{"id":339746,"date":"2025-12-28T19:31:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T19:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/339746\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T19:31:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T19:31:16","slug":"10-cd-players-transports-for-your-consideration-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/339746\/","title":{"rendered":"10 CD players (& transports) for your consideration in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Forget music streaming for a moment. While the hi-fi press was obsessing over touchscreens, Spotify Lossless and Qobuz Connect in 2025, something rather unexpected happened: CD players staged a comeback.<\/p>\n

Today, we\u2019re looking at ten newcomers: a mix of CD transports (digital output only, requiring an external DAC) and CD players (with built-in DACs and analogue outputs) that started shipping in the last 14 months. I\u2019ve reviewed two already (the Moondrop and the Rotel), and I\u2019ve got three more in the works (the Marantz, the Dunu and the Pro-Ject). I wish I had time to review them all! Self-evidently, this list is not exhaustive, but it has been built in order of ascending price.<\/p>\n

Let us begin\u2026<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: Portable CD player (with R2R DAC)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader
\u2022 Digital outputs: 3.5mm combo (TOSLINK\/coaxial), Bluetooth
\u2022 Digital inputs: USB-C
\u2022 DAC: R2R ladder DAC
\u2022 Screen: 1\u2033 LCD display
\u2022 Tube output stage: No
\u2022 Portable: Yes, 8 hours battery life
\u2022 Weight: 471.5g
\u2022 Special features: Desktop mode, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, CD ripping to USB drive
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: \u20ac269<\/p>\n

At \u20ac269, the FiiO DM15 R2R packs an R2R ladder DAC into a 471.5g chassis. The modest 1\u2033 LCD display keeps things simple while the battery delivers a solid 8 hours of playback time. Digital outputs are cleverly consolidated into a single 3.5mm combo socket that handles both mini-TOSLINK and coaxial connections, plus there\u2019s Bluetooth transmission for wireless headphones. The USB-C input means external sources can tap into the R2R DAC, and the USB-C output handles real-time ripping to directly connected storage devices. Desktop mode provides extra headphone output power when you\u2019re plugged into mains, and gain-adjustable balanced and single-ended headphone outputs ensure compatibility with whatever cans you prefer.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: Portable CD player (with delta-sigma DAC)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader
\u2022 Digital outputs: 3.5mm combo (TOSLINK\/analogue)
\u2022 Digital inputs: USB-C
\u2022 DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
\u2022 Screen: 1.2\u2033 OLED display
\u2022 Tube output stage: No
\u2022 Portable: Yes, 8 hours battery life
\u2022 Weight: 500g
\u2022 Special features: Retro-futuristic design, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: \u20ac349<\/p>\n

The \u20ac349 Moondrop DiscDream 2 Ultra brings delta-sigma DAC technology to portable CD playback, employing dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 chips in its 500g retro-futuristic chassis. That 1.2\u2033 OLED display adds a modern touch to the vintage-inspired design. The 3.5mm combo socket pulls double duty, handling mini-TOSLINK and analogue line-out. Headphone hookups are catered for with separate 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced sockets. USB-C input cleverly enables the unit to moonlight as a DAC for your streaming devices, making the most of those Cirrus Logic chips. Battery life is rated by Moondrop at 8 hours, but there\u2019s no CD ripping, Bluetooth transmission or desktop mode \u2013 this is more of a purist\u2019s portable CD player that sounds just as good connected to a static hifi system as a pair of headphones.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: CD transport
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader with magnetic puck
\u2022 Digital outputs: Dual AES\/EBU, coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S (HDMI), USB (16\/44.1 only)
\u2022 Digital inputs: Bluetooth (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX)
\u2022 DAC: N\/A (transport only)
\u2022 Screen: 4.8\u2033 colour display
\u2022 Tube output stage: N\/A (transport only)
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: Approximately 5kg
\u2022 Special features: Optional upsampling to PCM 768kHz or DSD512 (I2S), word clock input
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: US$899<\/p>\n

At US$899, the Shanling CT90 arrives as the ET3\u2019s successor \u2013 a mains-powered CD transport with serious upsampling capabilities. The approximately 5kg unit features a top-loader with magnetic puck and a tilting lid design, while the 4.8\u2033 colour display provides visual feedback. Under the hood, it runs a Philips DA11 mechanism paired with a Sanyo SAA7824 servo.<\/p>\n

Where things get interesting is the connectivity. Digital outputs include dual AES\/EBU (remarkably unusual at this price point), plus the expected coaxial and TOSLINK, and I2S via HDMI with 10 different pin configurations for maximum compatibility. The optional upsampling engine can push signals all the way to PCM 768kHz or DSD512 over I2S, although coaxial and TOSLINK max out at PCM 192kHz or DSD64 via DoP and the USB output stays basic at 16-bit\/44.1kHz only. Word clock input enables synchronisation with external master clocks. Bluetooth (with LDAC, aptX HD and aptX) is the only streaming function here (the ET3\u2019s AirPlay has gone bye-bye), while the USB-A socket allows playback from flash drives via Shanling\u2019s less-than-agreeable Eddict app.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: CD transport
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Slide-out drawer
\u2022 Digital outputs: TOSLINK, coaxial
\u2022 Digital inputs: None
\u2022 DAC: N\/A (transport only)
\u2022 Screen: Simple LED display
\u2022 Tube output stage: N\/A (transport only)
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: 5.37kg
\u2022 Special features: Vintage-styled to match Quad 3 integrated amplifier (with internal DAC)
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: \u00a3599<\/p>\n

The Quad 3CDT at \u00a3599 takes a deliberately minimalist approach, designed specifically to partner with the (but vintage-styled) Quad 3 integrated amplifier and its internal DAC (or any other DAC). This 5.37kg transport keeps things refreshingly simple with a traditional slide-out drawer mechanism and an uncomplicated LED display. TOSLINK and coaxial outputs handle the digital duties \u2013 that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: Transportable CD player (with R2R DAC)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader
\u2022 Digital outputs: TOSLINK
\u2022 Digital inputs: USB-C
\u2022 DAC: R2R ladder DAC
\u2022 Screen: Small display window
\u2022 Tube output stage: No
\u2022 Portable: Yes, 6-8 hours battery life
\u2022 Weight: 1.165kg
\u2022 Special features: Built like a tank, retro-futuristic design, balanced 4.4mm output, switchable Class A or Class A\/B operation, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: \u20ac749<\/p>\n

At \u20ac749, the Dunu Concept R makes no compromises on build quality \u2013 this 1.165kg portable is genuinely built like a tank, and comes complete with R2R ladder DAC technology. Not only. This retro-futuristic design houses a headphone amplifier with switchable Class A or Class A\/B operational modes, letting you choose between sonic purity or extended battery life (6-8 hours depending on mode). The top-loader includes a small but functional display window. Digital outputs are limited to TOSLINK, but the USB-C input allows network streamers to leverage the internal R2R DAC. Analogue output options are more comprehensive: a balanced line-level 4.4mm output sits on the back panel, with 4.4mm balanced and single-ended headphone sockets on the front.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: CD transport
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Slide-out drawer
\u2022 Digital outputs: TOSLINK, coaxial
\u2022 Digital inputs: None
\u2022 DAC: N\/A (transport only)
\u2022 Screen: FL (fluorescent) display
\u2022 Tube output stage: N\/A (transport only)
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: 4.0kg
\u2022 Special features: \u201cSemi-Floating Drive Mount\u201d, TEAC-HCLD laser pickup, BNC word clock sync
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China (with engineering in Japan)
\u2022 Price: \u20ac1299<\/p>\n

The TEAC PD-507T at \u20ac1299 brings Japanese engineering precision to CD transport design, even if final assembly happens in China. Weighing in at 4.0kg, it employs TEAC\u2019s intriguing \u201cSemi-Floating Drive Mount\u201d for mechanical isolation, paired with their proprietary HCLD (High-precision Coupling Laser Detector) pickup system \u2013 the kind of technical attention that TEAC built its reputation on. The slide-out drawer mechanism is complemented by a fluorescent display on the front panel. TOSLINK and coaxial outputs handle standard digital duties, but the BNC word clock input reveals this transport\u2019s serious intentions, enabling synchronisation with compatible DACs for those pursuing ultimate time-domain accuracy.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: \u2018CD transport\u2019 \/ CD player (with delta-sigma DAC and tubes)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader with magnetic puck
\u2022 Digital outputs: TOSLINK, coaxial
\u2022 Digital inputs: None
\u2022 DAC: Texas Instruments PCM1796
\u2022 Screen: 3.5\u2033 LCD display
\u2022 Tube output stage: Yes (non-defeatable)
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: 3.2kg (unit only, excludes external power supply)
\u2022 Special features: SUOS DM-3381 Red Book drive, aluminium chassis, balanced XLR analogue outputs
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: Slovakia
\u2022 Price: \u20ac1900<\/p>\n

Pro-Ject\u2019s CD Box RS2 Tube at \u20ac1900 represents an evolution in the company\u2019s thinking \u2013 where its predecessor was transport-only, this model adds an internal Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC with dual triode tubes in the output stage \u2013 both balanced XLRs and single-ended RCAs are on tap. The top-loading mechanism with magnetic puck is underpinned by a SUOS DM-3381 Red Book drive, while the 3.2kg unit (plus external power supply) keeps vibrations at bay with its aluminium chassis. A 3.5\u2033 LCD display provides clear feedback on what\u2019s playing. TOSLINK and coaxial outputs are for those who choose to see this latest iteration as a CD transport.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: CD\/SACD player (with R2R DAC and tubes)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader with magnetic puck
\u2022 Digital outputs: TOSLINK, coaxial, AES\/EBU, I2S (HDMI)
\u2022 Digital inputs: USB-B, coaxial
\u2022 DAC: R2R ladder DAC
\u2022 Screen: 4.3\u2033 colour touchscreen
\u2022 Tube output stage: Yes (defeatable)
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: 10kg
\u2022 Special features: Defeatable tube buffer stage, balanced XLR analogue outputs
\u2022 SACD playback: Yes
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: US$3899<\/p>\n

At almost four grand, the Shanling SCD3.3 refuses to pick just one audiophile flavour \u2013 it combines SACD playback with both R2R ladder DAC architecture and a defeatable tube buffer, letting you season the sound to taste. Your choice of balanced XLR or single-ended RCA analogue outputs.<\/p>\n

This substantial 10kg player features a top-loader with magnetic puck and a modern 4.3\u2033 colour touchscreen that wouldn\u2019t look out of place on a network streamer. Digital outputs are comprehensive: TOSLINK, coaxial, AES\/EBU and I2S are all present and correct. The USB-B and coaxial inputs mean external streamers can take advantage of that R2R DAC, with or without the tube circuits engaged \u2013 your choice.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: CD player (with delta-sigma DAC)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Top-loader with heavy puck
\u2022 Digital outputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
\u2022 Digital inputs: USB-B, coaxial, TOSLINK
\u2022 DAC: ESS Labs ES9028PRO
\u2022 Screen: 5.25\u2033 colour screen
\u2022 Tube output stage: No
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: 23.5kg
\u2022 Special features: Internet connectivity for cover art and metadata retrieval, balanced XLR analogue outputs
\u2022 SACD playback: No
\u2022 Made in: China
\u2022 Price: \u20ac5999<\/p>\n

The Rotel Michi Q5 at \u20ac5999 brings CD playback into the streaming age with a clever party trick \u2013 internet connectivity that retrieves and displays cover art and metadata on its 5.25\u2033 colour screen. This hefty 23.5kg player makes browsing your CD collection feel almost as visual as streaming. The heavy puck that keeps the CD in place ensures smooth, stable disc reading. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs hand off analogue signals downstream while coaxial and TOSLINK outputs cater to those using external DACs. USB-B, coaxial and TOSLINK inputs let the ESS Labs ES9028PRO DAC talk to third-party network streamers.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Type: CD\/SACD player (with MMM DAC)
\u2022 Loading mechanism: Slide-out drawer
\u2022 Digital outputs: TOSLINK, coaxial
\u2022 Digital inputs: USB-B, TOSLINK, coaxial
\u2022 DAC: Marantz Musical Mastering (MMM) conversion technology
\u2022 Screen: Rectangular low-noise OLED display
\u2022 Tube output stage: No
\u2022 Portable: No (mains powered)
\u2022 Weight: 33.0kg
\u2022 Special features: User-selectable filter, dither and noise shaper options, quarter-inch headphone output, copper-plated internal chassis, balanced XLR analogue outputs
\u2022 SACD playback: Yes
\u2022 Made in: Japan
\u2022 Price: \u20ac11,999<\/p>\n

The Marantz SACD 10 at \u20ac11,999 is a statement piece in every sense: 33.0kg of Japanese-built precision that takes optical disc playback extremely seriously. CD and SACD capability comes paired with Marantz\u2019s proprietary Musical Mastering (MMM) conversion technology that upsamples everything to DSD before decoding, while user-selectable filter, dither and noise shaper options let us fine-tune the sound signature to match our system or mood. The expected balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections live around back. This player\u2019s super-smooth slide-out drawer mechanism exudes quality and is paired with a low-noise OLED display that keeps things elegantly simple. The copper-plated compartmentalised internal chassis shows Marantz hasn\u2019t forgotten about EMI and isolation. USB-B, TOSLINK and coaxial inputs transform the MMM-enhanced DAC into a streaming companion, while TOSLINK and coaxial outputs keep the transport crowd happy. The quarter-inch headphone output isn\u2019t as common as you\u2019d expect at this level.<\/p>\n

Additional thoughts<\/p>\n

Modern CD players have diversified their approaches significantly:<\/p>\n

One notable trend is the adoption of R2R ladder DACs \u2013 three models here use this technology: the FiiO, the Dunu and the bigger Shanling SCD3.3.<\/p>\n

Perhaps hi-fi manufacturers have reached a point where it\u2019s more cost-effective to design an R2R ladder in-house than implement third-party DAC chips?<\/p>\n

Some manufacturers \u2013 Pro-Ject and Shanling \u2013 use tubes for additional sonic flavouring.<\/p>\n

Others have made CDs properly portable with serious headphone amplification and usable battery life: the FiiO, the Moondrop and the Dunu.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also worth noting the rise in popularity of the CD transport, to which we must add our own DAC. Four on this list of ten are CD transports: the Quad, the smaller Shanling, the TEAC and the Pro-Ject (which retains transport status because of its predecessor).<\/p>\n

However, the standout trend for 2025 is that many CD players now include digital inputs, allowing them to serve as DACs for our streaming devices. In this list, that\u2019s the bigger Shanling, the Rotel, the Marantz, the Dunu, the FiiO and the Moondrop.<\/p>\n

Lastly, anyone with an allergy to products made in China must stick to the Pro-Ject or the Marantz.<\/p>\n

These ten machines demonstrate varied approaches to CD playback through tubes, R2R conversion, portability or hybrid functionality, proving that CD playback hardware continues to evolve rather than simply survive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Forget music streaming for a moment. While the hi-fi press was obsessing over touchscreens, Spotify Lossless and Qobuz…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":339747,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[67221,59,6884,86,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-339746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-cds","tag-gb","tag-opinion","tag-technology","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/339746","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=339746"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/339746\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/339747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=339746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=339746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=339746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}