CD Players On Their Way In Or Out?

[bluegrassphile]

I keep reading where CD players (and CDs) are on their way out. Yet there are some companies, Gryphon for example, that are introducing new CD player models. So, are they on their way in or out?

[still-one]

Like Vinyl the CD player is becoming a niche market. The "audiophile" may want to keep one in the system but the average consumer is moving on. Sales of the disc are plummeting. Fewer and fewer cars are offering them as standard equipment. Computers no longer include them CD or DVD players as a standard item. The number of OEM manufacturers is dwindling.

[Mike]

I sell more CD players than turntables. Ugh. Double ugh.


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[nicoff]

The CD player has become like the Cadillac brand when only old people buys them.

[Randy Myers]

I sell more CD players than turntables. Ugh. Double ugh.

I would venture a guess this is because convenience. Whenever I have thought about getting back into vinyl I think about how back in the day to how I would clean an album on my VPI cleaner (very loud and most everyone thought I was crazy), clean the stylus, careful handle the album and put record weight on to listen to about 20 minutes and repeat it again. And if I wanted to listen to a song or two, forget it .... The CD is easy for people to use (not as easy as a server, but still ).

[brodricj]

I haven't read that CD players are on the way out. I'm buying more CD's recently than ever before. I don't own a turntable and never will.

[BlueFox]

Like Vinyl the CD player is becoming a niche market. The "audiophile" may want to keep one in the system but the average consumer is moving on. Sales of the disc are plummeting. Fewer and fewer cars are offering them as standard equipment. Computers no longer include them CD or DVD players as a standard item. The number of OEM manufacturers is dwindling.

Yes. If I buy a CD I rip it, and then listen to it.

[LostnAmerica]

I haven't read that CD players are on the way out. I'm buying more CD's recently than ever before. I don't own a turntable and never will.

On the way out? Possibly, but a slower trend. So, I am with you on that, I have bought/am buying, and own more cds than I ever have before. And I just purchased an Audiolab CDT6000, probably the smartest thing I’ve done in a long,long, time... And for the record, I’m old...


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[GSOphile]

I'm still a CD guy. Buying more, mostly classical (good selection of SACDs, well recorded CDs) and jazz. My local dealer would echo Mike's experience. He believes CDs are coming back - at least among audiophiles. It's easier to get 'right.' I'm not planning to e-invest in vinyl; will invest in a player/streaming solution.

[CPP]

Spinning a silver disk as I read this. Its just another tool in the audio arsenal .

[MPW]

I own a very nice CD player (Marantz SA-10) that I rarely use to play CD's. I keep a few SACD's handy, but primarily use the Marantz as a DAC fed by a streamer. I am considering purchasing my first CD's in a very long time - the new MOFI Dire Straits collection. Might even buy one or two in both vinyl and SACD to do a shootout. I'm finding myself going to my record and CD collection less and less often lately. Streaming has taken over. However, it is nice to have all options available!

[Randy Myers]

I have an Oppo spinner that I rarely actually spin a disk with. I reserve it for a special use!

Every disk I purchase gets one spin and add it to my server.

I have Brother In Arms in SACD Mo-Fi and a few other Dire Straits in SHM SACDs... really nice! I am listening the their first disk (ripped) on my Astell&Kern right now while I work ....

The Marantz are very nice SACD players in my view. I had one prior to getting the Oppo. I personally preferred the Marantz but for my use the Oppo fits the bill!

[NorthStar]

What you guys use in your cars for music playback?

[still-one]

What you guys use in your cars for music playback?

I haven't used a CD player in my car probably 15 years. I didn't order it as an option in my 2019. Actually if I listen to music 5% of the time in my car I could be surprised.

[Ritmo]

I still have an Esoteric CD/SACD player. Sits on the audio rack unused. When I purchase a CD, I rip it as soon as it comes in and listen via the Lumin music server.

I have my over 1500 CDs packed in boxes.

[Randy Myers]

I use a USB-C data key. My new car does not have a CD Player but the Burmester system can use the USB-C ports.

[Spock]

I keep reading where CD players (and CDs) are on their way out. Yet there are some companies, Gryphon for example, that are introducing new CD player models. So, are they on their way in or out?

Linn has stopped CD players production in... 2009?
In their opinion, Cd was dead then but in my opinion it was a big mistake.


Here, in my town, unfortunately Cd shops are dying, so i buy via net (not on Amazon since has no paypal).


To me CD is still alive.

[Randy Myers]

I buy some on Amazon as well, SACD's from Acoustic Sounds. In my town we actually have two used CD/Record shops. They have a ton more CDs then records...

[Puma Cat]

Out.

While I still buy some CDs, they get ripped by the drive in an older Macbook Pro and then added to the Roon Library.

The most inexpensive way to get around the audio problems inherent in a CD transport (e.g. susceptibility to vibration)...are not to have to use a transport at all.

[Gene]

For anyone who's given up on disc's (CD/SACD) you need to hear how fabulous they sound on an Accuphase spinner.
Th only streaming I'll ever be doing is into the toilet.

[PMCH]

I think they are their way out for the general public. My kids don't listen to cd's. I admit that I generally listen more to streamed music for the convenience but I do prefer the sound of CD/SACD's. I am on a cd kick at the present time - just purchased 12 cds this week.

[Spock]

For anyone who's given up on disc's (CD/SACD) you need to hear how fabulous they sound...

[BlueFox]

For anyone who's given up on disc's (CD/SACD) you need to hear how fabulous they sound on an Accuphase spinner.

Yes, a CD sounds fantastic after it has been ripped and then played on a Lumin X1. Of course, that is just the tip of what can now be done with CD files when they aren’t limited to a CD player.

[Randy Myers]

Like having HQPlayer up-sample them to DSD512.

[Randy Myers]

For anyone who's given up on disc's (CD/SACD) you need to hear how fabulous they sound on an Accuphase spinner.
Th only streaming I'll ever be doing is into the toilet.

Awesome... however, not interested in spending over $17,000 on a CD player.

[BlueFox]

$17,000 for a CD player. Yikes. The Lumin X1 is ‘only’ $12K, and even less when bought from a reputable dealer.

[kiwi_1282001]

I’m still buying CD’s because I like to physically own the media I play.


The CD’s get ripped and stored on an Innuos music server. In my experience comparing the same 16/44 track streamed, played back from NAS and played directly from a CD player – the CD player wins out in sound quality.

[cmarin]

I’m still buying CD’s because I like to physically own the media I play.


The CD’s get ripped and stored on an Innuos music server. In my experience comparing the same 16/44 track streamed, played back from NAS and played directly from a CD player – the CD player wins out in sound quality.

+1 CD player definitely wins in my system



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[Mr Peabody]

Coincidently, I read tonight where LP's are supposed to out sell CD's for the first time since the 80's.

If a company is going to still offer a CDP, at least Marantz and Gryphon get it right and offer digital inputs. I think that was a big mistake in the Hegel, but their goal was to make a totally dedicated CDP.

I have gone to the dark side, streaming, and don't plan to return. I still have my TT but it doesn't get much play. I currently don't have a transport although the thought crossed my mind. It just seems unnecessary since my CD's are on the hard drive.

I figure the TT is insurance in case my internet goes down, LOL

[BlueFox]

Coincidently, I read tonight where LP's are supposed to out sell CD's for the first time since the 80's.

That’s because CD sales have dramatically and drastically dropped, and vinyl’s minor resurgence will soon be over. To be honest, streaming scares me as it is also negatively affecting sales of High-Res downloads. If in the end, streaming is all we have for music then I am glad I’m 70, and soon will not have to deal with it.

[Puma Cat]

For anyone who's given up on disc's (CD/SACD) you need to hear how fabulous they sound on an Accuphase spinner.
Th only streaming I'll ever be doing is into the toilet.

Sorry, not gong to drop 17 large on a disc transport. Moreover, I couldn't use Roon with it.

[UltraFast69]

CD players and transports will have their place.

I play CDs in my gym as I don’t have any other method of playback in this area of the home and like it!


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[nicoff]

What you guys use in your cars for music playback?

SD Cards or streaming via phone and BT connection. Haven’t played a CD in a car in years.

[XV-1]

The CD player has become like the Cadillac brand when only old people buys them.

you nailed it there

[XV-1]

What you guys use in your cars for music playback?

Spotify. perfect for cars

[bluegrassphile]

I'm not very knowledgeable regarding current automotive sound systems. If I plug my phone into a USB port in my car will it then stream from streaming services I subscribe to (i.e. Qobuz and Tidal)? Other than playing CDs or Sirius/XM, what are other ways to listen to music in my vehicle? Both of our vehicles have WiFi and Bluetooth. I also have Mobile Hotspot on my phone for use with our camper. Oh yeah, almost forgot...I have a CD player in both vehicles. However, I'd much rather be able to stream music.

[Don Ivey]

I'm not very knowledgeable regarding current automotive sound systems. If I plug my phone into a USB port in my car will it then stream from streaming services I subscribe to (i.e. Qobuz and Tidal)? Other than playing CDs or Sirius/XM, what are other ways to listen to music in my vehicle? Both of our vehicles have WiFi and Bluetooth. I also have Mobile Hotspot on my phone for use with our camper. Oh yeah, almost forgot...I have a CD player in both vehicles. However, I'd much rather be able to stream music.

In both Tidal and Qobuz (and Spotify), you can import music to an offline location (your phone, ipad, etc.) and play that music via usb or bluetooth to your stereo system in your automobile. No hotspot or wifi required. That's how I do it.

[jethropugh]

I just bought a 2019 model car and no CD player as an option. I'm trying to figure out how to migrate a fairly large collection of live music and have it with me without having to constantly update my phone. The 64gb of storage means I'll have to delete and add and on long trips be left with less than I'd like. I'm considering a DAP but need to be sure the codecs are compatible with all the formats I have on my hard drives.

[MPW]

I know some of you will throw stones at me, but I use Pandora (gasp!) in the car. I primarily listen to podcasts while driving, but when I do want music I use Pandora. I don't have to think about what to play and it integrates well with my BMW. My critical listening and decisions as to what to play are left for my home system.

[Phil A]

I just bought a 2019 model car and no CD player as an option. I'm trying to figure out how to migrate a fairly large collection of live music and have it with me without having to constantly update my phone. The 64gb of storage means I'll have to delete and add and on long trips be left with less than I'd like. I'm considering a DAP but need to be sure the codecs are compatible with all the formats I have on my hard drives.

Many of the newer cars (in the last 5years) can take a USB drive with files. Most will play back MP3 or WMA (look at your manual). I just got a 2020 vehicle that can take FLAC or WAV files up to 192kHz (plays them back at 24/48). Was a pleasant surprise looking thru the manual and finding that out. I just put the music on USB thumb drives. The vehicle manual should also tell you how many files and folders it can handle. Windows I believe has a limitation of 255 files per folder. My new vehicle has a 3,000 folder, 9,999 file limitation but can have two players connected via USB (e.g. thumb drives). I have two connected, one with hi-rez PCM files and another with my non-jazz and classical CD files. I keep another thumb drive in the center console with jazz and classical CD quality and hi-rez (PCM) classical files. In all, between the three thumb drives, I have 12,500 files.

[bluegrassphile]

In both Tidal and Qobuz (and Spotify), you can import music to an offline location (your phone, ipad, etc.) and play that music via usb or bluetooth to your stereo system in your automobile. No hotspot or wifi required. That's how I do it.

Thanks, Don. I guess all I need is the appropriate cable from my phone to the vehicle and I should be in business. Both of our vehicles have USB ports.

[asindc]

Like Vinyl the CD player is becoming a niche market. The "audiophile" may want to keep one in the system but the average consumer is moving on. Sales of the disc are plummeting. Fewer and fewer cars are offering them as standard equipment. Computers no longer include them CD or DVD players as a standard item. The number of OEM manufacturers is dwindling.

Is a CD player even offered as standard equipment in any car these days?

[Mikado463]

Is a CD player even offered as standard equipment in any car these days?

Can't say for sure Anthony but I still use mine in my 5 year old Traverse. Thinking about getting a Honda Ridgeline when I retire next year, it's offered as a option.

[Randy Myers]

My last couple cars had CD players which I never used. They had USB ports also, although my last Benz could only handle MP3... yuk. The new car handles Flac up to 192Khz from a USB-C drive.

In also believe that files played from internal drives on my PC/Server sound much better then spinning the same CD, even without up-sampling. After up-sampling there is no comparison. I can see playing from a NAS not sounding as good though.

My order of preference:
1- DSD downloads (up-sampled)
2- SACD rips (up-sampled)
3- Flac downloads (up-sampled)
4- CD rips (up-sampled)
5- SACDs
6- CDs

[LenWhite]

I think they are their way out for the general public. My kids don't listen to cd's. I admit that I generally listen more to streamed music for the convenience but I do prefer the sound of CD/SACD's.

I don't doubt the kids aren't listening to cds, my grandson watches movies on his phone!

But I listen to music on my audio system as I would a live acoustic performance, and almost daily. Well recorded SACDs on a really good audio system are hard to beat unless you attend an acoustic live performance. But SACDs can deliver sound even a live performance can't match, such as micro detail and imaging.

I buy hirez downloads when I find an album I want that's not on SACD. But I prefer physical media, especially from Analogue Productions, Mobile Fidelity, Reference Recordings, and I seriously doubt that's going to change unless streaming is the only choice.

[Puma Cat]

What you guys use in your cars for music playback?

My Astell & Kern AK100 II. Sounds a lot better than the head unit in the car.

[Puma Cat]

In both Tidal and Qobuz (and Spotify), you can import music to an offline location (your phone, ipad, etc.) and play that music via usb or bluetooth to your stereo system in your automobile. No hotspot or wifi required. That's how I do it.

Yup and it works great.

[Puma Cat]

I don't doubt the kids aren't listening to cds, my grandson watches movies on his phone!

But I listen to music on my audio system as I would a live acoustic performance, and almost daily. Well recorded SACDs on a really good audio system are hard to beat unless you attend an acoustic live performance. But SACDs can deliver sound even a live performance can't match, such as micro detail and imaging.

I buy hirez downloads when I find an album I want that's not on SACD. But I prefer physical media, especially from Analogue Productions, Mobile Fidelity, Reference Recordings, and I seriously doubt that's going to change unless streaming is the only choice.

I used to feel that way about SACDs, but I don't anymore. Not since getting a multibit DAC. I find I prefer PCM content now than SACD or DSD content.

After a lot of experimentation in this area, I find that it all comes down to the quality of the mastering, and in my experience and view, virtually no one does it better than Alan Yoshida. The Audio Wave Blue Note XRCD24s on the whole, are the best-sounding digital recording I have, hands-down. I read a comment somewhere recently that if Alan Yoshida had mastered every digital recording ever released, we would have never needed SACD, DVD-Audio, DSD, or HDCD.

I agree.