CD Players

Though MP3 player docks   are climbing in popularity, CD players   remain the home speaker system of choice for audiophiles. Review the options below and research a few of the links, you're bound to find a quality system that suits your needs, budget and lifestyle. If you want a CD player for while you're on the go, checkout the personal CD players buying guide.

Boombox

Want to listen to music but don't want to spend a lot of money? Buy a simple boombox. They're small, lightweight, portable and let you play CDs, tapes and the radio for a fraction of the cost of a minisystem. Most come as a combination CD/cassette player   (sometimes with dual cassette for recording in larger models) with integrated speakers and AM/FM tuners. Here are some features:

All-in-one

Don't have a lot of space?  Try one of the super sleek, versatile, and moderately priced minisystems . This type of CD player features detachable speakers   and an optional single or dual-deck cassette player   and AM/FM tuner. Plus, they usually have a nice LCD screen and programability options for CDs, tuner, timers, and equalizer settings. Most models have:

  • Single-tray or a carousel that holds up to five CDs which is great for those who hate swapping discs
  • Integrated amplifier and sometimes a subwoofer as well.
  • The ability to record in the same way as on a boombox, between tapes and from CDs to tapes.
    • CD-R (writable CDs) and CD-RW (write and rewritable CDs) systems are becoming more popular.
  • MP3-compatible machines are becoming more popular with time, while the tape deck is going out of style.
  • Better sound quality than boomboxes, but average when compared to single component machines.
    • For better than average sound quality try out the cool vertical Phillips MCM240   s and the Yamaha MCR-E150 . 
    • Sound quality is decent in small apartments, dorm rooms and offices. Raising the volume too high can lead to distortion.
  • Moderately priced and compact models for home use and priced in the $100-$500 range
  • Recommended: Yamaha TSX-15 ,  Yamaha Symbol MC-50  

Dual-tray CD player

These offer the ability to play and record from one CD to the other through CD-R and CD-RW technology.

  • One tray both plays and records while the other simply plays.
  • Single component: don't forget to factor in the cost of purchasing speakers ,  subwoofers , etc.
  • Priced between $130-$700
  • Check out these models from the major name brands: Sony ,  Denon  

Multidisk CD Changer

Do you have piles of overflowing CD cases? Go for one of the megastorage CD changer options.

  • They keep your music safe and organized.
  • You'll also have the ability to play a series of CDs one after the other or one at a time or shuffle between several CDs.
  • This vertical style CD changer can handle several hundred CDs, while horizontal style models usually hold 4 or 5 CDs.
  • Keep in mind that these models are single component systems and do not come equipped with an amplifier   or speakers . 

Technical Specs

Also Look For

Related Articles

Additional Links