If you’re those people who are after Generation Z, then you will be able to relate to what I talk about. Yes, CD players might be obsolete for a specific age group of people, but it is still quite prevalent among the elderly and middle-aged generations. It is what gives them nostalgia, actually. Now that you’re looking for a CD player, you need to know which brand you should purchase that goes along with your price point.
You might be confused if those expensive CD players actually sound better than the cheap, mid-range ones. Well, the answer is actually quite debatable, and it can’t be answered with a yes or no because quality differs and also betters a product.
Do expensive CD players sound better, and why?
If you had to know, in short, Yes, Expensive CD players would sound better than cheap ones, but it won’t be as noticeable as you think. In fact, a lot of times, it may not even be worth it due to the price difference because, at one point, unless you are an avid audiophile, it will be very difficult for you to notice the difference.
For the price difference as well, I generally don’t think it is worth it because you would be buying an 800-1000 dollars worth of CD player against 200 dollars worth of CD player. I don’t think the minute detail of sound is worth it for such a high price.
I mean, it evidently should sound and last better than the cheap ones because of HiFi tech and modern mechanisms. If not, why even consider buying one? It is mostly the marketing of the companies which makes the people get persuaded into thinking that a lofty price tag might have over-the-moon sound quality.
Better to candidly try things out than to get fooled. If you want to take the extra mile, then why not try blind tests? You may realize the little to no difference by yourself.
I think the only reason you should be going for an expensive CD player is if it’s quite eccentric and carries out your retro personality. Other than that, you clearly have alternatives for CD players. Like the OPKK Retro CD player can showcase your retro personality, it is portable and has a clean, low-key aesthetic.
Other than that, Features and functionalities can make you buy an expensive CD player because an expensive CD will clearly have a lot of modern settings like wireless connection, Better DAC, Multiple CD connections, and so much more than the old cheap ones. But, for the sound particularly, I honestly do not think getting an Expensive CD player is worth it because you can literally get good sound systems at the price point instead of a CD/DVD player.
Before buying: What makes a CD player sound better?
Now that we know if expensive CD players sound better or not, let us work on how we can make your CD player sound better, which is basically working with what you have.
Creating a system around your CD player
If you are only using a CD player, then why create a whole system with some modifications it. You could get a pair of speakers that are on par with your player and get an amplifier so that you get a loud and crystal clear sound. Getting the right cables will also be an issue, but if everything falls under place, then it will fulfill all your music needs.
A better DAC will be the difference
To sweep away from Expensive CD players and to get the sound quality from Mid-range CD players, DAC (Digital Analog Converter) might be the difference. If the CD player has an optical or a coaxial cable output, then clearly owning a DAC will make the difference in improving your sound quality. A modern DAC has many speakers that will have various types of ports and will let you play your sound through multiple devices, not just your CD player.
Better placement is the key.
This is for everyone who owns any form of music speaker, whether it is CD or DVD players, 2:1 Speaker setups, Floor Standing Speaker setups, or many more. Placement will play a critical factor in terms of listening experience as well the sound quality.
You need to place your CD player in such a place where it doesn’t vibrate due to loud sound or bass. I recommend you place it on a firm carpet where it won’t or get a speaker stand if your speakers are causing the vibrations so that it has a fixed hold. It could be that your placement is the reason why you are not getting better sound.
Specifics to consider before buying a CD player
As an audiophile, you will have your specific needs; since you are an audiophile who has a retro taste, that’s why you prefer to listen to CDs instead of other music systems. There are many things to consider before buying a CD player like THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion), Signal to Noise Ratio, or Stop Band Rejection. If you would like to further know more about these reasons in reasons, then I might have just the thing for you.
The types of CD players: What makes a CD player expensive?
Knowing the types will surely give some clarity on which CD player is pricey and which one is cheap. Now let us dive into those so that you know which is what.
- Hometheater CD players or CD players for your music system are connected through your home theater system or sound system; It offers varieties of functions and comes with a hefty price as the system includes sets of speakers, amplifiers, and settings such as like having Bluetooth and other wireless access.
- Boombox CD players are what we visualize as CD players when we think of them. It has two small speakers on the sides of it, and it usually comes at a fairly cheap price. It has started to become quite obsolete, but many brands make them with modern functionalities.
- Portable CD players are the handy ones that you carry everywhere you go. Listen to it through your headphones. In the age of high-tech phones, you will almost never see a portable CD player. They were actually first replaced by Mp3 players.
These three types are the main ones when you think about CD players; there could be a few others like the one you install on your car or the disc drive you have on your computer. Those also count as CD players but pays no relevance to what we have talked about.
Cheap Vs. Expensive CD players
Let me show you a chart about two different cd players at polar opposite price points so that you find clarity on which is what.
| Features | Sony Stereo CD Boombox | DCD-900NE CD Player |
| Type | Boombox | Sound system |
| Connectivity | Auxillary | USB |
| Battery | Lithium Batteries | AAA Batteries |
| Music Source | CDs, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CDs | CD, CD-R/RW, and hi-res MP3, WAV/FLAC, WMA & DSD files |
| DAC (Digital Analog Converter) | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.10 lbs | 15.10 lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Musics CD and Compact Disks the same thing?
Music CDs and Compact Disks are both the same things, but the difference lies in Music CDs because Music CDs are encoded in such a way so that it detects audio content making it more appropriate for listening.
Why is my CD skipping in my new CD player?
Usually, a Dirty CD is the main reason why your CD/DVD player is not able to read the content or is constantly skipping. Due to dirt or moisture, the player isn’t able to detect anything through its laser reading. Also, it could be your Disc drive, the CD probably hasn’t been placed properly, or the disc drive itself is dirty.
Other than that, there could be other reasons, like the software in which you are trying to run the audio file is bugged. In that case, you could try a different media player or try reinstalling it. And, if everything fails, then you probably have something damaged. Usually, it is the CD that gets damaged as it is the most fragile component out of all but makes sure you troubleshoot.
Are DVD players better than CD players?
A CD player normally is filled with features and modern tech than a DVD player. Like, for a DVD player, you need to install a DAC apart from your system aside so that you hear better music, whereas a CD player will have a DAC installed on it.
And, as for CDs and DVDs, DVDs are better for movies and songs since they can take up more storage than CDs. DVD can take storage up to 4.7 gigabytes, and a CD can take storage up to 700 megabytes.
Wrap Up!
It may seem like an answer with a yes or no, but for an audiophile like you, there are many things to consider before choosing a CD player. That is what I tried to enlighten in this write-up. You should now have more clearance about which to select for better sound quality, or if I am specific, you should now be aware if the extra price is worth a minor, not-so-noticeable sound quality.
But, definitely, you should choose the expensive CD player if you want something packed with features. I hope now you have enough insights to help yourself and others if they are facing a similar dilemma.
Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to seeing you again.
