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
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Velvety, delightfully supple, and harmonious sound that invites long listening sessions
- A unique sound spectrum that is always laid-back, but captivating for the listener
- Well-recorded program material is reproduced with unsurpassed smoothness, depth resolution, and a distinct and clear presentation of concert hall ambiance
- Sublime widening of the soundstage and an 'airiness' encompassing its breathtaking instrumental tonality
- Luxurious, sweet, and natural-sounding midrange response
- The single digital output can be used with another DAC, although this output will normally be 'disused'
Product Considerations
- The CD3.1X//2 will not play 24-bit/96kHz (or higher-res) files
- It will downsample your 24-bit downloads to 18 bits
- Although once in a while, a particular recording (usually violins) could bring on a 'snap' of ominous bright texture to the transient strike of the bow hitting the violin strings for a split second—this was undeniably the result of a particular recording, the exception rather than the rule
Takeaway: The Audio Note CD 3.1x/II CD player is great for those who appreciate a relaxing and musical listening experience with a focus on natural sound. It brings out the best in well-recorded CDs and provides hours of listening pleasure.
All
CD 3.1x/II
reviews
Manufacturer details
OPTICAL PICK UP 3 beam laser
SEMI-CONDUCTOR LASER 780nm
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE Less than 2 KOhm
REFERENCE OUTPUT 3.0V RMS (approx.)
CHANNEL BALANCE Less than 0.5dB
VALVE COMPLIMENT 2 x ECC88
UNIT WEIGHT 8 kg
UNIT DIMENSIONS 142mm (h) x 445mm (w) x 420mm (d)
MAINS INPUT AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz
MAX. POWER CONSUMPTION 48W
Welcome to the latest version of our long running and highly regarded Level Three integrated machine. The original CD3 was an instant classic, and is still loved and used by many discerning audiophiles around the world. This current version brings the design right up to date, and dramatically improves on the previous incarnations in every possible area.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be "high resolution" computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
Audio Note (UK) is highly critical of the digital medium as presented by compact disc; we sincerely hope that you too will find this transport breaks free from the "digital mould" that we are all so accustomed to, and so opens a new window on your CD collection. It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria.
The CD3.1x/II is the first model of integrated CD player in our range to feature the highly regarded Analogue Devices AD1865 digital to analogue converter chip, the same device that we use in our more costly stand alone DACs. This 1...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Audio Note prioritizes musicality above technical specifications, focusing on creating components that sound like real music—regardless of measurements.
- Audio Note designs components with long lifespans, avoiding frequent model iterations and focusing on component quality and core design principles, resulting in products that remain relevant for decades.
- They often use tube rectification and valve amplification and are Single Ended Output Stage, directly Heated Triode operation.
- Their CD players often use a Philips CD Pro 2LF CD mechanism that has been custom modified and improved in-house, focusing on performance rather than technical specs, and often avoid oversampling and digital filtering.
Select products
DAC 0.1x
- Positioning: Entry-level model in the Audio Note DAC lineup.
- Description: Features a 1x oversampling technology that avoids digital filtering, which is unique compared to higher models that may include more complex circuitry. Uses a Philips TDA1543 chip and a 6111WA valve output stage, making it ideal for small rooms or budget-conscious users who still want quality tube sound.
DAC 1.1x
- Positioning: Positioned as a step above the entry-level, offering enhanced performance.
- Description: Improves upon the 0.1x with an 18-bit AD1865 chip, providing a richer sound experience. Maintains the no-oversampling approach.
DAC 4.1x
- Positioning: High-end model designed for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Features advanced components like custom transformers and a sophisticated output stage, providing superior sound clarity and detail.
DAC 5
- Positioning: Flagship model representing the pinnacle of Audio Note's DAC technology.
- Description: Features the most advanced digital circuit and highest quality materials, including silver-wound transformers.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Audio Note
What if you spend more?
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive weight and solid feel as a full-sized CD player
- Sleek, modern design
- Disc tray opens and closes quietly, implying quality
- Sound is nice and well-rounded, with great detail and covering the whole frequency range nicely
- Excellent build quality and design
Product Considerations
- Track access speed is not quite as fast as older models
- May trick one into thinking it's a seriously premium product, and then, just perhaps, end up disappointed
- SACD playback capability is not included
- Does not have digital inputs to connect a digital source
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Outperformed the Rotel CD11 Tribute when it came to features and design, but the Rotel's output stage felt pretty comparable
Takeaway: The Marantz CD 60 is a well-engineered player designed to get the best from a CD collection, and it has a simple and luxurious sound. It is a great buy for someone who wants to keep enjoying their CDs.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Hi-End CD solution, support MQA-CD; Flagship DAC chip AK4499EX, measured distortion as low as 0.00006% ; Support USB input, support 32bit/768kHz, DSD512, support MQA full decoding; Use 2 clock sources with low phase noise and high accuracy; High-performance headphone amplifier with patented PLFC circuit; With XLR balanced line outputs.
With optical and coaxial outputs, and can output USB, CD, Bluetooth; High-performance digital interface designed to convert input signals to SPDIF output for peripheral devices. Fully bonded IPS display and newly developed UI using tempered glass; Uses 3 pieces of high-end dual op-amps and lots of audiophile components; The use of 2nd PLL, eliminating the SPDIF transmission process of JITTER; the new self-developed CK-03 clock processing circuit, greatly reducing the clock jitter.
New self-developed CK-03 clock processing circuit, greatly reducing clock jitter; Support DOP independent display function, accurately determine the current decoding format. Built-in low-noise power processing, while improving power efficiency, lower power consumption; With a number of low-noise voltage regulator, to provide a stable, reliable, efficient and low noise power supply system.
Qualcomm Bluetooth chip, support LDAC (24bit/96kHz), APTX/HD, SBC, AAC; High-quality all-aluminum alloy chassis, supporting high-quality gold-plated output connection terminals; Japan Audio Association (JAS) Hi-Res certified; Equipped with remote control and full-function remote control. Equipped with remote control and full-function remote control
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact form factor with a solid aluminum chassis
- Fast CD reading due to the Precision Access Servo System (P.A.S.S.)
- Beefy headphone output, rated at up to 1W x 2 into 32Ω
- Top-loading design offers a unique and enjoyable user experience reminiscent of turntables
- Includes a wide range of features such as a USB-DAC interface, balanced outputs, and Bluetooth connectivity
Product Considerations
- May lean too bright in some systems, with a slight hint of harshness in the treble
- Headphone output is located on the rear, which may be inconvenient for some users
- The two-piece lid and magnetic puck system for top-loading can be clunky, and the puck is easy to lose
- Some reviewers experienced issues with the unit not playing less than perfect CDs
- Bluetooth receiver might be of little value to some, and a potential source of noise
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel CD-11 MKII: PL200 is a little bit punchier and peppier
- Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: PL200 has better high frequency refinement and imaging within the soundstage, though the DMP-A6 has a wider soundstage
- Vs Arcam CD5: PL200 has better bass definition, transient snap and lockdown imaging
- Vs Cambridge Audio CXN-100: PL200 is similar in tonality to the Cambridge Audio streamer
- Vs Marantz CD-60: PL200 renders more information and offers more clarity
Takeaway: The SMSL PL200 is a versatile and well-built CD player with a range of modern features, making it a good option for audiophiles looking for a combination of retro design and modern functionality. It provides excellent sound quality and multiple connectivity options for various audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Like the matching M2si integrated amplifier, the M2scd is designed as serious hi-fi available at a modest price. From the fine fit and finish of its metal casework to the unique technology sitting inside, the M2scd exceeds expectations. The M2scd builds on our years of engineering expertise, uniquely featuring both a mains choke filter and a high-tech digitalstream noise filter. Such innovations enable the player to deliver technical performance; it boasts low distortion and a virtually flat frequency response, plus minimal noise and jitter. The M2scd's DAC design also draws from its high-end siblings, using cutting-edge technology to ensure excellent data recovery from your discs. Simply put, that means you'll hear more from your music. Reviews say "a very mature and polished performer", which "sounds refined and elegant".
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation and transparency
- Sleek, fuss-free design with robust construction
- Quality slot-loading CD mechanism that operates smoothly and reliably
- 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential DAC with 8x oversampling for excellent data recovery
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs, as well as analog RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- Bright blue display's viewing angles could be better
- Remote control has an odd layout for the transport controls
- In terms of its ability to portray harmonics, it loses out to better DACs
- Lacks digital inputs and streaming functions
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Marantz CD6006 UK, the M2sCD offers a leveled up performance
- Compared to the Cyrus CDi, the Cyrus CDi offers a harder edge and extra bite
- The M2sCD is on par with the Audiolab
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity M2sCD is a well-built CD player that delivers a refined and enjoyable listening experience. Its clear and detailed sound, combined with its sleek design, makes it a good choice for CD listeners.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Engaging, punchy, and muscular sound that is also detailed and dynamically expressive
- Excellent timing and pace in its music reproduction
- Very user-friendly
- Great build quality with a sleek, minimal design and modern aesthetic
- It can also play music files (in FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC formats up to 24-bit/192kHz) if they're stored on a USB flash drive or hard disc storage thanks to the USB-A input on the back panel
Product Considerations
- The menu system and sub-menus could be more intuitive to access
- Some reviewers found the display, which always shows the total track time and counts down during playback, a minor annoyance
- The remote control is identical to other Radia devices, making it potentially confusing if owning multiple Radia products
- No support for SACD
- CD text is not available and numeric track input via remote is also unavailable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Arcam CD5 does not quite have the scale or instrument separation compared to Bluesound Node-X, but it is comfortably the biggest sounding of all three CD players being tested here when it comes to soundstage
- The Arcam CD5 is not quite as rolled off in the top end compared to the Bluesound Node-X, and has a little bit more presence in the upper mid-range
- The Arcam CD5 has more resolution than Marantz CD60, but the Marantz has the most neutral presentation of all three of these CD players
Takeaway: The Arcam CD5 is a talented CD player that brings out the best in your CD collection with its engaging sound and user-friendly design. It is well-built and fun to listen to, making it a worthwhile addition for CD enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb build quality, considering the low cost, features an aluminum front panel and metal chassis
- Astonishing sound and flexibility for the money
- Reads CD-Rs, including discs that older players may no longer recognize
- Performs way beyond what its price point would suggest
- Music sounds more fun than might be expected, considering its budget price
Product Considerations
- Cannot program the tracklist into a different running order
- Front panel controls are limited, the remote control is needed for full functionality
- There is no drawer, CDs are inserted into a slot
- Far from being a perfect-sounding player
- The CD player was very tame and relaxed, so to get more out of this sound it will be necessary to work with a good synergy
Takeaway:
The CD Box E is a great choice for a budget-friendly system and will likely be a standout component. It is a cheerful CD player that delivers surprisingly good performance for the price, making music more enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sounds 'really, really good' and 'sounds great'
- Plays MP3s
- Dedicated buttons for each disc make selection quicker
Product Considerations
- The upper end may sound a 'little flatter' due to the DAC
- The display does not show what song is playing
Takeaway: The DX-C390 is a good sounding CD player that allows loading of multiple CDs. It's a great way to enjoy a CD collection without constant disc switching.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Employs the ESS ES9018K2M Sabre 32bit/384 kHz audio DAC chip, which is a great value at its price
- Features vibration dampening feet
- Reproduces a very neutral sound
- The DAC cannot be accessed for other sources
- Supports Red Book audio only, and does not play high-res disc formats such as SACD, or DVD-Audio
- The Music Hall CD25.3 is only warranted for one year, according to one reviewer
Product Considerations
- The DAC cannot be accessed for other sources
- Supports Red Book audio only, and does not play high-res disc formats such as SACD, or DVD-Audio
- The Music Hall CD25.3 is only warranted for one year, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Rotel CD 11 Tribute, it is very comparably priced and certainly a player to consider if looking for a source in this price range
- Compared to the Audiolab 6000 CDT, if one already has a DAC that they love and just want to add CD playback, the Audiolab 6000 CDT could be worth a look
- Compared to the Pro-Ject CD Box S3, it features a comparable DAC to the ESS chip Music Hall has used
Takeaway: The Music Hall CD25.3 is a solid choice for playing CDs because it has good build quality and reproduces neutral sound. If you have a lot of CDs and want a dedicated player, this could be a good fit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines the convenience of uninterrupted music from five CDs with great sound quality and ease of use
- The 'Play X Change' feature is a solution for changing CDs, allowing music to continue playing while inserting new CDs
- Changing discs is quick and almost silent
- Has a large soundstage and the sound is pleasant
- Can also play home-burned CD-R(RW) discs, and has a USB input on the front for memory sticks with music
Product Considerations
- The 'Play X Change' button is only on the front of the player, not on the remote control
- Dynamic contrasts are audibly more subdued than from a Marantz CD60
- Dynamics do not sparkle and the sound is a bit too polished, focusing more on timbre than on dynamics
- Has no network connections of any kind
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Marantz CD60: Dynamic contrasts are audibly more subdued
Takeaway: The Yamaha CD-C603 is great for enjoying hours of uninterrupted music from CDs with good sound quality. It offers a way to keep the music playing, especially with a large CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Basic RCA cables, remote control, and power cord are included
- Supports multiple file types via USB, including FLAC, M4A, MP3, WMA, and WAV
- Expected to be reliable over the long term
- Can control the functions of the CD player from a Yamaha A-S301 remote control
Product Considerations
- The reviewer received the product box opened and without protective packaging
- The button feel on the included remote is considered inferior to the remote that comes with the Yamaha A-S301
- The CD tray feels flimsy
- The CD text display functionality is not very useful
- Playback is not as good as older players for CDs in marginal condition
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Yamaha A-S301: The remote control has inferior button feel to the A-S301
Takeaway: The Yamaha CD-S303 plays CDs and supports multiple file types, so it's useful if one has CDs and digital music files to play. It is expected to last a long time, so it's good for playing CDs for years to come
Video review
Our take on the brand
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