Top 5... £500+ CD PLAYERS

There's nothing technical about this top 5 listing and I fully realise that there are loads that could have been here that aren't... but these are CD players that I've bought, sometimes owned and sold over the years. They are all, in my humble opinion, great units within their price range. If the CD format lacks the drama of handling a vinyl LP and its large format sleeve, then these CD plays will add back in some of the excitement, both in style and sound! 

1. Sugden Masterclass PDT4

This is the CD that remains in my system at home. It's not the most exciting to look at and the CD tray feels (and sounds!) light and cheap, but everything else about this CD spinner is sublime! It remains the best CD player I've ever heard. And it's also worth pointing out that when Sugden serviced the unit the customer service the company offered was exemplary and beyond what was necessary. If you ever doubted how good a CD player can be, this CDT4 will show you just what is possible. Expect to pay... £2000+

2. Marantz SA-12 SE

I'm a big fan of Marantz CD players. They often sound really lovely, prove consistently reliable (with the odd exception!), look great... and did I say they sound lovely! There are some excellent examples throughout the range, including some limited edition models (such as the SA-KI Ruby previously in my shortlist). Beautifully built, I've gone for the SA-12 SE here, but there are others worthy of consideration too. Expect to pay... £2000+

3. Naim CD5 SI

I've come across quite a lot of Naim CD players now and they invariably sound very good indeed. They seem to prove pretty reliable but, crucially, it's the noise they make that really impresses... these are easy to listen to, with a lovely tone and overall sonic performance. Prices vary a lot depending on age (the unit has been available for years) but get the newest you can afford. Expect to pay... £800 may be a sweet spot 

4. Cyrus CDT XR

Cyrus has made a bewildering array of CD players over the years. We're not convinced that some of the early units are as reliable as they should be (laser issues). The CDT is a CD transport (not CD player) so requires a DAC somewhere else in your system - either within the amplifier or a stand alone unit. This CDT XR is a much more recent model and is increasingly good value. Expect to pay... From £900 ​

5. OPPO UDP-205

If you have a strong enthusiasm for SACD discs, then your options are immediately more limited. One unit that always seems to come up is the OPPO UDP-205. There are lessor versions but this seems to be the benchmark option. It'll play just about anything! Be aware that there are a bewildering number of sub menus to work your way through (and for which you need the unit connected to a TV) but get the setting correct and this seems to be universally praised. Expect to pay... £1500+

Others to consider...

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