Onkyo C-30 CD Player vs Rotel CD14 MKII

The Rotel CD14 MKII is the stronger pick for pure sound quality. Its 32-bit/384kHz Texas Instruments DAC, 118 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.0018% THD beat the Onkyo C-30 on paper, and owners of the CD11 Tribute and CD14 line praise the build and quiet tray. The Onkyo C-30 counters with a headphone jack, an optical output and Onkyo's VLSC noise-shaping, plus MP3 and WMA file playback. Both are single-disc tray players with aluminum front panels; the Rotel is heavier and carries a 2-year warranty.

• Choose the Onkyo C-30 if you want a built-in headphone output, an optical digital output, and MP3/WMA playback from burned discs.
• Choose the Rotel CD14 MKII if sound quality is the priority and you want the better DAC, lower distortion and a 12-volt trigger for system integration.