About twenty-five years ago the CD came to the market as the "ultimate" means of music reproduction. The CD displaced the Vinyl record and the Audio Cassette as the dominant form of listening to recorded music. However, the CD is now undergoing its own revolution in both hardware and software. Below are several of my current favorite picks for moderately-priced CD players and changers.
1. Denon DCM-390 5-Disc CD Changer
While dedicated CD-only players has given way to DVD/CD players, Denon still makes an impressive line of CD-Only Players. The DCM-390 a full-featured 5 disc CD carousel-style changer. While most CD players have 16-Bit Digital to Analog audio converters, the Denon has twin 20-Bit converters; This means is that the sound from standard CDs has more depth than from a standard CD player. Also, the DCM-390 has the ability to decode the full 20-bit audio resolution signal from HDCD format CDs. You can also play MP3-encoded CDs as well. If you want a high-end CD changer for a moderate price, this unit is worth the listen.
2. SONY SCD-CE595 CD Changer with SACD
Enter the world of Super Audio CD with this outstanding entry level changer from Sony. The five-disc CD - SACD changer sports features such as, SACD/CD/CDR/CDRW playback, SACD/CD Text compatibility, remote control, optical output for CD, and 5.1 channel analog output for multi-channel SACD (your AV receiver must have direct 5.1 channel analog inputs).3. JVC XL-FZ258BK CD Changer
Here is an excellent, but moderately priced, 5-Disc Carousel CD changer from JVC. Utilizing its unique 1-bit error correction technology, this CD changer not only sounds great, but overcomes scratches and minor CD defects that can plague other players. You can also change four CDs while one is still playing. Lastly, this unit has both analog and digital optical output connections.4. Onkyo DXC390 CD Changer
While most CD carousel changers are of the five disc variety, Onkyo employs a 6-disc carousel, giving you an extra hour of music without interruption. However, there is more. Weighing in at 15lbs, the transport is substantial and stable. Add a 1-bit D/A converter, 8x oversmapling, and analog/digital audio outputs, you just might want to put this CD changer one on your shopping list.5. Yamaha CDC-697BL 5-Disc CD Changer
The Yamaha CDC-697BL is more expensive than most CD-only changers on the market, but is still a good value. . This changer uses a 5-Disk carousel design and supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback. Several practical features include both analog and digital optical audio outputs, headphone output, wireless remote control, and both RS232 and wired remote output options for custom installations. The CDC-697BL also has adjustable line outputs so that the volume output of the player can be matched with audio levels of your other audio system or home theater components. If you are looking for a CD-only changer that has a lot of flexibility, and can be integrated into a custom installation, check out the Yamaha CDC-697BL.6. Sony CDP-CX355 CD Changer
Is your CD collection crowding your bookcases? If so, check out this 300-CD Megachanger from Sony. In addition to storing your entire CD collection, this player is also compatible with CD-R/RW and Text Discs. There is even a PS/2 Keyboard connection to enable you to connect a PC-keyboard to assist in organizing and cataloging your collection. Of course, the CDs sound great too.7. Sony CDP-CE375 CD Changer
Sony's CDP-CE375 is an affordable 5-Disc CD changer that does the job. Featuring CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback utilizing 1-bit DA converters, the sound quality is great for a budget player. This unit also includes an optical digital output, headphone jack, front panel Jog control, and remote control.8. Marantz CD-5001 CD Player
High end performance at a moderate price; that is what the Marantz CD-5001 single tray CD player offers. No fancy features, such as SACD or HDCD playback capability, but this unit provides excellent sound quality for playback of standard CDs and CDR/RWs. Other features include analog, digital optical, and digital coaxial audio outputs, headphone jack with level control, and remote control.9. Sherwood CDC-5090R 5 Disc Carousel CD Changer
The Sherwood CDC-5090R a full-featured 5 disc CD carousel-style changer. This changer has twin 1 Bit Digital Audio converters, and 8x oversampling. What this means is that CD recordings will be reproduced accurately, with a minimum of errors. Other practical features include a 3-Beam laser pickup, both analog stereo and digital coaxial audio outputs, a headphone output with volume control, and Play Exchange, which allows the playing of one disc while removing or placing other discs on the carousel. To top it off, the CDC-5090R has gold plated audio audio outputs. If you are in the market for a CD-only player, check out the Sherwood CDC-5090R.10. Pioneer PD-M426 CD Changer
Pioneer is very well known for their "magazine" style car CD changers and has incorporated this design into the PD-M426 home 6-disc home CD changer. In fact, you can purchase additional CD "magazine" cartridges to organize your CD library to play both in a Pioneer Car CD changer or the M426 without taking the discs out of the magazine. This convenience alone may be worth consideration.