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
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What Hi-Fi
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BestCovery
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AlphaTopList
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iMore
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Lifewire
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Idsesmedia
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Prime Critics
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Technize
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Crutchfield
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1
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- | $319 |
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2
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1
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3
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- | $699 |
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3
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4
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4
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4
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- | $428 |
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5
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1
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5
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6
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3
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7
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7
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- | $364 |
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5
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10
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9
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- | $399 |
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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
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Cons
No wireless options
No app
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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
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Cons
Only one CD slot
Expensive
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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 June 2022 ranking










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.
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Cons
No radio or Bluetooth capabilities.
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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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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.
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Cons
You will need an adapter to utilize the Bluetooth technology.
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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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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
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Cons
Can be beaten for sound
Functional build
No optical output
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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
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Cons
Pricey
Alexa not built-in
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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
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Cons
High price
Doesn't include speakers
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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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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
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Cons
No USB support
No included cables
Design isn't very attractive
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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
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Cons
No USB support
Design isn't very attractive
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