Top 5 CD Players of All Time

Top 5 CD Players of All Time

 

There are plenty of good reasons for getting into CDs. They sound amazing. They’re cheaper than vinyl. And they’re less harmful to the environment—among other thoroughly persuasive lines of reasoning. 

Despite our extensive CD-cleaning history, it’s only fairly recently that we’ve started to revisit the AM CD archives. A cavernous, moth-infested, Indiana Jones-like sanctum where we’ve uncovered one lost, retro-futuristic treasure after another. Just kidding: we keep old photos in binders.

 

 

Anyway, the heady CD buzz around the office is currently giving way to a few projects, one of which is this giddily subjective top 5. Without further informational rabbit holes, here’s the AM Clean Sound Top 5 CD players of all time:

 

44 Marantz CD-94

Released in 1992, the Marantz CD-94 is widely regarded as one of the best CD players ever made. It was designed by Ken Ishiwata, a legendary audio engineer, and it features a high-quality disc mechanism, a powerful digital-to-analog converter, and a sophisticated electronic filter.

 

BeoSound 9000

Design, technology and movement come together in the BeoSound 9000 Bang & Olufsen. As far as stationary CD players go, it’s hard to think of a more beautiful marriage of form and function. There’s no question that you can buy better-sounding CD players, but none of these are likely to generate the audible gasps produced by your friends as they lock eyes with this iconic design from 1996. Fun fact: The 6-CD changer is the fastest in the world. If allowed to continue its momentum it would travel 100km/h in just 5,5 seconds, matching sport cars of today.

 

The Sony D-555 Portable CD Player

The Sony D-555 Portable CD Player is highly regarded by users and critics alike for its exceptional build quality and high-quality sound. It has a robust, all-metal design that is built to last and can withstand rough handling, making it a durable choice for those who need a portable CD player that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The D-555 also boasts a wide range of features that enhance the listening experience, including two LCD displays, a built-in equalizer with a variety of adjustment options, and digital controls for volume, play, and pause. It also has a clean headphone output and gold-plated ports, further adding to its overall high-quality sound. Additionally, the D-555 has a long battery life and is capable of playing CDs with a wide range of disc types, making it a versatile and reliable choice for those in need of a portable CD player.

 

The Playstation 1 (first edition)

The first edition of the PS1 deserves a place on this list as many audiophiles are convinced that it’s one of the best CD players in existence. Designed with RCA outlets, (which were later removed) its main purpose was video games, but it also had the ability to play CDs, and the DAC in the PS1 is considered to be of exceptionally high quality, and highly capable of producing clear and detailed sound. The combination of the high-quality DAC, accurate CD reading, and simplicity of use make the PS1 a popular choice for audiophiles looking for a CD player. Finally, there’s the value for money aspect; the fact that Sony produced these players in mass-market quantities meant that the high-quality CD player came at a price point that was significantly lower than standard audiophile products.

 

The Sony Discman

The Discman was an iconic portable CD player that helped to revolutionize the way we listen to music on the go. While it’s not the best-sounding CD player out there, It was one of the first portable CD players to hit the market, it had an iconic streamlined design, and it quickly became a must-have device for music lovers around the world. One of the main reasons the Sony Discman became so popular was because it offered good sound quality in a compact and portable form factor. It was also durable and easy to use, making it perfect for people on the go. The Sony Discman helped to pave the way for the portable music revolution and remains an iconic device to this day.

If you’re looking to acquire a portable CD player, there’s a range practical factors you might want to consider, such as:

  • Sound quality: Some portable CD players have better sound quality than others, so be sure to read reviews and consider the brand's reputation for audio quality.
  • Battery life: If you plan on using your portable CD player on the go, you'll want to consider the battery life. Look for a player with a long battery life or one that uses replaceable batteries.
  • Size and weight: If you plan on carrying your portable CD player around with you, you'll want to consider its size and weight. A smaller and lighter player will be more portable.
  • Durability: Look for a portable CD player that is built to last and can withstand the wear and tear of being carried around.
  • Design: If you’re anything like us, design is an important factor when it comes to physical music formats. As our friend Trevor Jackson puts it: there’s more to music, than the music itself. In other words, the look and feel of the format in question is important—you want your gear to look good. This often goes hand in hand with function and durability; As we all know, form follows function. Also, if it looks good, you won’t want to throw it out, and we probably don’t have to tell you that that’s better for the environment.