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CD players are used by personal computers and electrical devices to read data from CD's (compact disks). A compact disk can store 650mb of data. Up until 2004, the majority of software applications and games (windows operating systems, FIFA football games) came on CD. Recently DVD's have replaced CD's for the storage of computer applications. It was vital to have a CD-ROM component installed in a PC to run and install the latest music CD's, software applications and games. Times have changed, DVD-ROM players have replaced them, and can play both CD's and DVD's for a PC. Portable CD players have virtually become redundant, due to the evolution of portable Mp3 players. But, due to the superiority of CD's sound quality, in comparison to Mp3, CD players are still the most popular source unit for any integrated Hifi system, or system of separates.

• Hifi Bitz - CD Players - They offer an extensive list of quality CD Players at cheap prices, they currently stock these brands of CD Players; Arcam, Cyrus, Denon and Marantz.
• Comet - CD Players - Comet supply a wide range of CD Players and CD Player's. Comet currently stock these brands of CD Players; Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Hitachi, Sharp.
• CD-Recordable FAQ - This document attempts to answer Frequently Asked Questions about Compact Disc Recordable technology and related fields.
• CD Freaks.com - Independent CD and DVD (recording) news around the ...CD Freaks.com - Independent CD and DVD (recording) news around the clock.
• The CD Information Center - The CD Information Center is an industry-supported information source about Compact Disc manufacturing and publishing.

User Rating -
Cambridge Audio Cd5

This is an entry level CD Player, if you have not heard of Cambridge Audio, and you should have, if your interested in Hifi, they are the champions of inexpensive starter hi-fi components. Like with all there products, the Cd5 has a simple facade, not much in the way of controls, but enough to keep me satisfied. The sound, while producing clarity and a clear sound at most levels, tends to break up with excessive bass or treble.

I cannot say I like the appearance of the unit, it may play a comforting and warm sound, but the facade is far from warm, with an austere war time rationing feel. If your looking for an art deco hi-fi system, this aint it, its bland, cold and functional. But hey! its entry level, the bells and whistles cost a few dimes more. I bought the unit from richersounds website, sadly the first unit developed a fault the minute I plugged and played. Credit to richersounds, they made no fuss in exchanging for a second unit. This one has given flawless service, eighteen months and counting.

The Cd5 is complemented by partnering it with the A5 amplifier, also from Cambridge Audio. Both cost in the region of fifty to seventy pounds, depending on the discounts richersounds are currently running. Coupled with a half decent set of speakers (Mission or Whalfdales) and plugs, I should think it will compete handily with most integrated Hifis costing twice as much. It's a shame the manufacturers didn't deem the Cd5 worthy of a headphone input, but apart from that, I have little to complain about.

User - Stu

User Rating -
Marantz CD7300

I read so many good things about this Marantz cd player in Hi-Fi mags such as What Hifi. Before purchasing it I wanted to make sure it was what i wanted, so I gave it a quick listen in the local richer sounds store. I soon purchased it from them as the price seemed good and disconnected my old player. This is where things went downhill, to my clinical ears the player sounded a little cold and flat for some of my cd's. For others it was stunning. Finally I sold this player through eBay and changed to an Arcam kit, the difference is night & day and didn't cost much more than the Marantz system I put together. Sadly i was disappointed.

User - Edward

Popularity
Value for money
Ability to find on the Net
Better value than high street

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CD Players have generally become restricted to home Hifi systems. PC's use DVD-ROM players, and Mp3 has replaced CD's in virtually all portable media players. CD still looks set to be used as a source media for Hifi systems, because there (2008) is currently no other widespread media format that beats it's sound quality. Whilst car audio systems are slowly moving over to Mp3, a good majority of car manufacturer's still implement CD players into their dashboards. Many of these are single disc CD player, but some can hold multiple CD's. The majority of domestic CD changer are hold either 3, 5 or 6 or 7 discs. But vehicle CD changers are usually placed in the boot, so a vehicle can hold mega-changers, which hold 20 or more CDs.