November 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 November 2022.
Summary
As of 4 Nov 2022, Onkyo DXC390 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed cd player with 4 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 cd player' this month. It is followed by Bose Wave Music System IV and Yamaha CD-S303 , with 3 and 2 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - November 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | CD Player |
Idsesmedia
|
Crutchfield
|
iMore
|
MUO
|
BestReviews
|
What Hi-Fi
|
BestCovery
|
Lifewire
|
history-computer.com
|
AlphaTopList
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $249 |
Onkyo DXC390
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $356 |
Bose Wave Music System IV
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
|
3
|
New * | $330 |
Yamaha CD-S303
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $599 |
Cambridge Audio CXC
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $439 |
Teac PD 301 CD Player
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-8 | $349 |
Cambridge Audio AXC35
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $1400 |
Marantz ND8006
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $110 |
Toshiba CWU700
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
We ranked Onkyo DXC390 #1 in November 2022 because:
- 4 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
|
MUO
Editors Choice
|
Pros
Heavily shielded construction
Six-disc capability
Delivers crystal-clear playback
|
Cons
A bit heavy
|
We ranked Bose Wave Music System IV #2 in November 2022 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.
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
|
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 November 2022 ranking
Idsesmedia
Crutchfield
iMore
MUO
BestReviews
What Hi-Fi
BestCovery
Lifewire
history-computer.com
AlphaTopList
We ranked Yamaha CD-S303 #3 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Yamaha CD-S303 as #1.
MUO
Premium Pick
|
Pros
Handy features to combat noise and interference
Convenient playback functions
Dimmable display
Remote control
|
Cons
Not for compact setups
|
We ranked Cambridge Audio CXC #4 in November 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 Teac PD 301 CD Player #5 in November 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 Cambridge Audio AXC35 #6 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Home Audio CD Players” rankings.
MUO
|
Pros
Sturdy metal chassis
High-performing DAC for precise conversions
Minimalist design
|
Cons
No quality controls
|
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 Marantz ND8006 #7 in November 2022 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
|
Cons
Yes, the price
Overkill for most
Just one CD slot
|
We ranked Toshiba CWU700 #8 in November 2022 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
|
Cons
Does not support gapless playback
Difficult to program clock/alarm
|