Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • 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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

M2scd

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

Output

  • Output impedance: 50 ohms
  • Output, digital 0dB level: RCA output - 2.2V r.m.s. nominal

DAC

      • DAC circuit: 24 bit Delta-Sigma (bit stream) dual differential 8x over-sampling
      • Total correlated jitter: <135 picoseconds peak to peak
      • Linearity: <0.1dB down to -96dB
      • Frequency response: 10Hz to 20 kHz -0.2dB max.
      • Channel separation: >105dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
      • Signal-to-noise ratio: >117dB “a”- wtd.
  • Total harmonic distortion: <0.003% 10Hz to 20 kHz

Connections

          • Line level outputs: 1 pair line level RCA connectors, left and right outputs
  • Digital outputs: 1 RCA coaxial connector SPDIF, 1 TOSLINK optical connector

Power requirement

              • Mains voltages 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set)
              • 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
  • Consumption 20 Watts maximum

Weight

                  • Unit only, unboxed 6.65 kg (14⅔ lbs)
  • In shipping carton 10.5 kg (23 lbs)

Dimensions

  • Wide 440 mm (17⅓”)
  • High, including feet 100 mm (4”)
  • Deep (front to back) including terminals 375 mm (14¾”)

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.
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".
Manufacturer Site

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 place a significant emphasis on achieving a distinctive, energetic sound, even at the expense of absolute neutrality, leading to a more engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
  • Musical Fidelity often integrates advanced features, like sophisticated equalization or balanced inputs/outputs, into their designs to enhance versatility and cater to audiophiles' evolving needs.

V90-BHA

  • Positioning: The entry-level balanced headphone amplifier in Musical Fidelity's lineup.
  • Description: Offers excellent sound quality with balanced audio technology. Features balanced XLR inputs and outputs, which minimize noise and interference, providing a cleaner sound. This makes it ideal for users with a limited budget who want to enhance their headphone listening experience.

M2si

  • Positioning: An affordable integrated amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without extra features.
  • Description: Delivers a pure and dynamic sound, drawing on technology from Musical Fidelity's premium models. Stands out with its fully discrete power amplifier and independent power supplies, offering a performance akin to a pre/power configuration in a single unit.

M8xi

  • Positioning: A super integrated amplifier, positioned as a high-performance model in the M8 series.
  • Description: Known for its powerful and articulate sound, featuring dual mono power amps and a high-quality DAC. It offers significant power output and low distortion. Provides extensive connectivity options, including digital inputs, catering to users with diverse system compatibility needs.

Nu-Vista 800.2

  • Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier in the Nu-Vista series, representing the pinnacle of Musical Fidelity's offerings.
  • Description: Combines the unique Nu-Vista tube technology with modern design, delivering an exceptionally smooth and powerful sound. Features dual mono power amps and a locally decoupled output stage, providing remarkable stability and control over any loudspeaker.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
92
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
42
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
52
Founding Year
1982

Our take on the brand

Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

Musical Fidelity (like other Audio Tuning brands) is structured in a pretty traditional way, whereby support and advice are best administered on a local level. Of course, they have a technical team positioned at HQ to help all their partners around the world, and in some more extreme cases you may need to be put straight through to this team. But it's the job of the distributor to support the territory in the best way it can.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

I can tell you this, as we've done this recently for others. These are personal choices:

Simon Quarry – the chief designer – selected these three.

  • Low Desert Punk – Brant Bjork
  • Moon Love – Electric Moon
  • Psychic Chasm – Ozric Tentacles

Heinz Lichtenegger – the brand owner – selected these two:

  • Tosca – Puccini, Leontyne Price, Di Stefano, Taddei / Vienna Philharmonic with Herbert von Karajan (Decca, 1963)
  • Don Juan – Richard Strauss, Tod und Verklaerung, Also Sprach Zarathustra / Vienna Philharmonic with Herbert von Karajan (Decca, 1960)

What other products pair best with yours?

This is a tough one! Partly because of the diverse range of products on offer from Musical Fidelity. For example, with the A1, we have a lot of success pairing this amp with Klipsch Heresy or Forte IV – but in smaller rooms, our own-brand LS3/5A are a wonderful choice. For Nu-Vista, we pair very nicely with Piega – which requires some deeper power reserves to really get going. So I would say it's very difficult to pair the sonic ID with one brand in particular. Musical Fidelity pairs pretty nicely with a wide range of products, giving customers a great degree of choice.

From our interview with
Simon Powell
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Marantz
CD 50n
1800
1800
/
8
Reviews
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
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Expand Details

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

Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Rotel
DT-6000
2299
2299
/
8
Reviews

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.

Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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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

Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Schiit
Urd
1299
1299
/
4
Reviews
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Expand Details

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

Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Atoll
CD100 Evolution
2200
2200
/
4
Reviews
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.
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Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Balanced reproduction
  • Great CD transport
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Dynamic sound with plenty of punch and detail
  • Excels in the bass range, providing a powerful, extended, and dynamic low-end

Product Considerations

  • The remote control is a 'button fest'
  • The design is rather plain
  • Harmonic richness of instruments like cymbals and horns can be somewhat lacking
  • The soundstage isn't very large, and the contours aren't sharp
  • The manufacturing, finish, and cabinet are of poor quality

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Atoll CD100 has nothing to share sonically with the Technics, because the French player's sound is better
  • The CD100 makes things that the Rega Saturn does for the money
  • The Naim CD 555 is better, but the Atoll CD100 provides a similar feel

Takeaway: The Atoll CD100 Evolution is a solid CD player that delivers a potent sound and offers a balanced audio experience. It's built to last and is a great way to enjoy a CD collection.

Video review

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Marantz
CD 60
999
/
Released
2022
Extraordinary sound and peerless style—Marantz CD 60 celebrates your CD collection with a player engineered to sound better than any other in this class. Built with high quality materials and Sound Master tuned, CD 60 adds precision CD playback to MODEL 40n or any high-quality audio system.
Check Amazon
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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

Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SMSL
PL200
669
/
Released
2023
PL200 Hi-Res CD player Hi-End CD solution, support MQA-CD
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SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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

SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Arcam
CD5
699
/
Released
2023
The ARCAM CD5 is for those intimate listening experiences with your favourite music on Compact Disc. ARCAM has been a pioneer of Compact Disc playback since the development and introduction of the Delta 70 CD player in 1986, our own ground up design. The experience of producing high quality digital audio products since then has been poured into the ARCAM CD5.
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Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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

Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Pro-Ject
CD Box S3
549
/
Released
2022
The CD Box S3 is our first product of the new S3 line. In contrast to DVD or Blu-ray Disc players, a pure CD player is frequently better in playback of stereo CDs. The drive in the CD Box S3 enables 1:1 bit-accurate CD playback. The new DAC chip provides the best digital analog conversion with a bit depth & sampling rate up to 32bit/384kHz. The slot in mechanism smoothly draws in the CD and after a few seconds it is ready to play.
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Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Rotel
CD14MKII
799
/
Released
2022
The CD14MKII follows Rotel's tradition of award-winning CD players with innovations to the power supply, and newly tuned acoustic component resulting in a more accurate reproduction of the audio with rich, genuine detail.
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Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Separate power supplies exist for the digital and analog circuits
  • Equipped with a Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz DAC chip
  • Smooth and quiet CD-lade operation occurs when opening and closing
  • The front panel display is clear and easy to read, with dimming options

Product Considerations

  • The remote's buttons, especially the frequently used ones, are too small
  • The CD drawer takes its time to open, close, and load a disc

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Cambridge Audio Azur 650C— the CD14MKII turned up the highs ever so slightly, and the high-frequency graininess on the 650C was nowhere to be heard with the Rotel

Takeaway: The CD14 MKII feels solid, sounds great, and looks well-made. It provides excellent sound quality and could inspire a renewed interest in buying CDs.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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