Yes, a CD player is still worth buying in 2026 if you have a collection of discs, want quality without a subscription or enjoy the ritual of putting a disc on. To start, the Cambridge Audio AXC35 (€429) and the Shanling CD50 (€329) are simple, well-made players. For anyone who already has a DAC, the Cambridge Audio CXC V2 (€599) is a dedicated transport. At the top of what we stock, the MOON 260D (€3,590) combines player and DAC in one box.
Why does the CD still make sense?
A CD stores music without lossy compression and without depending on an internet connection. The disc is yours, it does not vanish from a catalogue and it asks for no monthly fee. If you have bought hundreds of albums over the years, throwing them out would be a waste. Playing them on a good player is a pleasure streaming does not replicate. For a wider comparison, our guide to vinyl or streaming helps you see where each format fits.
A player with a DAC, or a transport with an external DAC?
A complete CD player reads the disc and converts the signal to analog sound with its own DAC. It connects straight to the amplifier with RCA cables. It is the simplest solution and the one we recommend for a first system.
A CD transport only reads the disc and hands the digital signal, by coaxial, optical or other outputs, to an external DAC. It makes sense when you already have a DAC or a streamer with a DAC in the system, or when you want to choose the converter separately and upgrade it later. Our guide to DACs and streamers goes deeper on this point.
What matters in a CD player
There are three things to look at. The first is the mechanism, because a good servo and a well-damped chassis read the disc with fewer errors. The second is the DAC, if the player has one, which sets the character of the sound. The third is the digital outputs, which decide whether you can later connect the player to a better converter or to an amplifier with a DAC.
Our selection in a table
| Model | Price | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanling CD50 | €329 | Player with DAC | Desktop, headphones or a small system |
| Cambridge Audio AXC35 | €429 | Player with DAC | A first player for the main system |
| Cambridge Audio CXC V2 | €599 | Transport | Anyone with a DAC or an amplifier with a DAC |
| Shanling ET3 | €620 | Transport | Anyone who wants I2S and USB outputs |
| Shanling CT90 | €895 | Transport | Collectors with a quality DAC |
| MOON 260D T | €2,900 | Transport | High-end systems with an external DAC |
| MOON 260D | €3,590 | Player with DAC | Anyone who wants a single top-level box |
Why we chose each model
Shanling CD50 (€329)
A compact desktop player with a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC and a built-in headphone amplifier, with 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm outputs. The RCA output can be fixed or variable, so it connects directly to active speakers. The coaxial and optical outputs let you use it later as a transport. It is a good way to give a collection new life without taking up much space.
Cambridge Audio AXC35 (€429)
A simple, well-made player with a Wolfson WM8524 DAC and gapless playback. The coaxial digital output lets you connect it later to an external DAC. It matches the AXA35 amplifier but works well with other brands too. For a first system, it is the most direct choice. Our guide to Cambridge Audio, AX, CX, Evo or L/R helps you understand the range.
Cambridge Audio CXC V2 (€599)
A dedicated transport with no converter of its own, by design. The S3 servo, developed by Cambridge Audio, spins the disc at exactly the right speed. The metal chassis has acoustic damping. The coaxial and optical outputs connect it to any DAC or amplifier with a DAC. It is a natural partner for the CXA81 Mk II and the CXN100 SE.
Shanling ET3 (€620)
The ET3 was designed for one thing, which is delivering a high-quality digital transport to a top DAC. Besides the usual outputs, it has I2S and USB. It reads files from USB drives or from the local network. The unit we have in store is new, ex-display, with an official warranty and invoice. It costs €620 instead of the usual €729.
Shanling CT90 (€895)
A ground-up transport with a Philips mechanism, a dedicated upsampling engine, dual AES/EBU outputs and an I²S port with 10 pinout modes. It sits between the ET3 and the top-end Onix XST20. It is a good argument for anyone with many discs and a DAC that deserves a good source.
MOON 260D T (€2,900)
The proprietary drive system sits on a floating four-point gel suspension that damps vibration and lets the ambient cues in recordings breathe. It has S/PDIF and AES/EBU outputs. We recommend it for systems where the DAC is already at the level of the source.
MOON 260D (€3,590)
The 260D combines a CD player and a 32-bit DAC in a single box, with a USB input so it can also serve as a standalone DAC. It is the option we pick for anyone who wants one top-level piece that reads the disc and converts the signal without depending on anything else.
What to consider before buying
- Check whether your amplifier or streamer already has a DAC. If so, a transport can be the cheapest and cleanest route.
- Confirm that the connections match between transport and converter, whether coaxial, optical or AES/EBU.
- A CD player is a mechanical part. Choose a brand with service and warranty in Portugal.
- If you also want streaming, the Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen2 Master combines a streamer, a DAC and a CD player.
Frequently asked questions
Does a CD player sound better than streaming?
It depends on the system. A CD has CD quality, which a good player takes full advantage of, but a quality streamer can sound very good too. The advantage of the CD is that the disc is yours and quality does not depend on the internet.
Do I need an external DAC?
Only if you buy a transport. Players with a built-in DAC, such as the AXC35 or the MOON 260D, connect straight to the amplifier.
What is the best CD player to start with?
The Cambridge Audio AXC35, at €429, for the main system. The Shanling CD50, at €329, if you also want to listen on headphones.
Also read DACs and streamers explained and vinyl or streaming. You can see all models in the CD players collection.