Choosing the Right Home Audio CD Player
Despite the rise of digital music and streaming services, it is still much too early to throw away your compact disc collection. A home CD player is still a great centerpiece for your car or home audio setup.
Which Music Formats Do I Want to Play?
- Some CD players are only capable of playing CDs, but this isn't very common. Most CD players are capable of playing at least one more audio format. Vintage Kenwood devices often include a cassette player, which is very useful if you have old tapes lying around.
- Depending on your player, you may only be able to play standard CD format discs. Some players can also play discs written in WMA or MP3 format as well as CD-Rs and CD-RWs.
- Car audio systems often combine a CD player with an FM radio. This function isn't only found in cars, though: a lot of home audio systems can do the same thing. Some more modern devices can access digital streaming services.
- An AUX-IN input allows you to play music from an MP3 player or other external device using the right cable. These are common in both car and home players. Some setups use a USB cable or Bluetooth connection instead.
Which Features Can I Look For?
- Built-in CD changers are often found in car music systems, but you can find them in home audio setups too. A changer lets you switch between several discs without having to open up the CD player. Different changers hold different numbers of discs.
- A remote control can make your listening experience a lot more comfortable. Using a remote gives you playback and volume and tuner controls without getting up from your sofa.
- The digital-to-audio converter or DAC is a key part of a CD player, as it converts the digital data on CDs into signals that your speakers can play. The better your DAC is, the better your sound quality you will get. Some devices are designed to be used with an external DAC instead.
Which Other Devices Does My Home Audio System Need?
- Whether you are setting up an audio system in your home or car, you need speakers to plug into your CD player. A good set of speakers will have a huge impact on sound quality. You can set it up for stereo sound or get even more immersive with a surround sound setup.
- Adding an amplifier to your Kenwood CD player can give you more control over your sound profile. If you want to use an amp, choose one with a power rating and impedance that are compatible with your speakers. You should also make sure that it can power the number of speakers that you want to use.
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