Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Great build quality and feels well made
  • Sounds good out of the box, but needs about two weeks to 'burn in'
  • Can bring out acoustics from live performances and bands
  • Has both optical and coax outputs, in addition to digital outputs

Product Considerations

  • The magnetic puck, used to secure the CD, is difficult to remove
  • CD players generally need a 'burn in' period of about two weeks, to sound their best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Mentioned comparing to the MD100, and states the MD100 addresses concerns some people had with the Rega Apollo

Takeaway: The Atoll CD400SE is a well-built CD player that provides a good listening experience, especially for those seeking to rediscover their CD collection. It seems to be particularly good at reproducing the acoustics of live recordings, and has digital out connections.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

[{"title":"Finally! the Atoll CD400se Review - One of the best Players I've heard","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V9GziuSldU","source":"cheshireaudio","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer's notes

The CD400SE and the DR400SE models have a chassis of massif aluminium sides that ensure perfect mechanical inertia. In addition, the original shape has been studied to absorb better all vibrations. The top loading drive specifically developed for the 400 line consists of mechanical elements in steel and aluminium treated against vibrations, decoupled from the device's frame by four metal spacers. This greatly enhances the accuracy of the laser and the error correction circuits. This construction greatly improves the musical timbres and treble reproduction.

Power supply: 30+160 VA

Total of capacitors: 17 000 µF

Output stages: Symmetrical discrete stages

Output level: 2 Vrms

Output Impedance: 5,6Ω

Converter (N/A): 24 bits/192 kHz

Digital Output: Coaxial & Optical

Digital Input: Coaxial – Optical – USB-B

Signal/Noise ratio: 125 dB

Distortion at 1 kHz: 0,002%

Bandwidth: 5 Hz – 20 kHz

Rising time: 1,5 µs

Dimensions (mm): 430×320×90

Weight: 9 Kg

Visit Manufacturer Site
Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
60
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
136
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
35
Founded
1997

Our take on the brand

Atoll Electronique is a French hifi brand that manufactures amplifiers with dual-mono design and discrete components, avoiding integrated circuits for better sound control, with 80% of components sourced locally in France.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
Visit Full Brand Page

What if you spend a bit more?

Le Player 4+
10800
10800
/
4
Reviews
Metronome

The Player 4+ is the affordable premium DAC and CD player for all audiophiles, characterized by fabulous sound reproduction. The converter part is accessible through the USB or S / P DIF input and decodes all audio file formats up to DSD 512. In its silver or black aluminum livery, the Player 4/4+ will integrate its premium finish with the greatest elegance.

Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Superb sound in a single box
  • Recreates music effortlessly and naturally with reference-level clarity, coherence, and transparency
  • Offers a digital streaming option
  • Commendable connectivity

Product Considerations

  • The streaming app functionality was found to be sub-optimal, specifically the mconnect player
  • The remote control doesn't match the same quality as the unit itself
  • If the existing system is lean/analytical, the Metronome might not be the first choice

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Performance is a little more on the lively side of neutral, but still very well composed, and not so far from the Gryphon's performance

Takeaway: The Le Player 4+ offers superb sound and build quality with the added bonus of a digital streaming option, which is great for audiophiles still interested in CD collections. It functions as a complete digital hub, negating the need to purchase separate components.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Le Player 4+
page
Product Page
DP-570
13975
13975
/
2
Reviews
Accuphase

Equipped with quiet and smooth disc loading, the high rigidity and low center of gravity of the SA-CD/CD drive vastly improves readability, while the MDS+ type D/A converter with four parallel circuits accurately reads disc information and converts analog signals. It also supports a digital connection with a voicing equalizer and provides a programmable playlist feature that lets you enjoy listening in the order you prefer. Enjoy listening to the DP-570, the next step in the pursuit of the ideal disc playback experience.

Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Plays CDs and SACDs
  • Lower noise floor than the DP450, resulting in a darker sound
  • Bass notes are richer sounding compared to the DP450
  • More soundstage in terms of width and height compared to the DP450
  • More three-dimensionality in sound compared to the DP450, with better placement of instruments
  • More texture and detail to the sound

Product Considerations

  • Not the cheapest option for a CD/SACD player

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs DP450: DP-570 has a lot lower noise floor, so it was quite a lot darker sounding, and also the bass notes were particularly richer sounding
  • Vs DP450: DP-570 has more detail, better positioning of elements, and sound stages
  • Vs DP450: DP-570 offers a wider soundstage

Takeaway: The DP-570 is a great CD/SACD player if you are looking for richer sound and detail. It offers great improvements in soundstage and dimensionality compared to other models.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
DP-570
page
Product Page
MP 2500 R G3
14990
14990
/
2
Reviews
T+A
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player, the MP 3100 HV
  • Developed to reproduce high-resolution audio files without any trace of compromise
  • Equipped with both symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analogue outputs, it features a jitter-free digital output
  • As a source controller, it is equipped for pretty much every contingency
  • The built-in digital tuner offers FM, FM-HD, and DAB+ capabilities

Product Considerations

  • The Music Navigator app refused to acknowledge the presence of the MP 2500 R, a message appearing that the app was only compatible with T+A's Cala CDR/SR and MP8 network devices
  • There was no sign of the player on the Roon network, so clearly this will come in a future update

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs MP 3100 HV: The MP 2500 R comes equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player—the MP 3100 HV

Takeaway: The MP 2500 R is a versatile multi-source player that can play SACDs, stream music, and tune into radio. It has high-resolution audio capabilities and offers many connectivity options, making it a convenient addition to any hifi system

Video review

Our take on the brand

T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
MP 2500 R G3
page
Product Page
K-05XD
12000
12000
/
2
Reviews
ESOTERIC
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impressively pristine sonic presentation with exceptional clarity and detail resolution
  • Solid aluminum block construction, crafted with precision
  • The VRDS-ATLAS 05 drive ensures undisturbed readout and smooth rotation of discs
  • Exceptionally open, transparent sound

Product Considerations

  • Price puts it beyond the means of most
  • The floating top plate can be disconcerting upon unpacking

Takeaway: The Esoteric K-05XD is a beautifully built and high-performing SACD/CD player that plays back music with integrity. It is filled with top-notch electronics and mechanics to portray the emotional facets of music in all its nuances.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
K-05XD
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

Inspiration CS 2.3
6995
/
Released
2022
AVM
The CS 2.3 continues the tradition of compact streaming CD receivers and represents a high-performance version of the Inspiration All-in-One. It is built on the innovative AVM X-STREAM Engine® and features numerous advancements, making it a modern streaming and audio all-rounder.
Check on Amazon
AVM Audio is distinctive for its modular product design that lets users customize and expand their systems, setting it apart in the hifi industry. Their amplifiers feature specialized engineering choices like dual mono power supplies and class-A operation for the first 5 watts per channel, combined with high power output of 180 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Compact size, making it suitable for smaller spaces and versatile placement
  • True all-in-one system integrating a CD player, streamer, DAC, phono stage (MM & MC), and amplifier
  • Stable and fast app control for comprehensive management of features and music collections
  • Large soundstage with nice imaging
  • Phono stage is better than expected
  • Connectivity options are comprehensive

Product Considerations

  • Optional remote control is an added expense
  • Front fascia controls are considered eccentric or half-hearted
  • Some reviewers found the high frequencies to be bright and thin
  • Speaker binding posts are small and may not accommodate larger spade lugs
  • Streamer could be better

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The AVM CS 2.3 includes a CD drive, while the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 does not, the phono stage in the EVO 150 is only MM

Takeaway: The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 is a compact and versatile all-in-one system that combines streaming, CD playback, and amplification into one device, making it a convenient solution for many music lovers. It is a good choice for people wanting a small but mighty stereo.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AVM Audio is distinctive for its modular product design that lets users customize and expand their systems, setting it apart in the hifi industry. Their amplifiers feature specialized engineering choices like dual mono power supplies and class-A operation for the first 5 watts per channel, combined with high power output of 180 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Inspiration CS 2.3
Page
Product Page
D-07X
9995
/
Released
2023
Luxman
Many of the audio formats available today are undergoing a transformational period. By providing digital circuitry that supports advanced, high resolution file formats and the latest DAC environment, this model brings out unprecedented excitement from CDs and SACDs, which are still in an important position as audio media. The D-07X inherits the luxurious styling and oustanding performance our flagship model, the D-10X. This advanced digital media player delivers overwhelming performance. It truly conveys the ambience and feeling of recorded music over a wide range of media, delivering the finest listening experience.
Check on Amazon
Luxman is distinguished by its proprietary LECUA volume control technology and unique negative feedback system, both designed to maintain exceptional sound quality at low volumes while reducing distortion. The brand's integrated amplifiers feature precision resistors, advanced phono preamps, and rare tone controls that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience, all housed in durable, classic-styled components.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Can act as a DAC and play anything that's not vinyl at an excellent level
  • High quality chassis, connectors, and buttons exude a high-end feel
  • Features a smooth-operating 'LxDTM' mechanism that eliminates vibration and noise during disc playback
  • Handled tracks with exceptional control, dynamics, and large soundscapes
  • Outstanding fit, finish, and engineering

Product Considerations

  • Fast forward and fast reverse across track breaks is not allowed, making comparisons difficult
  • Absolute-polarity selection is only available on the front panel, not the remote

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The D-07X is positioned between the D-03X and D-10X in Luxman's lineup
  • Compared to the Luxman D-10X, the D-10X produces an even larger soundstage with images more clearly defined and dynamics handled with more poise—it has a slightly more full bodied balance and is less forward in overall presentation

Takeaway: The Luxman D-07X is a versatile and high-quality SACD/CD player and DAC that delivers a smooth and musical sound. It is an investment for those who appreciate physical media.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Luxman is distinguished by its proprietary LECUA volume control technology and unique negative feedback system, both designed to maintain exceptional sound quality at low volumes while reducing distortion. The brand's integrated amplifiers feature precision resistors, advanced phono preamps, and rare tone controls that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience, all housed in durable, classic-styled components.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
D-07X
Page
Product Page
EMC 1 MKV SE
6800
/
Released
Electrocompaniet
Since 1998, Electrocompaniet has produced one of the best sounding CD players on the market, the EMC 1 UP. The new EMC 1 MKV SE builds upon this legacy and refines by using a new drive unit. The MKV SE also introduces updated electronics for better sonic performance, new mechanics for more rigid construction and brand new chassis with updated design to be in line with the new MKII edition of our other products.
Check on Amazon
Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • The Electrocompaniet EMC 1 MKV offers a consistently detailed sound with tonal nuance and vibrancy
  • It is a well-engineered machine that is a real pleasure to use
  • The Electrocompaniet EMC 1 MKV is an intrinsically 'organic-sounding' player, which results in a very natural feel
  • The mechanical filter is designed to remove both internal and external vibrations from entering the laser pick-up assembly, which in turn is said to bring sonic benefits to the unit

Product Considerations

  • The included remote is plasticky and not as high quality as the player itself
  • The Perspex front panel is a magnet for fingerprints
  • It only plays CDs and does not have digital inputs for use with other devices

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Leema CD player using both players' internal converters, the Electrocompaniet wins hands down, but so it should given the price difference between the two
  • Vs Leema DAC, CD via the Electrocompaniet had a more involving sound, though perhaps not as analytically precise as the rip through Roon and the Leema DAC, particularly at the top end
  • Vs Leema Essentials as a transport only, the Electrocompaniet wins in every way—more stability to the image, more welly and more detail throughout

Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet EMC 1 MKV is a great CD player that makes CDs sound thrillingly musical, and it's built to last. If you love CDs, it will draw you into the music and make you want to listen for hours.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
EMC 1 MKV SE
Page
Product Page
102
10000
/
Released
Burmester
The 102 CD player from Burmester's Classic Line combines a purist and elegant appearance with the traditional high standards in manufacturing quality and musicality. Its ideal playing partner within the Burmester portfolio is the 101 integrated Class-D amplifier, especially when combined with a pair of Burmester loudspeakers.
Check on Amazon
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous sonic performance
  • Extraordinary playback quality
  • Deep bass and a black and hash-free background
  • Strong on precision but not lacking warmth

Product Considerations

  • The display is rather basic; it won't show sample rate information
  • Only has a coaxial (phono) connector for electrical digital input, requiring a USB-to-S/PDIF adapter for computer sources
  • The CD drawer has a plastic tray

Takeaway: The Burmester 102 CD player provides a smooth and powerful sound with good precision. It offers excellent playback quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
102
Page
Product Page
DP-450
7975
/
Released
2021
Accuphase
Accuphase has spent 35 years developing CD players in pursuit of the best in disc playback. The DP-450 CD player combines a number of innovative technologies, including a CD drive mechanism with a strong integrated structure, high-quality elastic dampers that protect the lensactuator from vssibration, and MDS+ type D/A converters with four parallel circuits. The DP-450 extracts the full potential of any CD to deliver a listening experience that stays with you.
Check on Amazon
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • The Accuphase DP450 sounds fantastic and goes great with just about any component
  • Very neutral sounding

Product Considerations

  • Just a CD player, so it will only play standard CDs (not SACDs)

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs DP570: The DP570 has a much lower noise floor, was quite a lot darker sounding, and the bass notes were particularly richer sounding
  • Vs DP570: DP570 brings more detail, better positioning of elements, and sound stages
  • Vs DP570: DP570 has more soundstage in terms of width and height
  • Vs DP750: The DP750 sounds much more organic; it sounds like real instruments again, and the layering of each individual element and sound staging is a lot better

Takeaway: The Accuphase DP450 is a fantastic-sounding and neutral CD player. It would be a worthwhile product for playing standard CDs with great sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
DP-450
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Great build quality and feels well made
  • Sounds good out of the box, but needs about two weeks to 'burn in'
  • Can bring out acoustics from live performances and bands
  • Has both optical and coax outputs, in addition to digital outputs

Product Considerations

  • The magnetic puck, used to secure the CD, is difficult to remove
  • CD players generally need a 'burn in' period of about two weeks, to sound their best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Mentioned comparing to the MD100, and states the MD100 addresses concerns some people had with the Rega Apollo

Takeaway: The Atoll CD400SE is a well-built CD player that provides a good listening experience, especially for those seeking to rediscover their CD collection. It seems to be particularly good at reproducing the acoustics of live recordings, and has digital out connections.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Want to see more similar products?

Head on over to our Search page to browse our entire database. Find the perfect hifi gear for your system.

Visit Search Page

How to buy

CD Players