How to Choose a CD Player

CD players are the hardest-working piece of equipment in most home music systems. When you're out shopping, look for the features you use most. Very good machines can be found for well under $300.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Home-burned CDs

1. Think about how you listen to music. Do you routinely drop in several CDs and hit Shuffle, or listen to one at a time? Do you burn your own CDs? Your habits should drive your choice.

2. Check the CD connection on your current stereo. If it accepts digital optical inputs (which provide better sound quality than normal wire jacks), find a CD player with digital optical output.

3. Bring some home-burned CDs when you go shopping to play on any unit you're considering. Some CD players can't play CD-RWs, and many can't play MP3s.

4. Consider a CD jukebox or a carousel that holds dozens (or hundreds) of discs if you have lots of CDs and rarely take them out of the house. A cataloging feature uses disc and track names encoded on newer CDs to help you find songs.

5. Serious listeners can look at high-definition compatible digital (HDCD), DVD-Audio, or super-audio CD (SACD) players. These new (but incompatible) formats provide better sound quality. All will play traditional CDs, as well, but only HDCDs will play on a regular CD player.

Tips & Warnings

• Manufacturers use the terms shuffle and random differently. If a CD player has both features, find out what they mean.
• Broken CD players can sometimes be repaired, but repairs can be expensive and often don't last.

on 11/22/2005 Usually, the company that produces the portable CD player gives you headphones. My suggestion is to buy better quality headphones. I know from experience that the headphones the manufactures give you fall apart easily.