Top CD Players of 2025: Best Picks for Every Music Lover

Explore our comprehensive guide on the best CD players of 2025! Find the perfect match for your music collection, ranging from budget options to premium models.

Introduction

Even with the rise of streaming and vinyl, many music enthusiasts still cherish their CD collections. Whether you're dusting off your old discs or continuously adding to your collection, our guide to the best CD players will help you find the perfect player. Perhaps you're looking to upgrade your outdated model or starting fresh; we have you covered.

What Hi-Fi? has been testing and reviewing CD players since the format's inception in 1983, and it's clear that physical media, like CDs, still holds significant appeal. CDs offer clear advantages over other formats: they provide greater reliability and durability compared to streaming options, are more compact and often more affordable than vinyl records, and when you purchase an album, it's yours forever.

Our curated list below features fully integrated CD players with built-in digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and those that only read discs, requiring an external DAC to function. Some models combine CD playback with streaming capabilities, so you won't have to choose between formats. We recommend products across various price ranges, from budget to premium, all boasting exceptional build quality, ease of use, and excellent sound for their respective prices.

Each product on this list has been thoroughly tested by the expert team at What Hi-Fi? in our specialized listening rooms. For more details on our CD player testing process and tips on choosing the best CD player, keep reading!

Best CD Players of 2025

1. Marantz CD6007 — An Amazing Entry-Level CD Player

Specifications

• Type: Integrated
• SACD: No
• Outputs: Optical, Coaxial, Line Level
• Dimensions: 10.5 x 44 x 34 cm
• Weight: 6.5 kg

Pros

• Exceptional sound for the price
• Dramatic presentation
• Great build and finish

Cons

• Looks similar to previous models

The Marantz CD6007 has been available in various iterations for quite some time and remains the best-sounding CD player in its price bracket. You would need to go back a decade and several model cycles to find the CD6000, which looks visibly different. Marantz has improved the internals of its CD players significantly over the years.

This model features a quieter power supply, enhanced HDAM amplifier modules, and higher-quality internal components, primarily due to the DAC upgrade. The CD6007 processes high-resolution files via USB-A on the front panel, supporting PCM music up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD128.

Originally equipped with the AKM4490 DAC, the CD6007 switched to the ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC model after the AKM factory fire in 2021 affected supply. All units produced after May 2021 utilize this ESS chip.

What does this mean for sound? The original version with the AKM DAC offers a smoother sound and a more rhythmic portrayal of low-level dynamics, while the new ESS Sabre-equipped model sounds cleaner and more energetic. Overall, the CD6007 maintains tonal balance and detail resolution, allowing your music to shine. It's dynamic, precise, and conveys excellent depth across the frequency range. Stereophonic imaging is clear and expansive, and there are even a few digital filters to tweak the sound to your liking. At this budget price, the build quality and performance are truly impressive.

Previous owners of the CD6006 UK Edition need not rush to replace their players, but the award-winning CD6007 is undoubtedly the right choice for first-time buyers in this price segment.

2. Arcam CD5 — An Impressive Player with a Skillful and Fun Approach

Specifications

• Type: Integrated
• SACD: No
• Outputs: Optical, Coaxial, Line Level
• Dimensions: 43.1 x 34.4 x 8.3 cm
• Weight: 6 kg

Pros

• Attractive, piercing, and powerful sound
• Dynamically expressive
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Accessing submenus could be easier

It's been a while since a truly good, functional, and engaging CD player of this caliber has emerged. Recently released, the Arcam CD5 changes the game. It's an exceptionally talented player worth considering if you still treasure your favorite CDs and wish to give them new life.

This great mid-range model excels at one task: CD playback with grace. The music exhibits restraint and fluidity that captivates us from the outset, while its quick and skillful sense of rhythm makes us tap our feet without overanalyzing the details. Deep bass notes are rendered with a satisfying blend of foundation and power, while the CD5 effortlessly handles changing dynamics, taking us on an emotional rollercoaster through songs while maintaining frequency balance.

The CD5 showcases a stylish design and high-quality construction. Although the player’s menu could be more intuitive, the display is large enough to read, and the player is user-friendly.

If you’re looking for enhanced clarity and detail beyond what this outstanding CD player offers, you'll have to spend more than double the price on something like the award-winning Cyrus CDi, which retails for around £167,000. The Arcam CD5 is a fresh contender in a category that’s become less popular over time.

3. Cyrus CDi — A Durable Player with Excellent Sound at a Great Price

Specifications

• Type: Integrated
• SACD: No
• Outputs: Optical, Coaxial, 2x Line
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 22 x 39 cm
• Weight: 5.72 kg

Pros

• Outstanding dynamic sound
• Impressive rhythmic capacity
• Remarkable detail and authoritative presentation
• Engaging listening experience

Cons

• Dated display
• Noisy when loading discs

Cyrus has an excellent track record with its CD players; it's fair to say their history is phenomenal. Thus, it's no surprise that the Cyrus CDi stands as another shining example of their excellence. This model has won a What Hi-Fi? award for the best CD player in its price category for over a decade—this alone speaks volumes to its talent and reliability. In addition to its accolades, the CDi is one of our reference players in specialized listening rooms.

Its long, narrow aluminum chassis isn't what we expected, but it conceals one of the most high-quality CD players we've ever heard. We appreciate the thoughtful design, readable display, and quality remote control (earlier SE models had flimsy remotes). While it does make noise when loading a disc, it operates quietly during playback.

The sound quality is genuinely impressive for the price, providing ample detail and rhythmic precision. Tempo and dynamics are conveyed with articulation and vibrato. There’s confidence and substance in the sound that is pleasant to hear, and even after more than a decade, we still enjoy and admire this performance. What we said in our initial review stands: "We were impressed by the dynamic agility and neutral balance of Cyrus, which is rarely found at this price point. Although the sound is fast and smooth, it's significantly richer than any previous offerings from the company."

This player is incredibly informative, and you'd need to spend significantly more to hear something better.

4. Technics SA-C600 – A Compact Streaming System with Speaker Connection Options

Specifications

• Type: Integrated
• SACD: No
• Outputs: 3.5mm Headphone, Subwoofer
• Dimensions: 9.4 x 34 x 34 cm
• Weight: 4.8 kg

Pros

• Engaging sound
• Expressive and penetrating dynamics
• Well-equipped
• Good MM phono stage

Cons

• Setup without an app is somewhat clumsy
• Line input could sound better

The Technics SA-C600 is a stylish all-in-one system with a wide range of streaming and connecting capabilities (even with an MM phono stage)—you just need to add speakers. Plus, it includes a quality CD player.

We love the tactile feel of the rotating transparent CD lid on top; it’s made from sturdy acrylic and feels pleasant to touch. The SA-C600 demonstrates excellent stability in all modes, achieving impressive musical results with both CDs and high-resolution files over our network.

This device is expressive and energetic. It has a confident sense of rhythm and drive, along with articulate dynamics that make for a delightful listening experience. The detailing is good, but what’s truly impressive is how confidently this equipment integrates information into a cohesive musical whole.

If you only need a CD player, you might want to opt for something more specialized from this list that prioritizes sound quality. However, if versatility is what you seek and you want to stream music via Wi-Fi while also playing discs, then this Technics model deserves your attention.

If you already have an amplifier and are ready to spend more, consider the Technics SL-G700M2.

5. Cambridge Audio CXC — Entry-Level CD Transport with Impressive Sound

Specifications

• Type: Transport
• SACD: No
• Outputs: Optical, Coaxial
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 43 x 31.5 cm
• Weight: 4.7 kg

Pros

• Musicality and power
• Well-constructed
• Good remote control

Cons

• Requires an external DAC
• Becoming outdated
• Compact size

The Cambridge Audio CXC is a transport player, meaning you'll need to use your own DAC, but as many amplifiers and active speakers come equipped with built-in DACs, this may be an effective way to integrate a disc player into your system.

This CD player reads data using a single-speed player and the S3 servo drive, and having this separate component focus on one specific task enhances the sound quality. It boasts real musicality that might not be as apparent on simpler players, featuring an organic and smooth interaction between instruments. The sound is lively and fluid, filled with detail across a wide, spacious soundstage. Songs carry a good rhythm, although we wish for a bit more refinement in detail and dynamic contrast. Pairing the CXC with the CXA61 amplifier produces a pleasant, friendly sound.

This is also a well-crafted component, with a robust metal chassis and a design that complements the impressive Cambridge CX lineup.

If you already have an external DAC (or a quality DAC built-in to your system), we would wholeheartedly recommend the Cambridge CXC over a standalone CD player at this price point. You would have to spend significantly more than £500—like moving up to the Arcam CD5—to achieve better sound quality.

6. Cyrus CD t — Excellent Value for Money on a Budget

Specifications

• Type: Transport
• SACD: No
• Outputs: Optical, Coaxial
• Dimensions: 7.3 x 21.5 x 36 cm
• Weight: 4.7 kg

Pros

• Superb, almost flawless performance
• Exquisite detail, rhythm, and precision
• Backlit remote control

Cons

• Old-fashioned design and display
• Requires an external DAC

The Cyrus CD-t is one of the best CD players you can buy, regardless of price. This device is a CD transport, meaning it only reads data from discs. To convert digital data to analog, you'll need a separate DAC.

The Cyrus Servo Evolution software for disc reading, taken from the CD xt Signature model, combined with an advanced internal circuit, delivers sound that is hard to criticize. The sound is rich and slightly dynamic, with deep bass, varied textures, and accuracy.

The sturdy die-cast aluminum chassis and backlit remote control allow for comfortable viewing without leaving your cozy chair. Connectivity is minimal, with two digital outputs—optical and coaxial—and standard MC-BUS control connections.

As long as you have or are willing to invest in a good DAC, the CD-t represents remarkable value for money. In terms of clarity and insight, it has no equal at this price point.

Other Models Worth Considering

• Cambridge Audio AXC35: Like the aesthetics of the Cambridge CXC but need a built-in DAC and a more budget-friendly price? The AXC35 is a straightforward CD player with a pair of RCA line outputs and a coaxial output. It sounds clean, detailed, and dynamic, with a pleasant musical integrity. While it’s not as thrilling or refined as the award-winning Marantz CD6007, it’s capable and often very affordable during sales.
• Technics SL-G700M2: If you have a higher budget and seek a combination of streaming and CD playback, the premium SL-G700M2 offers the best of both worlds. With high-resolution streaming and SACD playback in the menu, it looks stylish and sounds fantastic through all connections.
• Roksan K3 CD Di: This Roksan player will captivate you with its confident and musical sound, priced under £900 since its release. Instruments are rich and laid out on a spacious soundstage, while vocals are expressive and natural. It features extensive connectivity options and a robust design that will last you decades.
• TEAC VRDS-701: Brilliantly constructed, with a carefully designed VRDS transport mechanism delivering stunningly powerful and authoritative sound. This TEAC player requires a powerful premium partner system and delivers a beautifully detailed, balanced, and controlled presentation that is both musical and informative.
• Audiolab Omnia: Another all-in-one system, similar to the Technics SA-C600. Well-equipped Omnia combines high-resolution streaming, an amplifier, and a CD player in a compact body—just add speakers. It delivers clean, detailed, and spacious sound that feels effortless, although it could use a bit more rhythmic energy.
• Denon D-M41DAB: Technically a classic micro system with built-in speakers, but you can also purchase the main unit (RCD-M41) separately, which includes a CD player, Bluetooth, and radio tuners. This is a pleasant and functional player at an affordable price, recommended if you're low on funds and space.

How to Choose the Best CD Player?

When purchasing a CD player, consider factors such as DAC functionality, ease of use, controls, and, of course, sound quality.

More expensive players will feature higher-quality DACs and internal components, fewer errors, and support for various optical disc formats (like SACD alongside standard CDs, CD-R, CD-RW). Some CD players even come equipped with wireless streaming technology, turning them into an all-in-one multimedia system with USB ports for playing 24-bit high-resolution files. It’s up to you whether you prefer such additional features (which may come at a higher price) or a simple disc spinner that does its job well.

Another consideration is whether you need an integrated CD player (with a built-in DAC) or a CD transport (without a built-in DAC). Devices like the Cambridge Audio CXC must utilize either a separate DAC or a DAC built into your stereo amplifier to convert digital signals to analog before the sound reaches your speakers. What’s the advantage of a CD transport? It focuses entirely on reading the CD. The downside is you need to ensure you have or have purchased a DAC with the right specifications to connect to it.

Alternatively, you can simply choose a player that best suits your budget, system, and preferred features. Do you prefer a slot-loading or tray-loading design? Does it have a display that's easy to read from a distance? Do you need Bluetooth, or do you have a large collection of SACDs that need care? Don’t forget to set a budget according to the needs of the rest of your system.

How We Test CD Players

Our testing facilities in London and Reading have acoustically treated spaces where our team of experienced testers evaluates most Hi-Fi and AV devices that come our way, including CD players.

We have over 100 years of combined reviewing experience and ensure impartiality in our tests while making sure each CD player operates at its optimal level. We place the player on a sturdy, flat surface, connect it to a suitably priced amplifier and speakers, and allow it to run for a sufficient amount of time. We also test each player with different amplifiers and speakers and play various CDs (and SACDs, if compatible) across genres throughout the testing period.

What Hi-Fi? employs comparative testing, meaning we compare each CD player under review against the current leader in its category and price range to assess how it ranks against competitors. We keep long-standing What Hi-Fi? winners (like Cyrus and Marantz CD players) in our storage so we can consistently compare new products with those we know and love at their relative price points.

All test and review results are approved by the team as a whole, rather than individual reviewers. This approach eliminates personal preferences and ensures we remain as accurate and consistent as possible. PR companies do not participate in decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are old CD players better than new ones?
  It depends on the build quality and reputation of the original CD player. An old, well-constructed CD player is likely to perform better than any cheap player, although the risk of malfunctions increases with age if the player hasn't been regularly used or has been inactive for a long time. Any old player may require maintenance, while newer models typically function well and feature more modern and technologically advanced digital-to-analog converters.
• Are CD players being phased out?
  The rise of streaming and digital music files has led to a sharp decline in CD popularity over the last couple of decades, and due to decreasing demand, fewer CD players are produced compared to their peak in the 80s and 90s. Many of you may have digitized your CDs into WAV or FLAC files to create a more efficient space-saving system. Still, many of us continue to hold onto physical CD collections, and artists still release CDs with new albums (alongside vinyl records).
• Are CD players still worth it?
  Absolutely! Many audiophiles swear by the sound quality of CDs and continue to build their collections. CD players have advanced significantly in technology, offering enhanced sound quality, better error correction, and support for various formats, making them a viable choice for music enthusiasts.
• Can I still find new CDs and players?
  Yes, while the production of CD players is not as widespread as before, many Hi-Fi equipment manufacturers (like Marantz, Cambridge Audio, Arcam, Naim, TEAC, and others) still produce CD players tailored for audiophiles and music lovers who regard CDs (and even SACDs) as primary means of listening to music.
• What’s the difference between integrated CD players and transports?
  Integrated CD players come with built-in DACs to convert digital signals to analog directly within the player, while transports only read the disc and must connect to an external DAC or an amplifier with a built-in DAC for sound output. Transports often focus on providing the best sound quality by prioritizing the reading mechanism itself.

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