September 2023
Home Audio CD Players: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of home audio CD players rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 68 CD player endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
52 CD players were endorsed in total, only 9 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Sep 2023, Onkyo DXC390 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed CD player with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 CD player' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Marantz: 6 CD players
(#1 is Marantz CD6007)
-
Denon: 4 CD players
(#1 is Denon DCD-600NE)
-
Yamaha: 3 CD players
(#1 is Yamaha CD-S303)
-
Onkyo: 2 CD players
(#1 is Onkyo DXC390)
-
Bose: 2 CD players
(#1 is Bose Wave Music System IV)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | CD Player |
World Wide Stereo
|
history-computer.com
|
BestReviews
|
Lifewire
|
What Hi-Fi
|
MUO
|
BestCovery
|
Idsesmedia
|
iMore
|
Crutchfield
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $248 |
Onkyo DXC390
|
6
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $599 |
Marantz CD6007
The Marantz CD6007 CD Player is highly recommended for its exceptional audio quality, premium design, and solid build quality, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking a reliable and long-lasting CD player.
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
+1 | $314 |
Yamaha CD-S303
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
4
|
+1 | $599 |
Cambridge Audio CXC
The Cambridge Audio CXC CD Player is highly praised for its superior audio quality, sleek design, and durable build, making it a top choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
-2 | $799 |
Bose Wave Music System IV
The Bose Wave Music System IV is a highly praised audio system that delivers exceptional sound quality, offers versatile connectivity options, and has a sleek and durable design.
|
-
|
1
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $710 |
Teac PD 301 CD Player
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $390 |
Denon DCD-600NE
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $399 |
Cambridge Audio AXC35
The Cambridge Audio AXC35 CD Player is highly recommended for its exceptional audio quality, impressive bass performance, flexible connectivity options, sleek design, and durable build quality.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | Check price |
Marantz ND8006
The Marantz ND8006 CD Player is highly praised for its exceptional audio quality, versatile connectivity options, premium design, and high build quality, making it a recommended choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
We ranked Onkyo DXC390 #1 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Onkyo DXC390 as #1.
World Wide Stereo
The Best Multi-Disc CD Player / Best 2023 Gear
|
6 Disc Carousel keeps the tunes playing. User friendly remote control.
|
Takes up more space depth-wise than a traditional single disc CD player.
|
MUO
Editors Choice
|
Heavily shielded construction
Six-disc capability
Delivers crystal-clear playback
|
A bit heavy
|
iMore
Best CD Changer
|
Multiple CD slots
Continuous playback options
Plays different types of CDs
|
No wireless options
No app
|
We ranked Marantz CD6007 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Marantz CD6007 as #1.
World Wide Stereo
The Best Single-Disc CD Player / Best 2023 Gear
|
Upgraded HDAM module for more accurate listening sessions. Built-in headphone amplifier that’s able to be turned on and off as needed.
|
None. This is a great piece of equipment.
|
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.
|
Class-leading insight
More dramatic presentation
Excellent build and finish
|
Looks like previous models
|
MUO
Premium Pick
|
Stylish
Excellent build quality
Versatile
|
Not much design change from previous models
|
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 2023 ranking
World Wide Stereo
history-computer.com
BestReviews
Lifewire
What Hi-Fi
MUO
BestCovery
Idsesmedia
iMore
Crutchfield
We ranked Yamaha CD-S303 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha CD-S303 as #1.
World Wide Stereo
The Best All-In-One CD Player / The Best 2022 Gear
|
3-Mode CD Text Display will give you information about the disc currently playing. Digital servo will make quick work of those scratched or scuffed discs that won’t play in other CD Players.
|
Buttons on face of the unit are not back-lit and can be difficult to see in low-light rooms.
|
MUO
|
Handy features to combat noise and interference
Convenient playback functions
Dimmable display
Remote control
|
Not for compact setups
|
We ranked Cambridge Audio CXC #4 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
World Wide Stereo
The Best CD Player Without a DAC / Best 2023 Gear
|
Clean, timeless design, with top-of-the-line playback capabilities.
|
Doesn't come with a built-in DAC. To some, this is a draw, to others, it's one more element to add to their system. This piece is made for someone looking for a performance-grade system made up of selected components.
|
BestReviews
Unrivaled Sound
|
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.
|
No radio or Bluetooth capabilities.
|
What Hi-Fi
If you already own a DAC, you can buy this entry-level CD transport instead of a standalone player. Trust us, its sound will impress.
|
Musicality and muscle
Well-built
Good remote control
|
It requires an external DAC
Getting older now
Minimal for some
|
We ranked Bose Wave Music System IV #5 in September 2023 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
|
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.
|
You will need an adapter to utilize the Bluetooth technology.
|
We ranked Teac PD 301 CD Player #6 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Teac PD 301 CD Player as #1.
Lifewire
Best for Compact Spaces
|
User-friendly controls
Beautiful, compact design
TEAC tray-loader included
Low signal-to-noise ratio for an exceptional hi-fi experience
|
Display is difficult to read at times
|
iMore
Best for Small Spaces
|
Tiny
Playback of multiple file types
Offers digital to analog audio converters
|
High price
Doesn't include speakers
|
We ranked Denon DCD-600NE #7 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
BestReviews
Best bang for the buck
|
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.
|
Does not come with a digital output which may discourage use in some sound systems.
|
We ranked Cambridge Audio AXC35 #8 in September 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
|
Good detail resolution
Fits well within AX series
Minimalist design
|
Can be beaten for sound
Functional build
No optical output
|
MUO
|
Sturdy metal chassis
High-performing DAC for precise conversions
Minimalist design
|
No quality controls
|
We ranked Marantz ND8006 #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best home audio CD players” rankings.
iMore
Best Premium
|
Supports AirPlay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB Connectivity
High-quality audio conversion
|
Yes, the price
Overkill for most
Just one CD slot
|