There are up-and-coming new audio formats that surpass the sound quality of the current CD format, but only in providing the subtle nuances and detail only an audiophile could hear. These new audio formats include DTS, HDCD, SACD, and DVD-Audio, and are mainly only available on DVD players.
Why Bother?
Stand alone CD players have become a worthless purchase. With many DVD players
priced the same as low-end CD players it's crazy not to purchase a DVD player
to fill the role for both music and movies. You'll get the convenience of having
one unit and one remote instead of two, a little extra space in your rack, and
more money in your wallet.
Chances are you'll already have a CD player before you go out to purchase a DVD player. If you like the way your CD player sounds by all means keep it. You may want to do a comparison test before making your final decision. Chances are you'll find the DVD player sounds better than most CD players.
Another reason to get a CD player is to have a mass storage option. Many of these types of CD players offer 300-500 CD storage and selection. Keeping you're music library in one neatly, albeit large, accessible solution.
The Exception
There are always exceptions to the rule where one may find a CD player that sounds
better than a DVD player they just purchased. More often than not this is due
to the fact that the CD player is much more expensive unit than the DVD player.
Be sure your not comparing apples to oranges when evaluating a DVD player's performance.
CD Player Quick Take
- Audiophile sound quality
- Well established in many facets of our lives (you can play a CD most anywhere)
- With DVD players supporting CD playback buying a stand-alone CD player is a waste of money and rackspace
- If your an audiophile, look for higher-end DVD players that offer better sound circuitry and new audio formats
Advice:
Pass on the CD player and opt for a DVD
player to fill the role of both music and movies in your Home Theater.