Responsive Disc Playback Done Right: Sleek Arcam Radia CD5 CD Player Prizes Precision, Transparency, and Balance, Includes ESS SABRE DAC and USB-A Input

Few high-end manufacturers claim a richer history with CD players than Arcam, which built its first model via a from-scratch design all the way back in ’86. The sleek, slender Radio CD5 continues that proud tradition and seamlessly mates — aurally and visually — with the entire Radio Series. Most importantly, it reads the information embedded on your silver discs with involving accuracy and precision, leading to sound marked by a combination of arresting detail, dynamics, and clarity. Simply put: CD5 is a heckuva lot of fun to use. 

Equipped with an ESS SABRE ES9018 DAC and USB-A input for flash drive versatility, the 13.2-pound CD5 supports WAV and FLAC files — and CD-Rs and CD-RWs. A sturdy, smooth loading tray, remote control, and pair of digital outputs give CD5 a desirable blend of traditionalism and modernity. An aluminum chassis, easy-to-read display, understated accents, and robust construction add to the appeal. 

Best of all, CD5 sounds composed, competent, and controlled. In its in-depth evaluation, British journal What Hi-Fi? singles out the device for its nimble agility, leading-edge tracking, snappy pacing, even balance, and refreshingly defined albeit non-analytical performance. A highlight from the review: "It delivers a great big spread of sound that fills up a room easily, but never overwhelms, staying on the pleasant side of transparent and neutral."

Arcam’s generous five-year manufacturer warranty (two years on the drive) and our Satisfaction Guarantee provide more reason to rediscover your disc collection. 

“There hasn’t been a seriously good, seriously capable and seriously fun CD player of this level in a very long time.”
—What Hi-Fi?, 2023 Awards Winner