Best CD players for stereo hi-fi setups

Top pick: Marantz CD 60 — a proper single-disc hi-fi transport with a solid DAC and USB file support (MP3, AAC, ALAC, DSD, WAV), so it slots into a stereo system and plays your rips too. It's the one I'd build around.

Who the others suit:

• Cambridge Audio AXC35 — the value choice for a first separates system; clean Wolfson DAC, simple and well rated.
• Onkyo C-30 — a tidy 24-bit/192kHz deck with RCA outs if you want a straightforward, well-measured player.
• Rotel CD14 MKII — for a warmer, more musical presentation and a better DAC chip.
• Pro-Ject CD Box S3 — small-footprint, minimalist shelf systems.
• Marantz SACD 30n — the endgame option if you also want SACD and streaming in one box.
• FiiO DM13 / DM15 — portable players with headphone outs, not really rack components.
• M1 Music Frame — a Bluetooth lifestyle player, not hi-fi.

Skip the cheap Walmart portables if sound quality is the goal.