Best Basic CD Player (no SACD, USB, etc.)

I’ve been using an Onkyo C-7030 for the past five years (light use each year), and it continues to work fine. It also sounds very good for such an inexpensive player. I purchased mine on Amazon back in late 2017 for about $175 which included an Amazon 4 year extended warranty. The first year of the warranty overlaps with the one year warranty from Onkyo, so the extended warranty really covers three years. However, the warranty at the time was less than $10.

The C-7030 also has both coaxial and optical outputs in case you want to use the C-7030 as a transport with a separate d to a converter.

The C-7030 is presently selling on Amazon for under $300 for brand new units.

In retrospect, the $175 price was ridiculously inexpensive at the time, and IMO the current price is more inline with the true value of the C-7030.

Best of luck with your search!

Just before the holidays several dealers were offering the Denon DCD-1600NE for $899 (normal price $1499).  Couldn't resist at that price. I can highly recommend this player.  The price has gone up since but it is still a very good bargain.  Well built, nice looking but more importantly very nice sounding.  It will play all your normal CD's beautifully as well as SACD's.  No fluff.  Simple basic player.

Tonal quality is very nice.  Well detailed and balanced.  Nice spacious soundstage. Compared to my much more expensive Marantz Ruby I was surprised how nicely this player held up in comparison.

Good luck.

i didn't see the OP providing the budget expressly. But $300 should get a nice CD player. What about the always thrown into the discussion Oppo 103 (?) that goes for $300 (used)?

+1 Rega Apollo.

Denon, and Rotel.

An SACD player would not cause you to resign buy your collection. It will still play regular cds as well.

SACD capability will add cost to the player.

@cal91 Excuse me, check the archives.

Here`s a list of retailers- Audio Advisor, Crutchfield, Music Direct, and Upscale Audio.

They don't make CD players anymore, but I recently purchased a used OPPO and have been amazed at the quality of the build and sound. 

Out of your budget I know, but I was looking for a basic CD player too last year and ended up with the Bryston BCD-3. Fabulous player, but expensive.

+1 for the $300 Onkyo!

Rega for shure

I agree with @yogiboy .  The Onkyo C-7030 provides good quality music reproduction and hits well above its pay grade.  

Marantz CD60 should be pretty nice. Look for an open box at music direct or upscale audio, could be a good deal. I would stay away from old used players. Transports go bad and then you’ll be screwed. 

+1 on the Rotel. CD11 Tribute is where I’d start if buying new under $1k.

Anything by Rotel is going to sound great and last you forever

Thanks for the info!

There are good players in every price range. Look on Amazon, a few very affordable name brand players that will sound really good. 

This is all you need! No need to spend much for a basic CDP!!

Just fyi. An SACD player would not cause you to resign buy your collection. It will still play regular cds as well. 

At your implied budget point : REGA APOLLO / APOLLO-R

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rega-research-apollo-cd-player