For years, the compact disc was considered a relic of the past. Vinyl made its grand comeback first, stealing headlines and audiophile hearts, while CDs quietly gathered dust on shelves. But times are changing. With massive collections still tucked away in people’s homes, the undeniable quality of physical playback, and new generations of hi-fi enthusiasts looking beyond streaming, the CD is finding fresh life.
Manufacturers have taken note. New CD players are being developed and launched, many of them incorporating the latest digital technologies to extract every last detail from those silver discs. Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the most interesting new models on the market, ranging from budget-friendly gems to no-compromise, reference-grade machines.
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8. SMSL PL100
Price: $110
Pros: graceful sound, very affordable
Cons: may lack some weight in the low end
Verdict: Cheaper is only free
Don’t let the low price tag fool you — the SMSL PL100 is a serious little machine. It houses a modern Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC and an anti-jitter circuit to ensure clarity. It even supports MQA playback, all wrapped in a sturdy anti-resonance aluminum alloy case. For an entry-level player, the PL100 delivers true Hi-Fi quality sound at a price that feels almost too good to be true.
7. Onkyo Icon C-30
Price: $390
Pros: clean, natural sound
Cons: bass could use more texture
Verdict: a strong entry-level choice
The Onkyo Icon C-30 benefits from the brand’s Vector Linear Shaping Circuit (VLSC) technology, which cuts impulse noise for a smoother signal. A precision clock generator ensures accurate timing, and its DAC supports PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 107 dB. It’s detailed, refined, and affordable — a great step into high-quality CD playback.
6. Musical Fidelity M3SCD
Price: $1,680
Pros: full-bodied, powerful bass
Cons: treble resolution could be better
Verdict: musical and authoritative
The M3SCD is an evolution of Musical Fidelity’s well-regarded M3CD. With a new disc mechanism, a 24/192 DAC that doubles as an external digital converter, and a beefed-up power supply, this player feels built for the long haul. Its sound is rich, bold, and confident — a true musical performer.
5. TEAC VRDS-701T
Price: $3,160
Pros: transparent, detailed sound
Cons: could use more emotional weight
Verdict: a refined workhorse
Celebrating TEAC’s 70th anniversary, the VRDS-701T revives the company’s legendary VRDS mechanism, which clamps discs against a heavy aluminum block to suppress vibration. It also comes with TEAC’s proprietary discrete DAC, a sophisticated dual-toroidal transformer power supply, and anti-resonance construction. Noble and precise, it’s a player built to impress.
4. Moon by Simaudio 260D
Price: $5,330
Pros: superb build, precise sound
Cons: presentation can lean slightly dark
Verdict: a lifelong companion
Available as either a transport or full-fledged CD player, the Moon 260D incorporates a 32/192 DAC with DSD512 support. Its Moon Drive system and M-Quattro suspension isolate vibrations, while a muscular toroidal transformer powers it with authority. The result is a muscular yet refined player that promises years of faithful service.
3. Lyngdorf CD-2
Price: $5,340
Pros: extreme detail and precision
Cons: can sound a little sterile at times
Verdict: professional-grade performance
The CD-2 is a showcase of Lyngdorf’s engineering discipline. It features audiophile-grade op-amps, a Wolfson WM8740 DAC, and a dual power supply that separates digital and analog sections. The result is an astonishing level of detail — so much so that you might forget you’re listening to a “lowly” CD.
2. Cyrus 40 CD
Price: $5,440
Pros: flexible, full-bodied sound
Cons: none worth noting
Verdict: a triumph for Cyrus
The Cyrus 40 CD is packed with tech: Servo Evolution for ultra-accurate data reading, the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, eight selectable filters, and a meticulously designed power supply with separate regulation for servo systems. It extracts every last ounce of musicality from your discs and delivers it with warmth and punch.
1. Metronome AQWO 2+
Price: $32,300
Pros: breathtaking clarity, deep natural bass
Cons: only the price
Verdict: a reference-level masterpiece
The dual-chassis Metronome AQWO 2+ is in a league of its own. Boasting a 137 dB signal-to-noise ratio, ESS ES9039MPRO DAC, DSD playback, and a state-of-the-art precision transport, it makes CDs sound reborn. Its performance is nothing short of magical, and for those who can afford it, the AQWO 2+ represents the pinnacle of CD playback.
Final Thoughts
The CD’s return may not be as flashy as vinyl’s, but it’s just as real. For collectors with thousands of discs or newcomers discovering the joys of physical formats, these new players prove that the humble CD still has plenty to give. From budget-friendly wonders like the SMSL PL100 to the no-holds-barred Metronome AQWO 2+, there’s a player for every listener and every budget.
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