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. Despite the typically excellent build quality, though, it's the insides where Marantz has made the improvements to their CD players count. 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.

This Marantz model has been around in various guises for a long time, and remains the best option at this price. But be in no doubt that all the models below are fine choices. The nearer the top it is, the more we like it, based on its performance per pound quality. The CD players below are a comprehensive list of those we consider the very best. 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. Or you can simply pick the player that's most closely aligned with your budget, system and preferred functionality. The downside is you'll need to make sure you buy or already have an appropriately skilled DAC to connect it to.

The upshot of a CD transport? It puts all its concentration and skills on reading the CD disc. 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 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). 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. Some CD players even pack in wireless and streaming tech to turn your CD player into an all-in-one media system, and include a USB port so you can play 24-bit high-resolution files. 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). Many new all-in-one systems are starting to feature CD players alongside streaming starts, too. 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.ĬD 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.

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). And that's why we still regularly review CD players and CD transports.ĬDs are also enjoying a resurgence for the first time in over 15 years.

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.

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