Top-7 Newest CD Players – Fall 2025 Rating
How to Play a CD Correctly
05.09.2025 05:32 | ~3 minutes read
The compact disc seems to be experiencing a rebirth – a little late in comparison with vinyl. Huge accumulated CD collections, excellent playback quality guaranteed by modern technologies and keen interest of audiophiles have moved the ice – new models of CD players are constantly appearing on the market. The editors have compiled an expert rating and selected for you the most interesting new models of this class of audio components.
7. Onkyo Icon C-30
Pros – pure and natural performance
The Onkyo Icon C-30 CD player is based on the proprietary Vector Linear Shaping Circuit (VLSC) technology, which reduces impulse noise and provides a cleaner signal at the analog output. The player also uses a clock generator with an accuracy of ±10 parts per million (PPM) for improved synchronization. Add a DAC with support for digital streams in PCM format with parameters up to 24-bit/192 kHz, providing detailed music reproduction with a signal-to-noise ratio of 107 dB - and here you have the new king of the budget price group.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Onkyo Icon C-30
Model name
Icon C-30
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
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)
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) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (kg)
N/A
Official link
6. Musical Fidelity M3SCD
Pros – fundamental sound with excellent bass
The Musical Fidelity M3SCD CD player is a development of the well-known M3CD version – the new model has a newly developed loading mechanism, and the DAC with 24/192 parameters accepts external signals (that is, the model can be used as a full-fledged converter). The reinforced power section is clearly made for growth – so the sound of the model is rich and large-scale.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Musical Fidelity M3SCD
Model name
M3SCD
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
10
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)
>117
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
<0.003
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
440 x 100 x 380
Weight (kg)
6.05
Official link
5. TEAC VRDS-701T
Pros – transparent sound with excellent development of the entire frequency spectrum
The TEAC VRDS-701T CD player was released for the company's seventieth anniversary – the special pride here, of course, is the redesigned legendary VRDS mechanism (in which the disc is pressed against a heavy aluminum block to suppress rotational vibrations) and the original TEAC discrete DAC. In addition, the device offers a full set of audiophile features - from a semi-hinged installation to an external input for a separate 10 MHz clock generator. The power supply is also tricky - with two independent toroidal power transformers placed on an auxiliary chassis, and the player rests on three steel anti-resonance supports. The model sounds noble and very transparent.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — TEAC VRDS-701T
Model name
VRDS-701T
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
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)
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) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
444 × 111 × 333
Weight (kg)
10.1
Official link
4. Moon by Simaudio 260D
Pros - ultimate design, weighty sound
Moon by Simaudio 260D can be supplied both as a transport and as a full-fledged CD player with a 32/192 DAC and DSD512. The heart of the device is the Moon Drive system and its own Moon 650D software. The four-point M-Quattro suspension on a gel base radically decouples the reading unit from external vibrations. Add a signal upscaler and a super-powerful toroidal transformer of the power supply unit – and here it is, a champion with a muscular and precise sound.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Moon by Simaudio 260D
Model name
260D
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
N/A
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
2
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
100 000
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)
120
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
120
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
0,005%
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
429 x 86 x 333
Weight (kg)
6.3
Official link
3. Lyngdorf CD-2
Pros – a flurry of details
The Lyngdorf CD-2 CD player continues the signature engineering style of the famous company and offers an incredibly detailed presentation, such that at times it seems that we are listening to Hi-Res instead of a “compact”. Balanced design, audiophile operational amplifiers, Wolfson WM8740 converter, and separate proprietary pulse power supply for the digital and analog parts – everything is good here.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Lyngdorf CD-2
Model name
CD-2
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)
7
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
3.5
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
100
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
75
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
100
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
114
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
0.0018
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
58 x 450 x 375
Weight (kg)
6.1
Official link
2. Cyrus 40 CD
Pros – flexible and full-bodied sound
The latest Cyrus Audio 40 CD CD player uses Servo Evolution data reading accuracy technology. Together with the super chip ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M, eight switchable types of filtering and an advanced power supply system (for example, the module's servos have their own power supply regulator, which radically reduces crosstalk), the Cyrus 40 CD is truly capable of breathing new nuances into your CD collection.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
CD / SACD players and transports — Cyrus Audio 40 CD
Model name
40 CD
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
Yes
Engine
ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M
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)
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) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
88 x 220 x 365
Weight (kg)
5.2
Official link
1. Metronome AQWO 2+
Pros - crystal clear and natural sound, incredible bass
The ultimate Metronome AQWO 2+ demonstrates a signal-to-noise ratio of 137 dB, can play signals up to DSD (thanks to the ES9039MPRO chip) and is equipped with a heavily upgraded precision transport mechanism from D&M Group. In any guise, the Metronome AQWO 2+ is enchanting, and compact discs simply come to life in the player's performance - bravo.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Streamers — Métronome AQWO 2+
Model name
AQWO 2+
Has internal DAC
Yes
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 384 kHz / 32 bits and DSD512
DSP processing
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
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
Analog outputs level (balanced) (V)
3
Analog outputs level (single-ended) (V)
3
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
420 x 120 x 425 (drive) + 420 x 85 x 425 (PSU)
Weight (kg)
13,3 (drive) + 12,6 (PSU)
Official link
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