How to Choose a Cheap CD Player That Sounds Good

TL;DR

Start with an inexpensive CD or DVD player that has an optical or coaxial digital output, then add an external DAC if its analog sound is weak. A $17 DVD player reportedly matched a $600 Rotel player when both used an external DAC, so beginners should test whether they enjoy collecting CDs before investing hundreds of dollars.

Transcript

a CD. Well, it's a plastic disc with a bunch of music encoded on it. In 1982, Sony revolutionized music with a compact disc player. Launched in 1982 by Sony and Phillips, it promised perfect sound forever. Each player attaches to any home stereo system to give you pure perfect sound forever. The reality, well, not so much. CD players in the 80s tha... Read More

Key Insights

• A digital output is the key feature to seek on a cheap CD or DVD player because it lets the owner bypass a poor internal DAC. Optical or coaxial audio can feed an external converter, which then connects to an amplifier through analog RCA outputs.
• The SMSL PL100 is a roughly $106 aluminum CD player with a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, headphone amplification, RCA output, optical output, and a remote. It requires a 5-volt power supply capable of approximately 2.3 or 2.4 amps.
• A compatible Sony DVD player is the cheapest recommendation discussed, with one open-box unit purchased for $15. Its analog sound is described as poor, but the correct model can become a strong CD transport when connected to an external DAC.
• The Cambridge Audio AXC35 is a $449 traditional-size player with a smooth-sounding Wolfson DAC. It supports CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs, while open-box, used, or Cambridge-reconditioned units may offer a substantial discount from the new price.
• The Sony UBP-X700U is a $298 4K Blu-ray player that also handles CDs, SACDs, and DVDs. Its optical or digital output supports a future external-DAC upgrade, making it an inexpensive entry into several physical media formats and collecting hobbies.
• An external DAC can reduce audible differences between inexpensive and costly disc transports. In the comparison described, a $17 DVD player and a $600 Rotel CD player could not be distinguished when both were routed through an external DAC.
• Used CD players require basic testing before purchase. Buyers should identify the model number, confirm that the unit powers on, test whether the tray opens and closes, bring a CD, skip between tracks, and reject listings admitting that discs do not play.
• The biggest beginner mistake is spending too much before knowing whether CD collecting is enjoyable. Cheap equipment leaves more room to explore 99-cent discs, experience complete albums intentionally, and decide whether later investment in a player or external DAC is worthwhile.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can a cheap CD player be made to sound better?

Use the player as a disc transport and route its optical or coaxial digital output into an external digital-to-analog converter. Connect the DAC's RCA analog outputs to the amplifier. This arrangement bypasses the inexpensive player's weak internal converter, which is identified as the main sound limitation in early CD players and many DVD players.

Q: What should beginners look for in a cheap CD player?

Beginners should prioritize a working machine with an optical or coaxial digital output because that connection preserves an upgrade path through an external DAC. The player should also power on reliably, load and play a CD, open and close its tray, and skip tracks correctly. Spending heavily is unnecessary before deciding whether CD collecting is enjoyable.

Q: Is the SMSL PL100 a good first CD player?

The SMSL PL100 is presented as a convenient first player at about $106 because it includes a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, a headphone amplifier, RCA and optical outputs, aluminum construction, and a remote control. It can therefore work directly with headphones or a stereo, but it needs a suitable 5-volt supply delivering about 2.3 or 2.4 amps.

Q: Can a DVD player work well as a CD player?

A DVD player can play CDs and may become a strong low-cost source when it has the correct digital output and is paired with an external DAC. One compatible Sony DVD player was purchased open-box for $15. Its built-in analog sound was considered poor, yet a $17 unit reportedly matched a $600 Rotel player through an external DAC.

Q: Is the Cambridge Audio AXC35 worth considering?

The Cambridge Audio AXC35 is worth considering for someone wanting a traditional-size, straightforward CD player with a smooth Wolfson DAC. It costs $449 in the discussion and plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. Because that price is substantial, beginners can search for open-box stock, used examples, or discounted reconditioned products from Cambridge Audio's eBay store.

Q: Why choose the Sony UBP-X700U for playing CDs?

The Sony UBP-X700U combines several functions for $298. It plays CDs, SACDs, DVDs, standard Blu-rays, and 4K Blu-rays, allowing one purchase to support multiple physical media collections. Its built-in sound is described as acceptable, while its optical or digital output permits connection to an external DAC for improved CD playback later.

Q: How should a used CD player be tested before purchase?

First identify the exact model number and research what it sold for new and what information is available about it. Confirm from photos that the unit powers up, then test it in person if possible. Bring a CD, verify tray movement, start playback, and skip tracks. Also inspect the rear panel for optical or coaxial digital output.

Q: Why should beginners avoid expensive CD players at first?

Beginners should avoid immediately spending $450, $600, or more because they may not yet know whether they enjoy collecting and intentionally playing CDs. A cheap DVD or CD player can establish that interest first, especially when an external DAC can address weak analog sound. The remaining budget can instead support inexpensive disc purchases and exploration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Affordable CD playback can begin with the SMSL PL100, a compatible Sony DVD player, or a used machine from Goodwill or Facebook Marketplace. Prices in the discussion range from a $15 open-box DVD player to the $449 Cambridge Audio AXC35, giving beginners several ways to start according to their budgets.

• A digital output provides the most useful upgrade path for a cheap player. Optical or coaxial audio can be sent to an external DAC such as the SMSL SU1, which sometimes sells for $70. The DAC then supplies analog audio through RCA connections to an amplifier, bypassing a weak converter inside the player.

• Beginners should avoid spending $450 or $600 before discovering whether they enjoy CDs. Collecting offers inexpensive Goodwill finds, intentional album listening, and freedom from algorithm-selected tracks. Buyers considering used equipment should confirm the model, power, tray movement, track skipping, and digital outputs before completing a purchase.