Best CD transports for 2025
Our favorite transport-only CD players
In this article: I’ll provide an overview of how CD transports work. Then I’ll recommend four of our best CD transports...
- Best value — Cambridge Audio CXC v2
- Best-looking — LEAK CDT
- Best CD transport with USB port — Audiolab 9000CDT
- Best SACD/audiophile transport — McIntosh MCT500
... with links to customer reviews.
S
ometimes I prefer to listen to a great album from start to finish. A single-CD player helps me make an intentional decision about what I'm going to listen to. The act of loading a disc into the player and the process of listening with the album art and credits in my hands feel like calm in the storm.
If you love CDs, you might enjoy the simplicity and flexibility of using a transport-only CD player. Transports don't have built-in digital-to-analog converters (DACs). They're designed solely to load, spin, and read your CD. You can connect them to the DAC or compatible amp or preamp of your choice.
That's not to say you can't get audiophile sound from a traditional CD player — you can. Check out our favorite CD players if you think you'd prefer a one-component solution. And if you're interested in extremely detailed high-resolution music, check out our article on SACD players.
CD transport features to look for
CD transports are beautiful in their simplicity. They have a tray or slot for loading CDs, playback controls, and a display that shows you what's playing.
CD transports have digital outputs that let you connect to any component with compatible digital inputs. That includes integrated amps, powered speakers, stereo preamplifiers, component DACs, and more. You can also find digital inputs in a lot of stereo receivers and home theater receivers.
CD transports have digital outputs for connecting to the DAC or compatible amp or preamp of your choice.
Optical and coaxial digital outputs give you a choice for connecting to your amp or DAC. Higher-end models also have digital XLR outputs.
Most models have detachable three-prong IEC power cables, which you could upgrade to help you get the cleanest possible signal.
The amp you'll be connecting to might inform your decision. Some transport models are proprietary, like HiFi Rose's RSA780E.
Our top picks for 2025
Our customers and employees are often surprised at how much they enjoy the straightforwardness of a transport-only CD player. Here are our top picks.
Best value — Cambridge Audio CXC V2
Cambridge Audio is known for making high-quality components at reasonable prices. The CXC V2 is no exception. It's become a customer favorite thanks to its affordability, smooth, precise operation, and great sound.
Cambridge's proprietary drive mechanism combines comprehensive data retrieval with state-of-the-art error correction and minimal jitter. It feeds your DAC a clean digital audio signal to be transformed into beautiful analog music.
Details
- plays audio CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs
- proprietary Cambridge Audio S3 Custom CD Servo™ drive mechanism provides maximum data retrieval with state-of-the-art error correction and minimal jitter
- audiophile-grade toroidal transformer for ultra-low noise and distortion
- all-metal chassis to eliminate performance-robbing vibration
- 1 coaxial digital audio output and 1 optical (Toslink) digital audio output
- C-BUS RCA connection for remote operation with other compatible Cambridge Audio components (cable included)
Best looking — LEAK CDT
The CDT from British hi-fi company LEAK has mid-century modern cosmetics and top-notch sound that make it easy to live with — especially when you pair it with a matching LEAK amp, like the Stereo 230. It comes in two colors, but I'm particularly taken with the lovely walnut version.
The CDT has an ultra-smooth slot-loading mechanism. And its rugged, vibration-resistant chassis and precise internal clock help it deliver pure, distortion-free signals to your DAC.
It's also got a USB input on the front panel that lets you plug in a thumb drive loaded with digital files for playback. And it supports a wide range of digital file types and lets you navigate folders and files from the front panel.
Details
- plays audio CDs, plus CD-R and CD-RW discs in PCM format only
- does not support MP3, WMA, AAC or other compressed music files via CD-R/RW
- Type-A USB input for playing files from a thumb drive supports playback of WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA files
- 1 coaxial digital audio output and 1 optical (Toslink) digital audio output
- 12-volt trigger input and output
Best with USB port — Audiolab 9000CDT
The Audiolab 9000CDT transport is solidly built and benefits from a read-ahead digital buffer that reduces disc-reading failures and may even allow you to play slightly damaged CDs. Its built-in USB port lets you navigate through music files on a compatible storage device and play them. Whichever medium you use, the pure digital signals the 9000CDT sends to your DAC will result in stunningly detailed and musical audio.
This transport also uses a sophisticated master clock that reduces jitter that can smear musical detail. And its high-resolution LCD screen displays track details, system settings, and more.
Details:
- compatible with CD-R and CD-RW discs
- programmable up to 99 tracks
- play MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV files stored on a USB thumb drive or hard drive
- frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz at .002% THD
- 1 coaxial digital audio output and 1 optical (Toslink) digital audio output
- USB Type-A port for connecting a compatible storage device
- 3.5mm 12-volt trigger input and link output for auto power-on
Best SACD/audiophile transport — McIntosh MCT500
The McIntosh MCT500 disc transport offers accurate digital playback of the highest order. It will play pretty much any disc — including SACDs — and it has the technology to make them sound amazing.
The MCT500's twin laser optical pickup ensures fully detailed playback of high-res sources. It reads audio data at twice normal speed to provide impeccable tracking and error correction with damaged CDs and CD-R/RWs.
And it's got legendary McIntosh build quality and cosmetics, with a polished stainless steel chassis, black glass front panel, and brushed aluminum end caps.
Details:
- stereo playback for SACDs, hybrid SACDs, audio CDs, CD-Rs & CD-RWs, and MP3 & WMA CDs
- front-panel USB input for music playback from USB flash drives
- optical (Toslink) and coaxial (RCA)
- XLR (AES/EBU)
- DIN (MCT) - proprietary McIntosh cable included
- DIN digital audio output available for SACD playback when connected to a compatible McIntosh component with DIN input
- Power Control input and output allows tailored turn-on from and to another McIntosh component
Need help deciding?
Our friendly, knowledgeable Advisors can help you narrow down your choices to find the best CD transport for your setup. Contact us today.
And don't forget, free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase.
Popular questions customers ask
Some CD players can only play audio CDs, while others support SACDs (Super Audio CDs), CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and DVD-Rs (including MP3 and WMA files). Some CD players have wireless network streaming built in, giving you the best of both worlds. Some even have optical, coaxial, and USB digital inputs that let you connect network streamers, USB drives, and more.
Most CD players have a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter), but not all built-in DACs are the same quality. You can choose a CD player with a high-quality built-in DAC or upgrade to an external DAC. CD players without built-in DACs are called “transports.” CD transports connect to an outboard DAC or any audio component with a built-in DAC.
A CD player is a great investment for its consistent, high-quality audio. CDs deliver 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution, often surpassing that of vinyl and MP3 files. Vinyl enthusiasts may argue for its wider dynamic range and less compression, but they can't deny that CDs offer consistent, high-quality audio. Unlike streaming, CD players don't suffer from network dropouts - just power up, connect with a solid cable to your receiver or amp, and enjoy uninterrupted listening.
Absolutely! In the first half of 2024, CD sales jumped 3.3% compared to the previous year. This isn't just a passing trend; it shows a growing appreciation for physical media in a digital world. Music fans are valuing ownership and sound quality, craving a tangible connection to their favorite albums. Plus, used CDs are affordable and plentiful, making them great for collectors. The traditional "album" format also offers a refreshing break from endless playlists and streaming suggestions.
The best CD players have substantial build, quiet circuits, and smoothly functioning moving parts to minimize noise from spinning and reading discs. High-end players also tend to have balanced XLR outputs. In players with built-in DACs, you’ll generally find better DACS in better players. And if you like to listen with headphones, you should choose a CD player with a built-in headphone amp and output.
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