June 2022
Home Audio CD Players: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of CD Player rankings posted by key online experts, as of June 2022.
Summary
As of 7 Jun 2022, Onkyo DXC390 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed cd player with 3 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 3 recommended it as the '#1 cd player' this month. It is followed by Bose Wave SoundTouch IV and Cambridge Audio CXC , with 2 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - June 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | CD Player |
BestReviews
|
What Hi-Fi
|
BestCovery
|
AlphaTopList
|
iMore
|
Lifewire
|
Idsesmedia
|
Prime Critics
|
Technize
|
Crutchfield
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $319 |
Onkyo DXC390
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | Check price |
Bose Wave SoundTouch IV
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $699 |
Cambridge Audio CXC
|
3
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $428 |
Bose Wave Music System IV
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $399 |
Cambridge Audio AXC35
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Como Audio Musica
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $364 |
Teac PD 301 CD Player
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Tascam CD-200BT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $399 |
Tascam CD-RW900MKII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
We ranked Onkyo DXC390 #1 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Onkyo DXC390 as #1.
iMore
Best CD Changer
|
Pros
Multiple CD slots
Continuous playback options
Plays different types of CDs
|
Cons
No wireless options
No app
|
We ranked Bose Wave SoundTouch IV #2 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Bose Wave SoundTouch IV as #1.
iMore
Best Overall
|
Pros
Offers Internet radio, online music services
Works with Alexa
One-touch access
|
Cons
Only one CD slot
Expensive
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Home Audio CD Players.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Home Audio CD Players, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for June 2022 ranking
BestReviews
What Hi-Fi
BestCovery
AlphaTopList
iMore
Lifewire
Idsesmedia
Prime Critics
Technize
Crutchfield
We ranked Cambridge Audio CXC #3 in June 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
BestReviews
Unrivaled Sound
|
Pros
Will sound great day one which allows users to hear “crisper” versions of each instrument.
Boasts a straightforward setup with an easy-to-use remote and sensible button display.
|
Cons
No radio or Bluetooth capabilities.
|
What Hi-Fi
If you already own a DAC, you can buy this CD transport instead of a standalone player. Trust us, its sound will impress.
|
Pros
Musicality and muscle
Well-built
Good remote control
|
Cons
Requires an external DAC
Getting older now
Minimal for some
|
We ranked Bose Wave Music System IV #4 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bose Wave Music System IV as #1.
BestReviews
Most Comprehensive
|
Pros
Using Bose’s “Waveguide” technology, sound is able to permeate throughout the listener’s room making for an immersive music experience.
Able to play radio, MP3, CD, and Bluetooth.
|
Cons
You will need an adapter to utilize the Bluetooth technology.
|
Lifewire
Best Overall
|
Pros
Fantastic audio quality
Good voice recognition
Handy remote and dedicated app for unit control
|
Cons
Wi-Fi connectivity can be problematic
Setup process can take longer than average thanks to frequent updates
|
We ranked Cambridge Audio AXC35 #5 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Cambridge Audio AXC35 as #1.
What Hi-Fi
Slimline, no-frills CD player, a capable contender
|
Pros
Good detail resolution
Fits well within AX series
Minimalist design
|
Cons
Can be beaten for sound
Functional build
No optical output
|
We ranked Como Audio Musica #6 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
iMore
Best Design
|
Pros
Available in multiple finishes
Supports a variety of audio formats
Built-in streaming services
|
Cons
Pricey
Alexa not built-in
|
We ranked Teac PD 301 CD Player #7 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
iMore
Best for Small Spaces
|
Pros
Tiny
Playback of multiple file types
Offers digital to analog audio converters
|
Cons
High price
Doesn't include speakers
|
Lifewire
Best for Compact Spaces
|
Pros
User-friendly controls
Beautiful, compact design
TEAC tray-loader included
Low signal-to-noise ratio for an exceptional hi-fi experience
|
Cons
Display is difficult to read at times
|
We ranked Tascam CD-200BT #8 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
Lifewire
Best for Durability
|
Pros
Durable, sturdy build
Bluetooth connectivity
Built-in 10-second shock protection
|
Cons
No USB support
No included cables
Design isn't very attractive
|
We ranked Tascam CD-RW900MKII #9 in June 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
Lifewire
Best for Live Applications
|
Pros
User-friendly gapless recording
TEAC tray-loading transport included
Great for recording live media direct to CD
|
Cons
No USB support
Design isn't very attractive
|