September 2021
Home Audio CD Players: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of CD Player rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2021.
At a glance - September 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | CD Player |
BestReviews
|
What Hi-Fi
|
BestCovery
|
AlphaTopList
|
Technize
|
Idapt
|
Crutchfield
|
Lifewire
|
Idsesmedia
|
Prime Critics
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
New * | $266 |
Onkyo DXC390
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
New * | $580 |
Yamaha CD-C600BL
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
-2 | Check price |
Tenswall Portable CD Player
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
4
|
New * | $350 |
Cambridge Audio AXC35
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
-2 | Check price |
Tascam CD-200BT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
+4 | Check price |
Sylvania SRCD243
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
7
|
-5 | $393 |
Tascam CD-RW900MKII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
-4 | $500 |
Teac CD-P650
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
+7 | $19 |
GPX PC332B
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
10
|
New * | $599 |
Cambridge Audio CXC
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Onkyo DXC390 #1 in September 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Onkyo DXC390 as #1.
BestReviews
Best bang for the buck
|
Pros
In addition to producing clear, balanced sound, it can play a CD while changing up to 5 others without interrupting your listening experience. Easy to set up; build feels sturdy.
|
Cons
The design is somewhat bulky and takes up more space than similar models. Some faulty units upon arrival have been reported.
|
We ranked Yamaha CD-C600BL #2 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha CD-C600BL as #1.
BestReviews
Best of the best
|
Pros
A 5-disc player-changer with patented PlayXchange technology for seamlessly uninterrupted play. Superior audiophile-approved sound. Easy to set up and play.
|
Cons
Various malfunctions with the disc changer have been reported, and customer service is sometimes slow to respond.
|
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 September 2021 ranking
BestReviews
What Hi-Fi
BestCovery
AlphaTopList
Technize
Idapt
Crutchfield
Lifewire
Idsesmedia
Prime Critics
We ranked Tenswall Portable CD Player #3 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Tenswall Portable CD Player as #1.
We ranked Cambridge Audio AXC35 #4 in September 2021 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 Tascam CD-200BT #5 in September 2021 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 Sylvania SRCD243 #6 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
We ranked Tascam CD-RW900MKII #7 in September 2021 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
|
We ranked Teac CD-P650 #8 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
We ranked GPX PC332B #9 in September 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
We ranked Cambridge Audio CXC #10 in September 2021 because:
- 2 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
|
Cons
Requires an external DAC
Getting older now
Minimal for some
|