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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. | |
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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 | | |
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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.
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