How to Listen to CDs in 2022
CD sales have been on the decline since early 2000 with the uptake of digital music. Last year, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) observed an unexpected 21% increase in CD revenue (vinyl increased by 61%). This is the first time both physical mediums have increased since 1996, and CDs’ first growth since 2004. It is too early to attribute this change to the nostalgia fuelling vinyl purchases.
The benefit of CDs is your physical ownership of the music forever. You do not need to remain subscribed to your music streaming service with an Internet connection to enjoy music. In terms of sound quality, it is difficult to beat a good turntable. But CDs played on a capable CD player can provide a more ‘musical’ experience than streaming services (it is subjective).
Regardless of your deciding factor for choosing CDs as your music source, here are a few suggestions for hi-fi gear to enjoy your CDs. If you would like a personalised chat about the next step of your music system, get in touch with us.
Naim Uniti Core & ND5 XS 2
Naim Audio - ND5 XS 2 (left); Uniti Core (right)
Digitising your music collection combines the benefits of music streaming and physical ownership.
The Uniti Core allows you to rip CDs in WAV or FLAC, copying the CD music into a hard drive in a lossless audio format. One TB of hard drive storage can hold over 3,000 CDs. Access and play your music via a Naim streamer, including the ND5 XS 2 or devices that support UPnP.
Expanding your existing home audio system with the ND5 XS 2 and Uniti Core brings streamlined controls and features through the Naim app. You can store your entire CD collection in lossless format and enjoy music from streaming services and internet radio.
RRP: Uniti Core ($4,300); ND5 XS 2 ($5,750)
Audiolab Omnia
Audiolab - Omnia
Audiolab recently entered the all-in-one space with the Omnia. The Omnia is affordably priced with capabilities akin to their acclaimed 6000 series.
The Omnia uses a 6000CDT CD transport that can reduce disc-reading failures from scratched and damaged CDs. Audiolab has extensive experience in the CD music sources with offerings in CD players and CD transports to add to your current hi-fi system.
RRP: $2,999
Listen to your music on these products. Arrange an audition and bring your CDs.
Arcam CDS50
Arcam - CDS50
The Arcam CDS50 offers advanced cd, digital audio and network streaming capabilities. Arcam emphasises the inclusion of a 32-bit DAC will improve the conversion of the 1s and 0s in your CD into analogue signals sent to your amplifier.
The CDS50 supports various CD formats (SACD, CD-A, CD-R and CD-RW) and audio file formats (WAV, FLAC, and more). It has analogue and digital outputs as an easy addition to your home audio system.
RRP: $1,495
Uniti Star
Naim Audio - Uniti Star
All-in-one players are continuing to become a staple in music lovers’ homes. The few compromises to combine a CD player, streamer, and amplifier into a single box will still bring exceptional sound into your home.
The Uniti Star brings features of the Uniti Core and ND5 XS 2 into one component. CD playback, Naim’s custom ripping software, and music streaming and amplifier capabilities.
We recommend the Uniti Star as your first quality hi-fi system with the simplicity and style of a single box.
RRP: $8,600
Exposure XM CD Player
Exposure - XM CD Player (Silver)
Exposure has been in the hi-fi industry since 1974. All products are manufactured in Britain and designed with the goal ‘to deliver music as accurately as possible’.
The XM CD Player is the only top-loading product on this list. It uses a large toroidal power transformer exceptional at musical sound reproduction.
RRP: $2,899
Conclusion
CDs are the most accessible physical format of music. Gain the ease of use of digitising your CD collection in lossless formats with the Uniti Core or expand your hi-fi system with a traditional standalone CD player.
We’ve listed only a few possible options for enjoying your CD collection. Contact your local hi-fi specialist to arrange a listening session using a few of your CDs to judge for yourself.
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Prices as of writing, contact us to confirm and arrange an audition.