ReviewFinder Home Audio CD Players

Yamaha CD-S300

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Design
Build quality
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6 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [6]

78
Total expert reviews: 6
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 3
Highest score by yamaha.com
94
Average score based on 6 reviews
78
Lowest score by ProductReview.com.au
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
The Yamaha A-S300 Integrated Amp and CD-S300 CD Player are a great option for those looking for a smaller, high-quality audio system. With impressive features and a reasonable price, these products are a steal for anyone wanting to upgrade their audio setup.
+ pros
  • The A-S300 integrated amp and CD-S300 CD player offer high-quality audio performance at a relatively affordable price.
  • The CD-S300 CD player has a range of features including compatibility with CD-R/RW, MP3, and WMA formats, as well as a USB port for iPod playback.
  • The A-S300 integrated amp has a powerful output of 60 watts per channel and includes features such as variable bass, treble, balance, and loudness controls.
- cons
  • The CD-S300 CD player does not support FLAC audio format, which may be a drawback for some audiophiles.
  • The A-S300 integrated amp does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its ability to stream music wirelessly.
The Yamaha CD-S300 CD-player is a retro-styled device with a frontal USB connector and firm-specific technologies that deliver soulful and high-quality sound, although it may lack some audiophile accuracy and have slightly weakened dynamics and lower bass. Enabling the Pure Direct mode improves sound resolution and reduces microdynamic picture, resulting in a more detailed and nuanced midrange.
+ pros
  • Frontal USB connector allows for easy playback of audio from iPod.
  • The device is packed with firm-specific technologies, such as the Intelligent Digital Servo servo-technology and minimal signal path output circuits.
  • Pure Direct mode provides high-quality sound by disabling secondary circuits.
  • The vocal sound is soulful and full.
  • The sound of the CD-S300 does not have digital stiffness and flows without audible strain.
  • The upper register is detailed and graceful.
  • Enabling Pure Direct mode improves sound resolution and reduces microdynamic picture at the top and additional shades in the midrange.
- cons
  • Overall dynamics may be slightly weakened.
  • The lower bass may be drawn in.
  • The scene localization on the edges is not ideal.
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Expert consensus

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player offers pleasing audio performance with a soulful vocal quality, smooth and flowing sound, and a well-balanced and solid sound, while its retro design and range of connectivity options make it a desirable choice, although the navigation system may be a drawback for some users.

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is highly praised for its pleasing audio performance, with a soulful and fully present vocal quality. The sound is described as smooth and flowing, with good accuracy in nuances. The player delivers a well-balanced and solid sound, although some reviewers mention slightly weakened dynamics and a drawn-in lower bass.

However, the upper register is detailed and graceful, and the player delivers a decent amount of punch.

In terms of connectivity options, the CD-S300 offers both Optical and Coaxial digital outputs, as well as RCA-style analog outputs. This allows for easy integration into various audio setups, whether connecting to amplifiers, receivers, or sound systems. The front USB port is Made for iPod certified, allowing for playback of USB sources at full resolution, making it convenient for those with digital music files stored on their iPod or USB device.

The design of the CD-S300 is praised for its retro style and sleek design. The device is finished immaculately, with all panels lining up perfectly, and the casework is top class with a high-quality fit and finish. The option to use spiked or unspiked feet adds to the attention to detail in the design.

However, the navigation system is not considered very intuitive, with slow and dim-witted responses, particularly when it comes to loading a disc or switching inputs.

The build quality of the CD-S300 is excellent, with a high-quality fit and finish indicating top-class construction. The use of premium materials, such as an aluminium unit for the drawer, enhances the durability and performance of the CD player. While specific details about the durability are not mentioned, the reputation of Yamaha's higher-end model suggests that the CD-S300 is likely to be a reliable and long-lasting option.

Overall, the Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is a well-rounded option for those seeking a high-quality CD player with a pleasing audio performance. It is suitable for various use cases, such as listening to vocal-focused music or integrating into a digital music setup. The stylish and elegant design, attention to detail in the construction, and range of connectivity options make it a desirable choice for those who value both aesthetics and performance.

However, the navigation system may be a drawback for users who prioritize a user-friendly and responsive interface.

Audio

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player offers pleasing audio performance with a soulful vocal quality, smooth and flowing sound, and a range of connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for music enthusiasts.

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is praised for its pleasing audio performance, with a soulful and fully present vocal quality. The sound is described as smooth and flowing, with good accuracy in nuances. While some reviewers mention slightly weakened dynamics and a drawn-in lower bass, the upper register is detailed and graceful, and the player delivers a decent amount of punch.

Overall, the sound is well-balanced and solid.

In terms of connectivity options, the CD-S300 offers both Optical and Coaxial digital outputs, as well as RCA-style analog outputs. This allows for easy integration into various audio setups, whether connecting to amplifiers, receivers, or sound systems. The front USB port is Made for iPod certified, allowing for playback of USB sources at full resolution, making it convenient for those with digital music files stored on their iPod or USB device.

Unfortunately, the THD+N rating and S/N ratio of the CD-S300 are not explicitly mentioned in the available information. However, based on the expert reviews, the CD-S300 is a well-rounded CD player that offers a pleasing audio performance and a range of connectivity options, making it suitable for various use cases such as listening to vocal-focused music or integrating into a digital music setup.

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Design

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is praised for its sleek design and attention to detail, but its navigation system is not considered very intuitive by experts.

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is praised for its retro style and sleek design. The device is finished immaculately, with all panels lining up perfectly, and the casework is top class with a high-quality fit and finish. The option to use spiked or unspiked feet adds to the attention to detail in the design.

The supplied remote control is also described as classy and easy to use.

However, the navigation system of the CD-S300 is not considered very intuitive by experts. Responses can be slow and dim-witted, particularly when it comes to loading a disc or switching inputs. This may be a drawback for users who prioritize a user-friendly and responsive navigation system.

Overall, the Yamaha CD-S300 CD player offers a stylish and elegant design with attention to detail. It is well-suited for users who value a retro aesthetic and appreciate high-quality craftsmanship. However, those who prioritize a user-friendly navigation system may want to consider other options.

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Build quality

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is praised for its excellent build quality and construction, with a high-quality fit and finish and the use of premium materials.

The Yamaha CD-S300 CD player is praised for its excellent build quality and construction. The casework is noted to have a high-quality fit and finish, indicating top-class construction. The use of an aluminium unit for the drawer is also mentioned, which adds to the overall durability and performance of the CD player.

While specific details about the other materials used are not mentioned, it can be inferred that Yamaha has used premium materials to enhance the build quality.

Although there is no specific mention of the durability of the CD-S300, the fact that Yamaha's higher-end model, the CD-S3000, is described as a "classy player" and is noted to be heavy suggests that Yamaha puts effort into the build quality of their CD players. While individual user needs may vary, the CD-S300 is likely to be a reliable and long-lasting option for those seeking a high-quality CD player.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all home audio CD players.

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6
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6
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2
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5
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2
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The Cambridge Audio CXC CD Player is highly praised for its superior audio quality, sleek design, and durable build, making it a top choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
8
4
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3
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6
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3
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Yamaha CD-S303
The Yamaha CD-S303 CD player offers impressive audio performance, high-quality construction, and flexible connectivity options, making it a great choice for those seeking detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
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1
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3
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4
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Denon DCD-900NE
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4
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Yamaha CD-S300 did not receive any endorsements this month.

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Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Cambridge Audio CXC CD Player is highly praised for its superior audio quality, sleek design, and durable build, making it a top choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. The Yamaha CD-S303 CD player offers impressive audio performance, high-quality construction, and flexible connectivity options, making it a great choice for those seeking detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
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