

If you’re looking to take advantage of Yamaha’s unrivaled craftsmanship for your amplification as well, look no further than the A-S301 Integrated Amplifier. At under $799 total for both components, you’ll also come away with additional digital connections and a moving magnet input to add a turntable. This is great place to begin for a nice 2-channel listening room, and it sets you up for future compatibility and expansion when the time is right.

Pros: 3-Mode CD Text Display will give you information about the disc currently playing. Digital servo will make quick work of those scratched or scuffed discs that won’t play in other CD Players.

Cons: Buttons on face of the unit are not back-lit and can be difficult to see in low-light rooms.

We selected Denon’s DCD-900NE as the best DJ CD player based on it’s use of AL32 Processing Plus. But that begs the question from the reader, “What the heck is AL32 Processing Plus?”. Sit down, and I’ll let you know.

AL32 Processing Plus utilizes data interpolation algorithms, up-sampling and bit-extension for audio playback that is masterfully faithful to the sound as the artist intended. Would you want to hear music any other way? The answer is no.

Another step Denon took is to thoughtfully separate the different audio and digital boards under the hood of the DCD-900NE. Denon has also used precisely fitted power transformers in their design. These two facts coupled together work to reduce vibration and interference commonly found in other designs.

Denon has been doing this for a long time and are a trusted name in consumer electronics. They’ve recently celebrated their 110th year as a company and are dedicated to manufacturing top shelf audio components.

The DAC included with the DCD-900NE is set up to accurately synchronize the digital circuits. When clock signals are supplied, the DAC Master Clock design treats the DAC as the master. This clock is located right next to the DAC in the player and that proximity reduces jitter and ensures an accurate conversation in the D/A.

The DCD-900NE has a USB port on the front panel of the unit. Insert the stick into the front panel port and you can utilize playback of FLAC up to 192kHz/24-bit or DSD 2.8MHz/5.6MHz. The outputs on the back of the device are Digital Coaxial, Optical and Gold-Plated RCA outputs. The DCD-900NE will handle Audio CD’s or Data CD’s and will play MP3 / WMA / AAC files from the Data CDs.

The DCD-900NE also features Pure Direct Mode. This mode turns off the digital outputs to minimize interference that could otherwise corrupt the audio signal. The result of Pure Direct Mode being engaged is you only hear clean, accurate sound as the artist intended.

In closing, this is a well-made, well thought out pristine looking piece of equipment that checks off several of the boxes someone is looking for in a CD player. Quality DAC? Check. CD’s? Check. USB? Check. Data CDs? Check. Sleek looking classic Denon form factor? Check.

Pros: Built in DAC and well thought out design make this player a value for the prices tag, Pure Direct Mode.

Cons: Does not support gapless playback on the USB stick side of the player.

The house is a mess. Company is coming over in 3 hours. Time to load up the 6-disc DX-C390 CD Changer with your meager collection of Rush CD’s and get to cleaning! Before you know it, you’re on disc 4 and the music has never stopped. You look around and you’ve done it. Clean house. Where did the time even go?

That’s the beauty of a CD Changer and why the Onkyo DX-C390 is our pick for the best multi-disc CD player. It’s a lot like a crock pot if you want to think about it that way. Drop your ingredients in (in this case CDs) to the crock pot (CD Changer) and get it started (play button).

The Onkyo DX-C390 is a perfect addition to any home system that demands the excellence of near perfect CD playback utilizing their VLSC (Vector Liner Shaping Circuitry) for a much smoother sounding audio signal. Not to be outdone by the VLSC is the Direct Digital Path which is a shielded top-quality cable that guards the audio signal from noise by the surrounding circuit boards.

The DX-C390 features a Single-Bit DAC, 6 Repeat Modes, a Random Track Memory of 40 tracks, a user-friendly remote control and Onkyo’s classic brushed aluminum front panel. The digital display on the front of the unit will give you the disc number that is being played; the track being played from that disc as well as the play mode the is currently selected. Not to mention that while 1 disc is playing, you can exchange the other 5 discs for new discs without ever interrupting the disc that’s playing. When you’re loading up the fresh CDs, you’ll take notice that there is barely any audible sound from the player when the tray slides in and out.

The DX-C390 will allow the end user to insert up to 6 discs full of MP3 files and play them through the True Random function. The use of True Random will randomly play a file from each disc, or a blend of data discs and traditional audio CDs.

Pros: 6 Disc Carousel keeps the tunes playing. User friendly remote control.

Cons: Takes up more space depth-wise than a traditional single disc CD player.

The Marantz CD60 is the best CD player for the money because of it's stylish, classic design and it will fit the needs of any CD aficionado. The CD60 Marantz’s proprietary HDAM circuit which has been updated since it’s inception to place the gear on the audio board in a more symmetrical manner to create a direct signal path for the device. The result of this upgraded design will bring out depth of field and sounds you’ve never heard before on CD’s you’ve listened to hundreds if not thousands of times.

In addition to the HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) circuity, the CD60 comes equipped with a High-Current Power using upgraded Schottky diodes and improved voltage regulation over the previous editions of this player. Using larger capacitors in the power supply help manage the current and reduce floor noise while you’re listening to your music collection.

Another excellent selling (and buying) point with the CD60 is the front USB port. This means you can add your favorite tunes to a USB stick and plug it right in. We know what you’re thinking, “I have to turn the unit around, or fumble around with trying to get a USB stick inserted into the player blindly?”. No. Absolutely not. The CD60 has a USB port on the face of the unit for easy connections and removal of the USB stick. Connecting the USB stick will give the listener (you) the ability to us Hi-Res Audio up to 192-kHz/24bit).

The CD60 is designed to work in concert (both functionally and aesthetically) with a Model 40n Integrated Amplifier. Adding the Model 40n would also mean an instant connection to your phone or TV for additional audio. The model 40n has an HDMI input for ARC, a phono stage for connecting a turntable, HEOS built in for streaming and supports Apple Air Play2. The combination of these two monsters transforms your Music Room into a Media Room as soon as you unbox it and lets you explore not only your CD collection, but any other source you can imagine as well.

Pros: Front USB Panel Support for Hi-Res Playback. HDAM circuitry for dynamic playback.

Cons: Doesn’t support SA-CD Playback, but don’t worry Marantz SACD30N does!

The Integra CDC-3.4 is the best CD player under $500 for its superior performance and build quality.

However, we also chose it because sometimes being able to put one CD into the player and start the music just isn’t good enough. The food is out, the drinks are served, and the guests are just starting to arrive and -*crickets*- THE MUSIC STOPS.

Integra has a solution for you! The CDC-3.4 6-Disc Carousel Changer is the player for just such a party. Load up 6 of your favorite CD’s and hit play… or if you’re really wanting to party… load up 6 discs into the carousel and hit random!

The CDC-3.4 has a built in 192kHz/24-bit D/A Converter and utilizes VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) for a Noise-Free Signal Path. It also showcases a Direct Digital Path which is a Direct Shielded Cable Connection to the rear panel.

When the tray slides out, you’ll find not only is it illuminated, but it’s also virtually inaudible and glides as smooth as warm butter on warm toast. The disc formats that are supported by the CDC-3.4 are both traditional CDs as well as CD-R/RW and MP3 playback. There are several playback options including entire disc, all discs, random tracks, and True Random play which will also randomize MP3’s.

The CDC-3.4 has a perfectly designed back panel featuring 2 Digital Outputs (1 Optical and 1 Coaxial), and high-quality gold-plated RCA output terminals for perfection when it comes to signal transmission.

The remote control for the CDC-3.4 is designed with the end user in mind. It’s a very basic remote control that within 15 seconds of picking up it’s plainly obvious what we need to do with it. The remote control isn’t cluttered up with a bunch of buttons that serve little to no function. It just makes sense, plain and simple.

Pros: 6 Disc Carousel is perfect for a “set it an forget it” approach to listening to CDs. The price point for this player considering the brands reputation and build quality is a no-brainer.

Cons: Takes up more room than a conventional single-disc player based on depth of carousel.

The TEAC AD-850-SE is a versatile unit that combines a cassette deck and CD player, making it the best CD player with recording features for those who appreciate the convenience of digital and analog formats. This device stands out for its ability to record directly to USB flash drives from CDs, cassettes, and external inputs as MP3 files, and also from digital sources back onto cassette tapes. The inclusion of a microphone input with an echo function enhances its functionality, allowing for karaoke and the mixing of mic signals during playback and recording, though it's noted that the mic sound cannot be recorded when transferring from a CD to a USB. The echo effect, adjustable to two levels or turned off, adds a fun dimension for karaoke enthusiasts.

Its cassette deck supports normal, chrome, and metal tapes (the latter for playback only) and offers pitch control and timer recording/playback, catering to users' diverse needs. The CD player is compatible with audio CDs and CD-R/RW discs containing MP3 files, displaying ID3 tags and file names for easy navigation. Playback modes such as program, shuffle, and repeat, along with USB recording and playback features, underscore its versatility as an all-in-one solution for music lovers who cherish both the nostalgia of tapes and the clarity of digital audio.