The Best CD Players of 2022 for Every Budget

Real quality begins only with the CD standard.

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Looking for the best CD player that's affordable? You've come to the right place. We present an overview of excellent models - from budget to premium.

The CD player still offers superior sound quality compared to most new-fangled online music downloading and streaming services. Plus, nothing compares to the opportunity to open the box, admire the cover, read the booklet and quietly listen to a whole series of tracks before rushing out to find something new.

Whatever you dream of - be it a simple turntable for use exclusively as transport, a turntable with a network player, or a multi-format unit with a built-in DAC - in our review you will find the best examples of each type.

Both traditional design models and slot-loading devices are presented here. It is worth considering factors such as the ability to function as a DAC, ease of use, ease of control and, of course, sound quality. If you don’t yet know what you need, read our material and you will understand the topic more freely.

We've included our favorite CD players in this selection. The higher a model is on the list, the more we like it; but you can rest assured that everyone reviewed was highly rated by What Hi-Fi?

Marantz CD6006 UK Edition

Highest detail, incredible dynamics and amazing sound clarity make this player an absolute leader in its price category.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: digital optical and coaxial, analog RCA | Dimensions: 10.5 x 44 x 34 cm | Weight: 6.5 kg

BEHIND

Detail, dynamism and purity
Confident rhythmic drive
Quality workmanship and finishing

Against

Externally no different from the standard version

The Marantz CD6006 UK Edition can be called the king of the budget segment of the market without any reservations. Its sound is characterized not only by high detail, but also by enviable energy. Rugged construction, precise controls and high-quality finishes would do justice to much more expensive models.

UK Edition is a special release of the CD6006 model for Britain, replacing it on sale in the designated territory, while in other European countries the standard version is still sold. Marantz did the same with its partner amplifier PM6006.

This player has rightfully won several awards from What Hi-Fi? To its many advantages it is worth adding the presence of a USB port that allows you to connect Apple devices and flash drives. To get noticeably better sound, you'll have to turn to models such as the Cyrus CDi or Naim CD5si. Outstanding value for money.

How to choose

Before purchasing this equipment, you must carefully familiarize yourself with its technical indicators, after which you can make an assessment of the quality of a particular model. Basically, the required parameters include:

Type of formats that are supported. Despite the fact that many manufacturers offer their users modern, fully equipped omnivorous gadgets, it is also necessary to take into account that the price category of such devices is much higher. You should know the ability to playback existing files with installed basic solutions, for example, SACD, MP3, WMA.
Supported types of CD media. In this case, it is better to make a choice in favor of a gadget that can recognize a wide variety of discs. The most popular devices among users: CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW, CD.
Maximum power indicator. This demonstrates the complete dependence of the volume of a disk device on its output power. Therefore, for users who prefer loud sounding content, they should purchase a player with a power of at least 12W.
Additional functions. Bonus options include a remote control that allows you to control the gadget at a certain distance, as well as the power supply that the device is equipped with. Users also appreciated the presence of a function compatible with the headphones included with the device.

It is worth noting the fact that quite often buyers, despite being well acquainted with the technical characteristics of the gadget, cannot decide on the choice of a modern and at the same time high-quality CD player model. Therefore, to help the user, a list of the most popular devices is presented that occupy leading positions in the line of CD gadgets capable of high-quality music playback.

Which brand of CD player should you choose?

Creating a high-quality CD player is quite difficult. Moreover, these devices are not in great demand among buyers. That is why there are not so many companies producing CD gadgets, unlike companies producing various speaker systems.

There are no more than ten large companies that produce these devices on the global CD player market. As for other smaller manufacturers, their gadgets are made with low functionality and quality and therefore are not in demand by the buyer. Particular attention should be paid to the following devices:

Denon;
Marantz;
Onkyo;
Pioneer;
Tascam.

It is worth noting that all companies have been presenting their products on the market for more than one year. Moreover, some brands are familiar exclusively to certain audio fans. The most common gadgets are Pioneer and Yamaha.

Which CD player model is best to buy?

The choice of musical equipment for a professional DJ is obvious, since mostly representatives of this profession prefer the Pioneer CDJ-900. It is worth noting that this model can replace not only a laptop, but also a pair of controllers. This CD player will top our rating.

Also on the CD player market, there are other models of gadgets from this line, which differ in their pricing policy, but at the same time have lower functionality.

The rest of the presented CD players are perfect for those who like to listen to high-quality reproduced music. At the same time, gadgets differ in their appearance, breadth of settings and the number of required connectors. When purchasing a device, you should carefully read the overview of the device.

The portable player is capable of high-quality reproduction of any piece of music and allows its user to listen to it using headphones included in the basic set of the gadget.

Considering that there are a huge number of different models of CD players on the world market, therefore, before purchasing this device for use, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the device.

Onkyo C-N7050

This Onkyo model is not only a CD player, but also a network music player, and it's good at both.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: digital optical and coaxial, analog RCA | Dimensions: 10.2 x 43.5 x 30.2 cm | Weight: 6.4 kg

BEHIND

Dynamic and lively sound
High detail
Tonal balance

Against

Limited app availability
Not the clearest display

The Onkyo C-N7050 has very high potential. There aren't many models on the market capable of playing CDs and streaming, much less so affordable. As a rule, the price of such components individually starts from 30,000 rubles, so this system turns out to be a very attractive option for newcomers to the world of Hi-Fi.

You can connect Onkyo to your home network via the Ethernet interface. It quickly connects to it and easily recognizes all connected devices.

Onkyo supports a wide range of formats - from MP3 and AAC to FLAC and WAV with up to 24-bit/192 kHz sampling, as well as ALAC up to 96 kHz and even DSD. The C-N7050 has a crisp, smooth sound with well-defined contours. Onkyo is not picky about file types; The smooth tonal character allows you to get the most out of low-bitrate MP3s, but thanks to its transparency, the difference in sound compared to 24-bit/192kHz FLAC will be clearly audible.

About the device

Almost all designs of portable CD players are similar and are distinguished by their simplicity, namely, in their appearance they resemble a round device with several functional buttons on the body. Unlike portable devices, stationary players have a more complex body and functionality, which leads to certain difficulties in use.

At the same time, classic disk devices resemble VCRs in appearance. But at the same time, the modern device has thinner dimensions than its predecessor. It is worth noting that the main functions of the internal mechanisms of the device are laser reading of the necessary information.

The design of the laser head contains not only an optical system, which is responsible for digital transmission, but also a linear analog output, which is connected to a linear input, namely, a music disc player consists of the following systems:

laser reading;
digital to analog converter.

Cyrus CD i

The best-sounding Cyrus player sets a new standard in its price category.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: digital optical and coaxial, 2 analog RCA| Dimensions: 8.5 x 22 x 39 cm | Weight: 5.72 kg

BEHIND

Expressive dynamics
Rhythm
Immersive Sound

Against

Outdated display
Noise when loading disk

In our memory, Cyrus has never released a bad CD player; they were all not just good, but great. It is not surprising that the Cyrus CDi continues the glorious traditions of its predecessors.

The long, narrow aluminum casing is not particularly distinctive in appearance, but it houses sound that is truly magnificent for this category. We like the simple design, legible display, and high-quality remote control (previous SE models had rather bland plastic remotes). A CD transport with a slot drive is quiet during playback, but is quite noisy during loading.

The sound quality is excellent, with high detail and rhythmic precision particularly impressive. He recreates the most complex tempo-rhythmic structures legibly and naturally. For even better sound you will have to pay one and a half times more.

Cyrus CDi-XR (England)

Price: $3000

Cyrus already dominated this list before the CDi-XR arrived, but the latest version of the player will solidify the brand's dominance in this category for years to come. The appearance is quite similar, but the LCD screen is new, as well as new control buttons.

Under the hood is a second-generation 32-bit QXR DAC platform, a new power supply and other improvements designed to improve sound quality. Connectivity includes two pairs of stereo RCA analog outputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, and MC bus connections. You'll also find connections for Cyrus' new external power supply, the PSU-XR.

Sonically, the CDi-XR delivers detail, dynamics and powerful bass. The audio clarity is fantastic and the low-frequency response is presented in a way that rivals can't match. It is full of rhythmic drive and is able to easily convey the energy and dynamics of the music.

In our opinion, this is undoubtedly a class leader in its price category.

Roksan Caspian M2 CD

The Roksan's impeccable timing and superb dynamics have made it one of our favorite turntables.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: digital optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, analog RCA, balanced XLR | Dimensions: 43.2 x 33 x 8 cm | Weight: 10 kg

BEHIND

Combines sophistication, energy and rhythm
Sound consistency
Construction quality

Against

Not everyone will like the new look

The Roksan Caspian M2 CD player is already more than five years old, but it still feels great and can compete with any rival in the category over 200 thousand rubles. The M2 CD looks very solid and durable, promising to please its owner for many years. Soft fixation of CD transport is uncommon; it reduces the level of vibration transmitted to and from the mechanism and improves sound quality.

As for the latter, Roksan prefers a somewhat softened and full-blooded character, which helps create an incredibly pleasant and warm sound. Undoubtedly, the Roksan player “unearths” all the details down to the smallest and flawlessly conveys the meaning inherent in the music. But its main advantage is the ability to present any disc in the most favorable light. Take the lowest quality recording with the most severe compression and Roksan will present all the good that is in it.

It doesn't have digital inputs or streaming features, but the developers deliberately omitted them in order to improve sound quality compared to equivalent competitors. Award winner from What Hi-Fi? 2014 and today remains no less successful acquisition.

Quad Artera Play+

Not just a great CD player, but the heart of any system.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: 2 balanced XLR, coaxial, RCA | Inputs: 2 RCA, 2 coaxial, USB, aptX Bluetooth | Dimensions: 10.5 x 32 x 32 cm | Weight: 9 kg

BEHIND

Refined and smooth sound
Legibility and Mobility
Extensive feature set
Excellent workmanship and finishing

Against

Nothing significant

To call the Quad Artera Play+ just a CD player would be to greatly understate its capabilities. This is not just a device for playing CDs, but a digital hub. The presence of digital and analog inputs and a Bluetooth module with aptX support provides almost limitless possibilities; add a power amplifier and a couple of speakers and you have a complete system.

The stylish device is distinguished by high quality workmanship. It is equipped with a high-end ESS Saber ES9018 DAC, capable of processing virtually any format streams: from PCM with parameters 32-bit/384 kHz to DSD 256. The detailed and energetic sound is natural and highly refined.

If you're looking for a simple CD player, choose one of the previous models on this list, which was created with all the attention paid to sound quality. If you need a wide range of functions and the ability to broadcast via Bluetooth - and why not, actually - then you are unlikely to find anything better.

Receivers

Denon RCD-M41

This equipment can be used not only to play sound from CDs or mp3 discs, but also to work with one linear input, as well as two optical ones, and there is also a built-in radio receiver. Quite a large set of functions for a device belonging to the budget class. It is quite natural that there are several options for connecting the product to an external source of both digital and analog signals. In addition, the receiver has a Bluetooth module, which is complemented by A2DP, which allows you to play music from your mobile device while continuing to actively use it.

The power outputs in this equipment operate on the basis of discrete transistors, but they are designed only for the right and left channels. It is possible to connect a subwoofer, but its output is linear, so only an active device will be suitable, or you will have to use an external amplifier. Each channel has a power of 30 W.

Advantages:

Excellent sound quality;
There is support for playback via Bluetooth, and the sound delay will be minimal;
There is an output for connecting a subwoofer.

Flaws:

Port missing

Denon RCD-M41

Cambridge Audio One

The developers of this equipment managed to create a single receiver for all occasions. The drive for working with disks here is of a slot type - consumers say that this is far from the best and most reliable solution, but it operates quite quietly even during spin-up, the device does not vibrate at all due to its significant mass and the presence of anti-slip feet. There is also a function for transferring tracks via Bluetooth. The receiver is capable of working with a docking station designed to connect an iPod.

There are also a lot of connectors and ports here: there are linear inputs, optical inputs, and two sockets for connecting USB devices. One of them is designed to work with gadgets, and you can even charge them through it; through the second you can connect a personal computer, turning the receiver into an external audio card. The power of each channel is 30 W. For use at home, this indicator will be more than enough.

Advantages:

Very wide functionality;
There is a possibility of direct connection to a personal computer;
A significant number of connectors;
Good sound power.

More: Xiaomi 11 Lite NE – create your own style

Flaws:

It will not be possible to work with either an active or a passive subwoofer.

Cambridge Audio One

Onkyo CR-N775D

Like the developers of the previous model, the creators of this miracle of technology decided to fill it with the maximum number of functions. In particular, there is support for the following sound formats, cloud services and playback technologies: FLAC, Spotify, AirPlay, Play-Fi, Chromecast and the like. It is quite natural that there is also an optical drive, and of very high quality. It works absolutely quietly, does not scratch discs, and plays songs with minimal delay.

Power outputs can provide up to 40 W of power per channel. The sound is perfectly designed, no distortion was detected, especially if, together with the receiver, it was possible to select the optimal acoustics.

Advantages:

The device supports absolutely all modern features directly related to sound and playback quality;
The converter is characterized by a very high sampling frequency, which reaches 768 kHz.

Flaws:

In some cases, it happens that the upper part of the range falls off a little.

Onkyo CR-N775D

Magnat MC 100

Despite the fact that today this company is widely known as a manufacturer of speaker systems for cars, it continues to develop and produce fairly high-quality products for home use. The presented model is a very interesting receiver design, which is characterized by the presence of significant functionality. The device is capable of transmitting music via Bluetooth to a device, for example, a wireless speaker. The sound is reproduced using the highest quality digital-to-analog path; it can be played through linear or digital inputs.

There is a USB connector, but next to it you can find the words Update Only, so you cannot connect flash drives of various kinds there, since the slot is intended exclusively for updating software. The sound quality is very decent, although this receiver has much less capabilities for working with high-quality content.

Advantages:

AptX support available;
Good sound quality;
Optimal assembly;
Can be synchronized with wireless speakers.

Flaws:

No FLAC support.

Magnat MC 100

T+A Music Player Balanced

This product belongs to the premium receiver class, and therefore is characterized by a very high cost. The device is often used as a very high-quality external digital-analog amplifier. This allows you to work with it not only as a music player in CD format, but also while playing streaming content. You can connect absolutely any USB storage device to this device, including external hard drives.

It is quite natural that the presented design is characterized by the most balanced sound, in which no emphasis is placed either on embellishing certain moments of the compositions, or on highlighting a specific range. The optical drive operates absolutely silently, the product itself is housed in a reliable aluminum case, has a decent weight, so it does not vibrate at all during operation.

Musical Fidelity M2sCD

Flexible instrument with sophisticated sound

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: coaxial, optical, RCA | Dimensions: 10 x 44 x 37.5 cm | Weight: 6.65 kg

BEHIND

Clear and finely defined voices
Surround and multi-layered sound stage
Refinement and musicality across the entire frequency range

Against

Too cautious approach

M2sCD is the company's most affordable CD player; In addition to it, the line includes the more expensive M3 and M6 models. In our review, it occupies an intermediate position between Marantz players, on the one hand, and Cyrus CDi and Quad, on the other.

You won't find a long list of features here. Stylish and sophisticated, it has coaxial and RCA outputs, but no digital inputs. Get your 24-bit dual differential delta-sigma DAC and never miss a beat.

The developers invested all their resources into providing a musical, well-designed and very pleasant sound. For those who value smoothness, refinement and listening pleasure, this is a very good option, surpassing many competitors in clarity and spaciousness.

Technics SL-G700

A high-quality digital source with a wide range of features and amazing sound.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: coaxial, optical, 6.3 mm headphone, RCA, XLR | Inputs: Coaxial, optical, 2 USB | Dimensions: 9.8 x 43 x 40.7 cm | Weight: 12.2 kg

BEHIND

Great sound from discs and broadcasts
Lots of connections
Quality of construction and finishing

Against

Not always easy to use
Not the most sophisticated streaming app
Low quality headphone output

With CD, SACD, Bluetooth and online music streaming, this is a true 21st century player. It is equipped with Chromecast and AirPlay and provides high-quality wireless transmission thanks to MQA support.

From an ergonomic point of view, this player is quite good. The precise controls and smooth operation of the dial inspire respect, even if the aesthetics of the front panel solution are not close to you. Likewise, the streaming management app isn't one of the best we've seen, but it gets the job done.

Luckily, the sound quality is excellent, both for CD playback and wireless reception. Numerous nuances allow the full emotional impact of vocals and strings to be conveyed, and weighty bass provides a sense of scale.

Energetic and tuneful, capable and fun to use - if you're looking for a high-quality digital source that can do just about anything, the Technics SL-G700 is a great choice.

Marantz SA-10

The price is far from outrageous by high-end standards, and this is one of the most talented and uncompromising CD players we've seen.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: digital coaxial, optical, analog RCA, XLR, 6.3 mm headphones | Inputs: digital coaxial, optical, 2xUSB | Dimensions: 12.7 x 44 x 41.9 cm | Weight: 18.4 kg

BEHIND

Informative and sophisticated sound
Smooth dynamics
Great DAC

Against

Limited compatibility with iPhone

If price is not a factor and sound quality is your priority, then the Marantz SA-10 may be the perfect option for you. The impressive player can play literally anything you want, including SACD and FLAC, DSD128, ALAC, AIFF and MP3 files from a USB flash drive.

The custom-designed SACD-M3 transport, along with a new signal path and advanced digital-to-analogue converter called Marantz Music Mastering, deliver superb sound and rare attention to detail. We are delighted with how accurately the textures of the instruments are recreated and the subtlety of subtle changes in dynamics.

The remote control feels more luxurious than is usually the case with high-end models, and the player's body is extremely durable and well-damped. If you can afford the Marantz SA-10, don't pass it up: it's a great digital source and one of the best CD players around.

Marantz CD6007 (Japan)

Price: $600

This Marantz model has been around for a long time in various forms and is still the best choice at this price. You'd have to go back a decade and four model cycles to find a CD6000 with a completely different look. But despite the excellent build quality, it's the internal improvements that Marantz has made to its CD players that are noteworthy.

A quieter power supply and upgraded HDAM amplifier modules are supported by a number of high-quality internal components, not to mention a DAC chip upgrade to an AKM 4490, allowing the CD6007 to handle high-resolution files via the front USB-A connector. It supports PCM files up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD128.

What does all of this mean? This makes your music sound great. It's full of groove and punch, and there are even some digital filters to let you tweak the sound to your liking.

Owners of the CD6006UK shouldn't rush to upgrade, but the CD6007 is certainly the right choice for first-time buyers in this market segment.

Cambridge Audio CXC

If you already have a DAC, you can buy this CD transport instead of a regular player. Its sound is impossible to resist.

Characteristics

Type: transport | Outputs: optical, coaxial | Dimensions: 8.5 x 43 x 31.5 cm | Weight: 4.7 kg

BEHIND

Musicality and power
Construction quality
Great remote control

Against

Requires external DAC
No longer a novelty
Not everyone has enough features

The Cambridge Audio CXC transport is an affordable way to listen to CDs with maximum fidelity from an external digital-to-analog converter. Yes, it requires a separate DAC, but its owners can, at a very attractive price, purchase an excellent CD transport that accurately reads data at one time speed using the S3 Servo drive.

When a well-designed device performs only one function, it can provide the highest possible quality. The sound of this transport is characterized by musicality, which is sometimes lost in other players, and organic, smooth interaction between instruments. The CXC only reads CDs - no SACDs or MP3 compilations - but it does it very well.

The build quality is excellent, with the brushed body feeling very solid and the design consistent with other models in the Cambridge CX range, including the network player and integrated amplifier.

If you already have an external DAC, we heartily recommend choosing the Cambridge CXC over a conventional CD player. To get comparable quality from the latter, you'll have to spend significantly more.

Audio Research Reference CD9 SE (USA)

Price: $15000

With its top-loading design and tube amplifier, the CD9 SE is a real steal. Inputs are limited to 24-bit/192kHz at best, and DSD isn't even available, but for CD audio it's an extremely good performance and sets a very high standard for players.

Of course, you'll need a high-end system to truly appreciate its talents, but the stereo image quality is excellent, with enough spatial awareness to give recordings a sense of scale. The Audio Research Reference CD9 SE has a well-balanced tonal balance, which helps create a premium and highly transparent sound. This is a good choice for those who still like CDs.

Cyrus CD t

Cyrus transport with fantastic value for money.

Characteristics

Cyrus transport with fantastic value for money.

Characteristics

Type: transport | Outputs: digital optical, coaxial | Dimensions (HH): 7.3 x 21.5 x 36 cm | Weight: 4.7 kg

BEHIND

Excellent, almost flawless sound
Excellent detail, rhythm and accuracy
Backlit remote control

Against

Old-fashioned design and display
Need external DAC

The Cyrus CD t is one of the best CD transports regardless of the price category. This is a transport, not a CD player; in other words, it only reads data from the disk and needs an external DAC to perform digital-to-analog conversion.

Cyrus's disc reading software, Servo Evolution, borrowed from the CD xt Signature model (see later in our review), coupled with improved circuitry, creates a sound that is virtually free of flaws. Fine detailing of nuances and dynamics is combined with deep lows, endowed with a variety of textures, and high precision throughout the entire range.

The cast aluminum body looks impressive; The backlit remote control allows you to control playback in any environment. There are few connections: two digital outputs (optical and coaxial) and a standard MC-BUS connector for system control.

If you already have a good DAC or are considering purchasing one, keep in mind that the CD t is exceptionally talented for its price - its purity and precision are second to none.

Best DJ CD Player

Pioneer CDJ-900

This CD player will delight any DJ. In fact, this is a full-fledged mixing console that allows you to adjust the speed of music playback and apply all sorts of effects. The disk here is inserted into a small slot; the device does not have a tray as such. A certain chip from Wolfson, which has a 24-bit bit capacity, is used as a central audio processor. You can play music not only from discs, but also from a USB drive.

As you already understand, the Pioneer CDJ-900 has advanced support for MIDI and HID functions. This is not even a player anymore, but a full-fledged musical instrument that allows you to create unique tracks. The beat here is not lost during scratching, for which we should thank the SLIP function. In short, this is a trouble-free device that can safely be called professional. In this regard, its price is appropriate.

Advantages:

Perfect sound;
Very attractive appearance;
Lots of settings;
Decent set of connectors;
Availability of a turntable for scratching;
There is the ability to read music from a flash drive;
High build quality;
Convenient sorting of tracks;
Automatic determination of the key of a composition.

Flaws:

Space price tag;
Does not read FLAC music;
Not the best display.

Cyrus CD Xt Signature

The Xt Signature sounds cleaner, clearer and more dynamic than any competitor in its price range.

Characteristics

Type: transport | Outputs: digital optical, coaxial | Dimensions: 7.3 x 21.5 x 36 cm

BEHIND

Best-in-Class Sound
Excellent dynamics
Construction and design

Against

Noisy loading mechanism
Capricious about the quality of discs
DAC required

For this price, you get everything you would expect from the Cyrus CD Xt Signature, namely clear and impeccably accurate sound. Improvements made to the power supply, reduced electrical noise, and optimized software control of the servo drive contribute to the sound quality. Cyrus claims its software makes 20% fewer disk read errors than the best off-the-shelf solutions.

The rugged construction and thoughtful finishes don't convey the luxury feel we'd typically expect at this price point. It is also worth noting that the drive is critical to the quality of discs, and the slot loading mechanism is quite noisy (however, it is quiet during playback).

But all these flaws pale in comparison to the amazing sound quality. Outstanding detail and impeccable precision are impressive, capturing every last detail. Signature plays even cleaner, crisper and more dynamically than its predecessor.

It is the undisputed leader in its class and can easily compete with models that are twice as expensive. If you want to see just how great your discs can play and you're ready to back it up with a standalone DAC, the Cyrus CD Xt Signature is happy to fulfill it.

Chord Blu MkII

Chord's upsampling CD transport paired with the right DAC sounds fantastic, even for such a high price.

Characteristics

Type: transport | Outputs: AES, BNC S/PDIF | Dimensions: 9.85 x 33.35 x 14.2 cm | Weight: 7 kg

BEHIND

Amazing meticulousness and cleanliness
Workmanship
Frequency increase

Against

Not always easy to use
Price

If you demand only the best for yourself, the Chord Blu MkII CD transport is the logical choice. The design and construction are amazing, and the brushed metal finish looks very stylish. The build quality matches the player's other strengths, including radically higher sampling rates. When playing CDs, Blu boosts the frequency to 705.6 kHz, and when receiving a 48 kHz signal from an external source, it tops out at 768 kHz. CD resampling is nothing new, but the Blu MkII does it carefully and accurately, without compromising rhythmic drive or dynamic expression one iota.

When paired with a suitable DAC - such as the excellent DAVE from the same manufacturer - the Blu MkII produces remarkably balanced and textured sound. The voices perfectly combine weight, warmth and, when necessary, power. All individual instrument parts are precisely placed on the spacious music stage.

Quality comes at a price - but those who think all CD transports sound the same are in for a revelation. The Blu MkII produces the most informative and enjoyable sound we've heard from a CD.

Cambridge Audio AXC35

A good CD player in a thin body and without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Characteristics

Type: integrated | Outputs: coaxial, RCA | Dimensions: 7.5 x 43 x 30.5 cm | Weight: 4.3 kg

BEHIND

High detail
Fits perfectly into the AX series
Discreet design

Against

Inferior to competitors in sound quality
Not the most stylish design
No optical output

The AXC35 is the more expensive of the two entry-level Cambridge CD players. It differs from its younger brother in the presence of a coaxial connector (however, it still does not have an optical output and a USB port for connecting Apple devices or flash drives).

Either way, the sound quality is excellent. It is characterized by enviable scale, rare sophistication and smooth dynamics. The player in a stylish slim case comes with a simple remote control with a raster display.

Overall, this easy-to-use CD player exhibits enough detail and clarity to qualify for our review. However, it has to compete with the brilliant Marantz CD6006 UK Edition, which surpasses it in sound quality in all respects and also has a USB input. But if you like the look of the AXC35, you may well choose it.