TOP 5 CD players with support for external media

Yamaha CD-N500

Externally, the Yamaha CD-N500 resembles the equipment of the Japanese brand of the 80s. Only the presence of USB and Ethernet ports visually shows that we have a modern model in front of us. The manufacturer positions the CD-N500 as a network CD player. It plays not only music from disks and flash drives, but also files over the network (from a local computer or NAS). In addition, Yamaha receives the broadcast of the Internet radio vTuner.

Yamaha plays ALAC and AIFF files (with quality up to 16 bit/48 kHz) and WAV and FLAC (up to 24 bit/192 kHz). This player does not support SACD and does not work in USB DAC mode. These functions are currently implemented only in more expensive models, for example, Yamaha CD-S2100 or Marantz SA8005.

When playing Yamaha files, it is more convenient to control them from a smartphone than using the buttons on the front panel or the remote control. Because the CD-N500 has a single-line screen. The manufacturer has created a proprietary application for Android and iOS. With it, for example, just search for music in your collection or Network.

Yamaha CD-N500 is a player with a vintage design and a modern set of functions. Its main purpose is to play music from online sources. A good partner for the CD-N500 will be the Yamaha A-S501 amplifier.

Pioneer PD-50 Price from 47 999 up to 131 831 ₴ →

Pioneer PD-50 is one of the few CD players on the market with support for SACD and DSD files worth about $1000.

The manufacturer calls the PD-50 a Super Audio CD player because it plays Super Audio CDs (SACDs) and their copies — DSD files (on DVD-R/RW discs). This makes it stand out favorably from other models. The player also plays music from iPhone, iPod and iPad (with simultaneous charging of gadgets) or from flash drives. However, the capabilities of flash media are much worse — only "compressed" MP3, WMA and AAC formats are available. It's good that the PD-50 has a function to improve the sound of such recordings.

The player is equipped with coaxial and optical inputs. For example, one of them can be used to connect a media player to improve the sound of movies and concerts. Pioneer has no network functions.

The player's potential is best revealed when working with a compatible component of good quality. PD-50 together with the Pioneer A-70 amplifier received the 2013-2014 EISA award "Best Stereo System". According to the reviewers of several Hi-Fi publications, the sound quality and capabilities of these devices correspond to their price. By the way, the Pioneer A-70, unlike the PD-50, can work as a USB DAC together with a computer.

If you have a lot of SACD discs in your collection and you have already appreciated the sound quality of DSD files, the Pioneer PD-50 can be a good purchase. Provided that you do not plan to connect the player to network sources.

Denon RCD-N9

The RCD-N9 combines the advantages of CD players and minisystems produced under the Denon brand — good sound quality and wide functionality.

Denon plays music from USB drives and Apple mobile devices (via AirPlay and via USB). Over a wired network and Wi-Fi, you can play files from network storage (with DLNA support), and listen to Internet radio broadcasts. At the same time, the system plays both MP3 and FLAC (including Hi-Res recordings). In addition, the RCD-N9 has an FM / AM tuner in case you already get tired of listening to your favorite hackneyed compositions and want to unwind after hearing something new.

The RCD-N9 has some interesting "chips". Thanks to the NFC module, you can connect Bluetooth devices to it with just one touch to play music. And AirPlay technology is designed to wirelessly connect Apple devices. The Denon Hi-Fi Remote App for smartphones and tablets makes it easy to control the system.

The network player can be purchased complete with speakers (sold as a Denon CEOL N9 minisystem) or without them (RCD-N9). The advantage of the first option is that you buy a ready-to-use system from guaranteed compatible components of the same design. The advantage of the second one is that you can choose the acoustics to your liking.

The Denon minisystem is suitable for creating a musical background in the living room, office, etc. Unlike the models of previous years, the RCD-N9 can play music from almost any digital source.

Marantz M-CR610

Marantz M-CR610 is an all—in-one Hi-Fi system.

The manufacturer has created a special application for controlling the system using Android and iOS gadgets (via Wi-Fi). According to reviews, it is very convenient, as it allows, for example, to enter the name of a song, find it and start playback. I am also glad that the M-CR610 interface is Russified. In general, the control is quite convenient, and users are dissatisfied only with the non-standard volume control on the case.

Marantz plays music from CDs, USB drives and Apple gadgets. When connected to the Internet — gives access to vTuner online radio and music services (for example, Spotify and last.fm ). You can connect to the Network not only via Ethernet, but also via Wi-Fi. In addition, you can listen to the broadcast of analogue (FM) and digital (DAB) radio stations.

The M-CR610, like other microsystems from the Melody series, has a built-in amplifier. It has two pairs of outputs for acoustics and a power of 2x60 watts. Therefore, he can voice two medium-sized rooms. The player has a comfortable sound and is well suited for calm music.

For previous models, the manufacturer offered branded acoustics, and for the M-CR610, the choice fell on the buyer himself. The Marantz amplifier is compatible with acoustics having a resistance of 6-8 ohms, and is designed for conventional or bi-amping (Bi-Amping) connection. According to the reviews for this model, it goes well with the entry-level shelf Hi-Fi acoustics (for example, KEF Q300 and Dali Lektor). If there is a shortage of low frequencies, you can connect an active subwoofer — the player is specially equipped with an appropriate output.

The advantage of the M-CR610 over other players is the presence of a built—in amplifier. Therefore, Marantz will save money on the purchase of a separate amplifier.

Marantz SA8005

Modern Marantz players, for example, SA8005, can work as a USB DAC. The sound quality will be as good as when playing music discs.

The SA8005 is worth paying attention to, first of all, owners of a large collection of discs — both ordinary CDs and SACDs. Together with the Marantz PM8005 amplifier it will become the basis for an excellent Hi-Fi system.

The player can be used as an external sound card for a PC (requires the installation of a special driver). It was possible to achieve excellent sound thanks to the use of asynchronous USB connection (Type B). In addition to FLAC (CD copies), Marantz also plays DSD files (SACD copies). Apple gadgets can be connected to the SA8005 via a USB port (Type A), and coaxial and optical inputs are useful if you want to connect a media player, TV, etc.

The "chip" of the SA8005 is a built—in headphone amplifier. It cannot boast the same excellent sound as special Hi-Fi components. But it will be much higher than when listening to music on a smartphone or computer.