8 Most Advanced CD Players – Ranked at the End of 2025
From Budget Models to Behemoths
30.10.2025 07:36 | ~4 minutes read
We continue our series of publications on expert ratings of the best and most advanced audio equipment – next up is a selection of eight CD players that, according to the editors, demonstrate optimal performance as of the end of 2025. We included many affordable yet high-quality models in the list, and concluded with expensive high-end equipment.
8. Arcam RADIA CD5
Pros – Dynamic and natural sound
The Arcam RADIA CD5 CD player uses a 24-bit (24/96) ES9018 chip and achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 115 dB. It's also worth noting its full support for USB signals, including high-resolution FLAC and WAV files. The latest proprietary platform with optimized power supply literally reaches for the stars in terms of quality – the airy and dynamic sound of the Arcam RADIA CD5 captivates from the very first chords.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Arcam CD5
Model name
CD5
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
93/115 (16 bit/24 bit)
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
431 x 344 x 83
Weight (kg)
6
Official link
7. Pro-Ject CD Box DS3
Pros – Good dynamics, textured sound
The newest Pro-Ject CD Box DS3 CD player is based on the audiophile-grade TI PCM1796 converter chip and offers a 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio at 0.018% THD. The dedicated transport is not a universal one, as is common in cheaper models, but one specifically designed for CD-DA playback (Red Book standard). The professional-grade Blue Tiger CD-80 servo drive is another selling point. Add in the anti-resonance chassis and transport support via damping mounts, and you have a very interesting candidate. Especially since the textured presentation of this model is clearly captivating.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Pro-Ject CD Box DS3
Model name
CD Box DS3
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
>105
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
<0,018
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
206 x 72 x 194
Weight (kg)
1.66
Official link
6. Shanling EC3
Pros – Fully loaded for a modest price
The Shanling EC3 impresses with its appearance and internals – a Philips CD80 top-loading drive and a Sanyo HD850 laser head sit alongside an ES9219C DAC (32/384 and DSD256). With a signal-to-noise ratio of 114 dB, an Ingenic X200 control platform, an Ampak AP6256AC Bluetooth module, and a high-quality Motorola IPS screen, the Shanling EC3 surpasses its price category in engineering terms. The Shanling EC3's sound captivates with its breadth and breadth.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Shanling EC3
Model name
EC3
Transport
N/A
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
ES9219C
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
40 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
116
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
116
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
0.001
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
255 x 188 x 68
Weight (kg)
2.4
Official link
5. Denon DCD-3000NE
Pros – Spacious and dynamic sound
The Denon DCD-3000NE delivers its signature fluid sound with excellent three-dimensionality. The CD player uses a 32-bit ES9018K2M chip and achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 122 (!) dB at 0.0015% THD. Featuring the patented seventh-generation Ultra AL32 technology, a proprietary multi-stage vibration damping system, audiophile-grade components, and a Denon S.V.H. (Suppress Vibration Hybrid) disc drive mechanism, along with three clock generators, this is a true audio mastodon.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Denon DCD-3000NE
Model name
DCD-3000NE
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
Yes
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
2
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
2
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
50 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2.2
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
101
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
115
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
0.0015
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
0.0005
Dimensions (mm)
434 × 138 × 405
Weight (kg)
16.8
Official link
4. Hegel Viking
Pros: Exceptionally composed and precise playback
The Hegel Viking won't offer you streaming or DSD playback—the CD player is designed exclusively for CD playback, and it does so exceptionally well, creating a tangible and natural sound field. The AKM 4493SEQ chip, focused on reproducing only the 16/44 format (and the proprietary SynchroDAC technology, which operates only on balanced signals), a special laser head, an ultra-precise clock generator (MasterClock), and the LineDriver cable matching system – this is an engineering masterpiece.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Hegel Viking
Model name
Viking
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
0
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
22 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
0.0015
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
99 x 430 x 305
Weight (kg)
7.3
Official link
3. Metronome LE Player 4+
Pros – Beautiful sound with a rich tonal image
The Metronome LE Player 4+ streaming player upsamples signals up to DSD using the ES9026PRO chip (32/384) and supports both disc and UDS and Ethernet connections. The drive is based on a heavily modified SUOS system and features a disc clamp. The precision metal housing rests on three anti-vibration mounts. The device delivers an open, signature sound and exceptionally rich tonal image.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Métronome LE PLAYER 4+
Model name
LE PLAYER 4+
Transport
N/A
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
ES9026PRO
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
150
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
100
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
124
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
450 x 120 x 420
Weight (kg)
12
Official link
2. Esoteric K-05XD
Pros – Flexible, high-resolution sound
The "armor-piercing" Esoteric K-05XD features, first and foremost, the proprietary Master Sound Discrete DAC, previously only available in the company's higher-end models, as well as the renowned VRDS-ATLAS "ATLAS 05" drive unit and the precision Grandioso Custom VCXO II clock generator. Three power transformers (two toroidal transformers for the digital and analog sections, and a small EI transformer for the control system) are the finishing touches. High-end sound is offered – a huge soundstage and exceptional resolution allow you to appreciate the smallest nuances of the recording.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Esoteric K-05XD
Model name
K-05XD
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
Yes
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
5
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
70 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
110
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
0.0007
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
445 × 161 × 357
Weight (kg)
20.7
Official link
1. Gryphon Audio Ethos
Pros – Truly luxurious sound
The Gryphon Audio Ethos CD player is a high-end model with genuine brilliance and polish in its sound, transforming listening to your audio collection into pure Nirvana. The eight-channel ES9038PRO DAC (32/768) supports signals up to DSD and delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB with a THD of 0.007%. Naturally, the unit is built using the company's signature dual-mono design with a pair of independent, custom-made crystal oscillators. Temperature-compensated circuits are accurate to within five parts per million! The luxurious triangular enclosure and first-order filter based on a silver Mica capacitor exemplify how high-end products should be designed.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Gryphon Audio ETHOS
Model name
ETHOS
Transport
Yes
Player
N/A
SACD support
N/A
Engine
2 x ES9038PRO
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
20 000
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
110
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
75
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
< -117
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
<0,0070
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
480 x 176 x 453
Weight (kg)
13.7
Official link
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