Types of CD Players

Single-disc CD players, multi-disc changers and jukeboxes

Among moderately priced (sub-$1,000) CD players, you can chose among single-disc players as well as changers that hold anywhere from five or six discs to as many as 400. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

While you might expect single-disc CD players to be less expensive than changers, the opposite is often the case. Single-disc players are often aimed at the audiophile or quasi-audiophile market and are usually -- but not always -- characterized by higher-end electronics, better build quality and strong aesthetic appeal. Disc handling is usually superior, with few problems with damaged discs or jammed mechanisms reported. The biggest trade-off is convenience; you need to physically remove a disc before playing another one.

CD changers offer greater convenience by letting you place five or six discs into the player at once. Most will let you swap out the remaining discs while one is playing, meaning there's no lapse in the music. However, while there are several good performers in this category, we also noted more electronic and mechanical complaints than with single-disc changers.

CD jukeboxes let you store hundreds of discs at once. They include utilities that organize your CD collection so that it's easy to access music by artist, genre and more, though some do a better job of that than others. Initial setup can be chore, however, and we've seen some anecdotal reports of disc scratching. The biggest liability, however, is that most CD jukeboxes are physically enormous.

Though some models remain available, standalone CD player/recorders have begun to disappear from the scene. They have been supplanted by computer-based CD drives. Ease of use and ready availability - CD-recording tools are integrated into all of the major operating systems -- are the main reasons why.

Disc and file formats

For those who want to burn CDs on their computer and then play them back on a component CD player, four different types of recordable CDs are available. CD-R and CD+R discs can only be recorded to once, while CD-RW and CD+RW discs can be erased and rewritten. Most CD players will play back CD-R and CD-RW, though success with the latter can vary. Few CD players, save for universal players that can handle all or almost all disc and file formats, can play back music recorded on CD+R or CD+RW discs.

File format support also varies. All CD players will playback CD audio (.cda) files. Some -- but not all -- will also play back MP3 and WMA digital music files burned onto a CD.

All CD players will, of course, play back standard commercially recorded CDs. Some players also include decoding for HDCD discs (High Definition Compatible Digital) and/or SACDs (Super Audio Compact Discs). HDCD offers improved audio quality compared with standard CDs, and is backward-compatible with CD players that lack the necessary decoding circuitry. SACDs also provide technically superior audio quality, but they are not compatible with standard CD playback technology. However, most SACDs are actually hybrid discs that include a standard CD layer, so they can be played on standard CD players. Note that while there is a fairly extensive library of existing SACD titles, many major recording studios have pulled back from the format. New SACD titles are being issued, however, by a number of smaller companies, particularly those specializing in classical and jazz music.

Universal disc players can play back all CD audio formats and disc types including CD+R and CD+RW. They also can play back all standard-definition DVDs and all DVD audio and video formats, including DVD-Audio (but not Blu-ray Discs). While most universal players are purchased primarily for their video playback abilities, reports say that some, such as the OPPO DV-980H universal player (*Est. $170), are outstanding CD players as well.