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
- Smooth, open, and enjoyable sound with good rhythm and musicality
- Nicely made piece of equipment with a machined metal chassis
- Operates with barely a noisy whirr, and the action is super smooth
- Delivers error-free signal playback to the connected DAC
- Class-leading levels of jitter rejection and error correction
Product Considerations
- Requires an external DAC to function as a CD player
- The binding posts preclude using speaker cables with spades, though they will work with banana plugs
- There is an automatic shutoff on new components when no signal is detected for a relatively short period
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Arcam CD5 player is subtler with insight and detail, and better at communicating dynamic contrast
- The Cambridge Audio CXC is a big step up from the Line Magnetic CD215 being used as a transport, with no hiss or hum
- The Cambridge Audio CXC clearly reads better extracting more information (detail, air and ambient space) and less fuzziness (or cleaner sound) than the Jolida JD100 player
- The Cambridge Audio CXC running into the 840C handily bested the Cambridge Audio CD player using its own transport, as the Cambridge Audio CXC was quieter, more three dimensional with a larger soundstage, more organic, and just all around better sounding
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio CXC is a well-built CD transport that provides a clean and enjoyable sound when paired with a good DAC. It is a great option for those looking to get the most out of their CD collection.
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reviews
Manufacturer details
DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS
S/PDIF coaxial and TOSLINK optical
S/PDIF OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
<75 Ohms
MAX POWER CONSUMPTION
25W
STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION
<0.5W
GAPLESS PLAYBACK?
Yes
REMOTE CONTROL
Yes
DIMENSIONS (H X W X D)
85 x 430 x 315mm (3.1 x 16.9 x 12.4”)
WEIGHT
4.7kg (10.3lbs)
BOX CONTENTS
CXC CD Transport, Power Cable, 3 x AAA Batteries, Remote Control, Control Bus Cable
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:
- Cambridge Audio incorporates high-quality components, such as toroidal transformers and ESS Sabre DAC chips, but they make sure that the components are chosen for their sonic character, rather than measured performance.
- With some lines receiving 5-year warranties with product registration, they convey a commitment to product durability, even when their products are sold through hifi stores, which are not generally known for high-end clientele.
Select products
AXA25
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated stereo amplifier in Cambridge Audio's lineup.
- Description: Offers a straightforward design with 25 watts per channel, making it ideal for small rooms and budget-conscious users. Unlike the more advanced models like the EXA100, it lacks digital inputs and Bluetooth connectivity, focusing instead on simplicity and analog connections, which suits users who prioritize basic functionality over advanced features.
Evo 75
- Positioning: The mid-range streaming amplifier in the Evo series.
- Description: Combines streaming capabilities with a powerful 75-watt amplifier, offering a compact solution for modern audio needs. It features the StreamMagic Gen 4 module for seamless streaming, unlike the AXA25, which lacks streaming capabilities.
EXA100
- Positioning: The high-end integrated amplifier in the EX series, offering advanced features and performance.
- Description: Delivers 100 watts per channel with Class AB amplification, providing a wide and detailed soundstage. It includes digital inputs like HDMI eARC and Bluetooth aptX HD, unlike the AXA25, which focuses on analog connections.
Edge A
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier in Cambridge Audio's lineup, representing the pinnacle of their audio engineering.
- Description: Features proprietary Class XA amplification and twin toroidal transformers for exceptional power and clarity. It offers a more refined sound than the EXA100, with a focus on musicality and detail.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
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Used
Cambridge Audio
What if you spend more?
A New Life for CDEvo
CD is the compact disc transport developed to exclusively partner Evo all-in-one players. It shares the same eye-catching design, is crafted from the same premium materials and is engineered to the same exacting standards. Evo CD extracts every piece of musical detail from your discs, then passes it seamlessly to Evo. Your CD collection is now set to join the hi-fi evolution.
Precision Driving
Evo CD uses our new S5 Servo, an upgrade on the acclaimed S3 found in CXC. It features even better speed precision and musical data retrieval than its predecessor. Evo CD doesn't use a multi-purpose disc drive, but a custom designed piece of engineering with the sole purpose of playing audio CDs with unfailing accuracy.
Evo CD Setup
Engineered for Sound
The anodised aluminium that encases Evo CD's precision components not only matches Evo's purposeful design, but it also contributes to its performance. The acoustically dampened metal chassis and drive tray ensures that nothing interferes with the signal as it passes to Evo's Digital to Analogue Converter via its single bespoke 'Evo Link' output cable.
Evo CD Setup
Timeless Style
Designed exclusively for pairing with Evo, Evo CD shares the same premium materials and dimensions – for placement below or side-by-side the all-in-one player. It's your call, as is the decision over which of the two styles of side panels to opt for. Together Evo and Evo CD have a confident style, that acknowledges our heritage but also looks to the future.
Evo in a lifestyle setting with a turntable and books
Form and Function
Evo CD's sole purpose is spinning discs, to pass accurate musical information to Evo, this allows for a minimalist design – with a single button on its fascia, to open/close the metal CD tray. Everything else is operated by Evo's remote control or the StreamMagic app on your smart device. CD album artwork, and track information, is rendered beautifully on Evo's 6.8" colour display.
Evo CD
Built to Last
Because it's constructed from carefully selected and uncompromised materials, Evo CD is as robust as it is good-looking. For instance, the full metal CD tray and mechanism was selected for stability, efficiency, and longevity. Like your CD collection, it will stand the test of time – unlocking the music and memories tied-up in those albums for many years to come.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Superb CD playback quality within a Cambridge Audio Evo system
- Integrates seamlessly with Evo 75 and Evo 150 streaming amplifiers, displaying album artwork and track information on the amplifier's screen
- Compact design aesthetically matches the Evo amplifiers
Product Considerations
- Only works with Cambridge Audio Evo 75 or Evo 150 systems due to its proprietary connection, making it unusable with other DACs or amplifiers
- Lacks command buttons and a screen, requiring the Evo amplifier for operation
- CD tray might feel fragile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Evo CD sounds slightly thinner in the bass and midrange, but gives up nothing to the Marantz CD60 otherwise
Takeaway: If you have a Cambridge Audio Evo 75 or 150, the EVO CD is a great way to play your CDs and see the album art. It sounds good and fits right in with your system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Acts as both a high-quality CD player and a high-resolution network audio playback source, offering flexibility for different digital music sources
- Offers a clear and detailed sound quality due to its ESS Sabre DAC and custom-designed Marantz Musical Digital Filters
- The design is sleek and classy, complementing the Marantz MODEL 50 amplifier
- Supports multiple streaming services via HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, making it easy to access music from various platforms
- Features extensive connectivity options, including digital inputs (Toslink, Coaxial, USB A & B), network access (Ethernet, Wi-Fi), and HDMI ARC for TV audio
Product Considerations
- HEOS platform is functional, but can feel clunky compared to other streaming platforms, and lacks support for Chromecast
- Does not support SACD playback
- The BT connection only supports the SBC codec, even though not stated on the panel
- Is a little lighter than expected tonally, and has a fraction less bass response
- It is occasionally slow to respond to commands
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Marantz SACD 30n: Lacks SACD playback and has simpler internal technology, but is more affordable and includes HDMI ARC, the sound quality between them is only slightly different
- Vs. Primare CD15 Prisma: Primare relies on Chromecast or AirPlay 2 for streaming, lacks USB-B
Takeaway: The Marantz CD 50n is a versatile and great-sounding player that offers a combination of CD playback and modern streaming features, fitting nicely into a modern hifi setup. It can be a great choice for those who still enjoy CDs, but also want the convenience of network streaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Rotel DT-6000 DAC Transport celebrates 60-Years of performance synonymous with the brands Japanese heritage. PC-USB, Optical, Coaxial, and included tray loading CD Player provide the ultimate flexibility for your favorite sources rendering the audio with unprecedented detail and immersive sound stage.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Direct, revealing sound signature
- Well-engineered, with a silent, spring-floating CD mechanism and quality parts
- Versatile, handling up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256 audio via USB-B and S/PDIF inputs
- Precisely constructed
- Premium ESS Sabre 8-Channel ES9028PRO DAC produces a high-quality sound, expansive soundstage with detail retrieval and noise reduction
Product Considerations
- No digital output
- A CD-only player, it does not play SACD discs
- Lacks network streaming capabilities
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DAC section is preferred over the RA-6000's, offering more clarity, image depth, dynamics, and life to the music
- The sound reminds the reviewer of Michi X3 integrated
Takeaway: It's a great CD player and DAC transport, it can bring out the best in your CD collection or act as a high quality DAC for computer based audio. It's a great way to add high-fidelity digital playback to a hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality CD transport that is nice to use
- Offers a USB hub function with two USB inputs and USB output, allowing connection of multiple digital devices
- Can improve the sound of DACs, especially those without galvanic isolation, by cleaning up the USB signal from the source
Product Considerations
- The combined stop/eject button can be difficult to use and takes getting used to
- There have been some quirks with the unit, such as it freezing up sometimes when turning it off and on, and it is more responsive to leave it powered on instead
- The track number displayed doesn't update until the CD transport starts reading the new track
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The URD has a smaller footprint, more USB connectivity (two inputs and a USB output), and a higher bit rate than the Audiolab 7000 CDT
- CD transport in the URD provides better sound quality than streaming
- There is a virtually insignificant difference between playing a CD on the URD and playing a securely ripped local copy of the same CD on a computer
Takeaway: The Schiit Urd offers great sound and also acts as a USB hub for connecting other digital sources, making it a CD transport with unique features. It is a versatile device that can enhance one's listening experience with CDs and digital files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Full, detailed, and dynamic presentation with great spaciousness, definition, and imaging
- Nice internal DAC that can be used in analog, or as a digital transport
- Dedicated CD-only design for optimal performance
- Neat design that's very easy to use
- Compact form factor, being almost portable
- Affordable
Product Considerations
- Remote is small and plasticky
- Slot-load design might be a concern if a disc gets stuck
- Lacks bass impact and can sound a little muddled at times
- No optical digital output
- Stop button occasionally needs to be double-tapped to eject a disc
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel CD11 Tribute: A relatively even competitor
- Vs Denon DCD-900NE: The Denon adds support for burned CDs containing MP3, WMA, and AAC files, and has a USB Type A port that supports playback of hi-rez files
- Vs Audiolab 6000CDT: Both rely on a slot-load drive that accepts store-bought CDs only, without SACD, DVD-A, burned CDs, or HDCD
- Vs Rotel CD ELF: The Rotel CD ELF has a better transient response and is a little bit more clean in voices and instruments reproductions
- Vs Older Denon CD player: The Pro-Ject added subtle details underscoring songs
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is a compact and affordable CD player that delivers detailed and dynamic sound. It's easy to use and provides a great way to rediscover a CD collection.
Video review
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