Marantz CD 60 vs Rotel CD14 MKII

The Marantz CD 60 is the more versatile player: it adds a USB input that decodes high-resolution PCM and DSD, a headphone output, and both optical and coaxial digital outputs. The Rotel CD14 MKII is a simpler, sturdier disc transport with a 12V trigger and a two-year warranty, and it plays only CDs and MP3 files. Choose the Marantz if you want one box to spin discs and play hi-res files; choose the Rotel if you only play CDs and want a trigger-controlled, no-fuss transport. Owners of both report solid build and quiet operation; the Marantz's extra decoding and headphone amp are the real functional gap.

• Choose the Marantz CD 60 if you want to play high-resolution files from a USB drive and listen on headphones without a separate amp.
• Choose the Rotel CD14 MKII if you only spin CDs, want a 12V trigger for system automation, and prefer a two-year warranty.