Looking for a good-quality CD player for pleasant and enjoyable music? Yamaha CD-S300 vs Marantz CD5005 are attractive choices available in a similar price range, with the Yamaha model being more affordable. However, before you make your choice, make sure that you understand the differences between the two to determine which one that is actually worth your money.
Continue reading below to learn more about:
– The features of Yamaha CD-S300 vs Marant CD5005,
– The pros and cons of each model,
– The performance comparisons of the two CD players, and
– Which model that is more recommended for the money.
Yamaha CD-S300: Overview
Yamaha CD-S300 is one of the less popular CD players in the market, but this is not because it is a bad product. It is indeed not marketed as heavily as other models. Nevertheless, this CD player has been found and chosen by some people, and it has received quite a lot of positive reviews. It is mainly praised for the good sound quality and performance.
Yamaha CD-S300 is described as a “natural sound” CD player by the manufacturer. It claims to be able to deliver rich natural sound from any CD. It is armed with a high-performance DAC for superior conversion precision with reduced noise. It also has a laser pickup floating mechanism to ensure smooth and accurate reading.
Yamaha CD-S300 is a good entry-level model. It already has playback compatibility for MP3, iPod, WMA, and CD-R/RW discs. In addition, it has a USB port on the front panel that is easily accessible for connecting a mobile device. It only takes a few seconds to start reading a CD and begin the playback. However, there are other models with higher levels of performance and sound quality available if you are willing to spend some more money. (Read also : Onkyo C 7030 Vs Yamaha CD S300)
Yamaha CD-S300: Pros
The very first advantage of Yamaha CD-S300 vs Marantz CD5005 is certainly the more affordable price. The price difference is about one hundred dollars. If you have a limited budget and you prefer to save some money, this model makes a sensible alternative.
For the price, Yamaha CD-S300 already offers a good value. It is compatible with common audio formats. It can play SACD Hybrid, MP3, and WMA audio files from CD-R/RW discs. In addition, the USB connectivity is very nice. It allows you to connect an iPod or a flash drive stick. The process is really straightforward.
The remote is fully functional. You can control all settings via the remote control. It also allows you to access specific tracks directly without having to get down to the CD player.
Yamaha CD-S300: Cons
Although the sound quality is quite impressive for such an affordable model, it is still not in the same league as Marantz CD5005. It does not give the same levels of detail and accuracy. Unlike the more expensive models, a cheap CD player usually can only extract so much information from the track at a time.
The performance is also not as fast as Marantz CD5005. This is not a big problem, as Yamaha CD-S300 is capable of reading a CD within a few seconds. The delay is still tolerable. But having a faster CD player is always better, right?
Finally, although Yamaha CD-S300 can play SACD Hybrid CDs, it is not able to play the SACD layer on any disc. Meanwhile, the USB port only supports MP3 audio files. The USB port does not recognize high-res audio formats.
Marantz CD5005: Overview
Marantz CD5005 is a dedicated CD player that offers higher levels of sound quality and performance. It is more expensive than Yamaha CD-S300, but it is worth the money. The improvements and additional features are all great. It also comes with a better remote control.
Marantz CD5005 is quite larger. On the front, you can find all the basic buttons and controls. To access the setup menu, you have to use the remote control. It looks classy and stylish with the brushed aluminum and curved design. This model has an integrated headphone amp, which is handy if you don’t want to use an external amp when using a headset.
This model has playback compatibility for MP3, WMA, AAC, SACD, and CD-R/RW discs. It also has pitch control, which is nice if you like nightcore songs. It is eco-friendly with an auto standby feature and low power consumption. You can read the detailed specifications from Marantz here.
Marantz CD5005: Pros
Marantz CD5005 is definitely a higher-class model than Yamaha CD-S300. The sound quality is noticeably better. It does have natural, accurate sound with better clarity and greater detail. You won’t go back to your old CD player once you have listened to Marantz CD5005.
This model also has the “Audio Exclusive” mode which, according to the manufacturer, can enhance the output for higher-quality audiophile sound. In use, the special mode notably increases the detail so that you can hear more of the instruments and backup vocals.
The performance is also better. It is faster when reading a CD and starting the playback. This is a nice plus point, as most people hate waiting when they want to start listening to their favorite music.
We have mentioned that Marantz CD5005 comes with a built-in headphone amp. On the rear panel, you can find several connection options. In addition to the gold-plated analog outs, there is also a coaxial output and an optical output. You can connect Marantz CD5005 to a Marantz stereo amplifier so that you only need one remote to control both units.
Marantz CD5005: Cons
One major disadvantage of Marantz CD5005 is the lack of a USB port. This model does not have any USB port, so you can’t play your favorite music from an iPod or flash drive stick. You can only use it to play CDs.
Don’t forget that Marantz CD5005 is bigger and bulkier. You need to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the CD player.
Yamaha CD-S300 Vs Marantz CD5005
| Name | Yamaha CD-S300 | Marantz CD5005 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Yamaha CD-S300 | Marantz CD5005 |
| Features | - MP3,WMA,iPod,CD-R/RW disc playback compatibility - High performance DAC for high conversion precision with low noise - Laser pickup floating mechanism | - CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA and AAC playback Pitch Control - CD Text display Digital coaxial and optical outputs - New system remote controller App control via RC-5 with Marantz Network Player |
| Ratings | 4.4 out of 5.0 stars | 3.7 out of 5.0 stars |
| Price | ||
| Best deal | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
Between Yamaha CD-S300 vs Marantz CD5005, we recommend you to choose Marantz CD5005. This is a higher class model with significantly better sound quality and performance. The sound has more clarity and detail. It also has a built-in headphone amp, a better remote control, and several output options.