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
- Integrates a CD/SACD transport, DAC, and network player into one box
- Offers multi-stage DXD upsampling with optional DSD/64 or DSD/128, plus multi-filters and DAC maps for versatility
- Built with an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis, free of visible bolts or screws on the top or sides
- Supports all lossless codecs and major music management platforms like Apple AirPlay, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect
- Provides a dedicated control app, dCS Mosaic, for managing settings like filters, output levels, upsampling, and mapping algorithms
Product Considerations
- The original run of certain finish options will not be making a comeback
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Vivaldi system is without peer, but the Vivaldi One APEX maintains core values
Takeaway: The Vivaldi One APEX is a technical masterpiece that integrates many components into one box, creating a memorable listening experience. It is built to serve the music and bring new discoveries and revelations to the listener.
All
Vivaldi One Apex
reviews
Manufacturer details
SACD/CD and Network Player that supports music from any digital source, in addition to streaming audio via network input. Exquisitely finished, it offers a sublime experience and state-of-the-art functionality
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:
- They develop and manufactures their own proprietary Ring DAC technology, including the hardware and software, allowing for unparalleled control over digital-to-analog conversion.
- dCS equipment, particularly those with the Ring DAC, offers a highly customizable listening experience through user-selectable digital filters, mapping algorithms, and upsampling options.
- The APEX upgrades represent a commitment to backward compatibility, allowing owners of existing dCS products to benefit from the latest advancements through hardware or software modifications.
Select products
Bartók Apex
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the dCS lineup, offering a comprehensive feature set in a single chassis.
- Description: Combines a DAC, music streamer, and optional headphone amplifier in one unit. Features the latest Ring DAC APEX technology, which enhances sound quality by reducing distortion and increasing linearity, making it a great choice for those seeking high performance in a compact form. Compared to the Rossini and Vivaldi, offers a more accessible price point while still delivering exceptional sound, making it ideal for users with smaller spaces or those who prioritize headphone listening.
Lina System
- Positioning: Designed for both two-channel and headphone setups, offering a modular approach to high-end audio.
- Description: Stands out with its modular design, allowing users to configure components like the Network DAC, Headphone Amplifier, and Master Clock to suit their needs. Uses the renowned dCS Ring DAC technology, ensuring high-quality sound across various setups. Compared to the Bartók, offers more flexibility in system configuration.
Rossini Apex
- Positioning: A mid-tier offering in the dCS lineup, providing a balance of performance and features for discerning audiophiles.
- Description: Features the latest Ring DAC APEX hardware for improved sonic performance. Offers a comprehensive digital playback system with options for a DAC, CD/SACD transport, and master clock. Compared to the Bartók, provides a more refined sound and additional features.
Vivaldi Apex
- Positioning: The flagship model in the dCS lineup, representing the pinnacle of digital audio performance.
- Description: Features the most advanced version of the Ring DAC APEX technology. Offers a modular system with separate components for DAC, upsampler, transport, and master clock, allowing for ultimate flexibility and performance. Compared to the Rossini, provides the highest level of detail and musicality.
Varèse
- Positioning: A new addition to the dCS lineup, positioned as a music system with innovative features.
- Description: Distinguished by its unique architecture and bespoke technologies, offering a level of performance beyond previous dCS systems. Includes novel features like the ACTUS protocol and Tomix clocking technology, which enhance setup simplicity and sonic performance. Compared to the Vivaldi, introduces new innovations that advance audio engineering.
Our take on the brand
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Used
dCS
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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