March 2023
Home Audio CD Players: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of CD Player rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.
Summary
Between 4 Mar 2023 and 7 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 71 CD Player endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
57 Home Audio CD Players were endorsed in total, only 10 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 7 Mar 2023, Onkyo DXC390 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed cd player with 4 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 cd player' this month. It is followed by Bose Wave Music System IV and Marantz CD6007 , with 3 and 2 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
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Marantz:
5 CD Players
(#1 is Marantz SACD 30n )
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Yamaha:
3 CD Players
(#1 is Yamaha MCR-B020BL )
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Denon:
3 CD Players
(#1 is Denon D-M41 )
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Onkyo:
2 CD Players
(#1 is Onkyo Colibrino CS-265 )
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Bose:
2 CD Players
(#1 is Bose Wave SoundTouch IV )
Price breakdown
At a glance - March 2023 Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | CD Player |
What Hi-Fi
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history-computer.com
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BestCovery
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MUO
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AlphaTopList
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Crutchfield
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Lifewire
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iMore
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BestReviews
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Idsesmedia
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1
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- | $289 |
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4
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1
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2
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4
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2
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- | $438 |
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1
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1
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5
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3
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- | $799 |
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1
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-
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1
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4
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- | $599 |
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5
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4
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3
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5
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- | $380 |
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6
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1
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6
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- | Check price |
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2
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5
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11
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- | $429 |
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8
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2
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12
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- | Check price |
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6
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4
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13
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- | $1400 |
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6
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6
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14
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- | $150 |
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7
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6
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Sorted by price:
Position in ranking | Price | CD Player |
---|---|---|
#14 | $149.95 | Toshiba CWU700 [buy] [more info] |
#1 | $289.38 | Onkyo DXC390 [buy] [more info] |
#5 | $379.95 | Yamaha CD-S303 [buy] [more info] |
#11 | $429 | Denon DCD-600NE [buy] [more info] |
#2 | $438 | Bose Wave Music System IV [buy] [more info] |
#4 | $599 | Cambridge Audio CXC [buy] [more info] |
#3 | $799 | Marantz CD6007 [buy] [more info] |
#6 | $991.39 | Teac PD 301 CD Player [buy] [more info] |
#13 | $1399.98 | Marantz ND8006 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Onkyo DXC390 #1 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Onkyo DXC390 as #1.

MUO
Editors Choice
Pros
Heavily shielded construction
Six-disc capability
Delivers crystal-clear playback
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Cons
A bit heavy
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iMore
Best CD Changer
Pros
Multiple CD slots
Continuous playback options
Plays different types of CDs
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Cons
No wireless options
No app
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We ranked Bose Wave Music System IV #2 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Bose Wave Music System IV as #1.

Lifewire
Best Overall
Pros
Fantastic audio quality
Good voice recognition
Handy remote and dedicated app for unit control
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Cons
Wi-Fi connectivity can be problematic
Setup process can take longer than average thanks to frequent updates
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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.
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Cons
You will need an adapter to utilize the Bluetooth technology.
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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 March 2023 ranking










We ranked Marantz CD6007 #3 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Marantz CD6007 as #1.

What Hi-Fi
With detail, dynamics and a beautifully clear sound, the CD6007 is the best CD player you can buy at this price point.
Pros
Class-leading insight
More dramatic presentation
Excellent build and finish
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Cons
Looks like previous models
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MUO
Premium Pick
Pros
Stylish
Excellent build quality
Versatile
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Cons
Not much design change from previous models
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We ranked Cambridge Audio CXC #4 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.

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
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Cons
Requires an external DAC
Getting older now
Minimal for some
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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.
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Cons
No radio or Bluetooth capabilities.
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We ranked Yamaha CD-S303 #5 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha CD-S303 as #1.

MUO
Pros
Handy features to combat noise and interference
Convenient playback functions
Dimmable display
Remote control
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Cons
Not for compact setups
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We ranked Teac PD 301 CD Player #6 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.

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
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Cons
Display is difficult to read at times
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iMore
Best for Small Spaces
Pros
Tiny
Playback of multiple file types
Offers digital to analog audio converters
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Cons
High price
Doesn't include speakers
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We ranked Denon DCD-600NE #7 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.

MUO
Pros
Incredible audio quality
Solid and reliable
Reduced vibration
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Cons
Not many features
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BestReviews
Best bang for the buck
Pros
Includes a “pure direct mode” which allows the listener to hear the music as initially intended.
Comes in a vibration-resistant case that will stop CDs from getting scratched if bumped.
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Cons
Does not come with a digital output which may discourage use in some sound systems.
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We ranked Cambridge Audio AXC35 #8 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.

What Hi-Fi
Slimline, no-frills CD player, a capable contender
Pros
Good detail resolution
Fits well within AX series
Minimalist design
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Cons
Can be beaten for sound
Functional build
No optical output
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MUO
Pros
Sturdy metal chassis
High-performing DAC for precise conversions
Minimalist design
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Cons
No quality controls
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We ranked Marantz ND8006 #9 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.

iMore
Best Premium
Pros
Supports AirPlay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB Connectivity
High-quality audio conversion
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Cons
Yes, the price
Overkill for most
Just one CD slot
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We ranked Toshiba CWU700 #10 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.

AlphaTopList
Pros
Balanced, full audio
Perfect for home or office
Bluetooth enabled
AM/FM function
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Cons
Does not support gapless playback
Difficult to program clock/alarm
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