Does Raysonic CD128 need to be on top shelf?

Depends on how adept you are and how much space you have available above the shelf where the Planet sits. I would say that 7-8" is close to the bare minimum height, and that's with the stock feet. The Raysonic is certainly worth the effort -- I have no interest in upgrading mine. Good luck, Dave

I have the 168 on the top shelf. It sounds a lot more integrated with Herbes Isocup/balls, but that raises the height. I would say you need at least 8" clearance above the top. And that will get old as you will be contorting to get discs in/out

FWIW, I have 10" clearance above mine and it's sitting on 2" myrtle wood cylinders (Waipuna). This translates to a total of 15" between the shelf it's sitting on and the shelf above, but I could get by with 12" if necessary.

Handling that large cover and then placing the puck on the cd is a real annoyance. Especially if you place the player on a shelf other than the top.

I have my 128 on the bottom shelf of my cabinet and it is not much inconvenience to remove and replace the puck/cover and change cds. But it's nice to have good space above. I have 6-8 inches of clearance above.