CD players are not created equal. The best sounding models are single-disc machines built for performance. But they don’t suit all music lovers. So before you buy:

1. Ask yourself how you prefer to enjoy music. Do you like long listening sessions? Do you want to download music and burn it to a blank CD? If the answer is ”yes” to both you’ll want a multi-disc player that plays back several music files including MP3 and WMA.
2. Your amplifier may have an optical connection. If that’s how you want to connect your CD player chose a model with a matching optical connection. But bear in mind that hi-fi enthusiasts say that optical can be an ”iffy” connection and they prefer good, old-fashioned copper connections.
3. CD players have vastly different output levels. So some sound louder played back through the same amplifier. ”Louder” sounding players seem to have more ”impact” and that’s why manufacturers have endowed them with a higher output level.
4. A more mild-mannered player may be the better bet over the longer haul.