Introduction
A quality CD player forms the foundation of great disc playback, but carefully chosen accessories can enhance performance, protect your investment, and improve your overall listening experience. This guide covers essential accessories every CD enthusiast should consider, from maintenance supplies to audio enhancement options.
Essential Maintenance Accessories
Proper maintenance keeps your player and discs performing optimally for years.
#
Lens Cleaning Discs
A lens cleaning disc should be in every CD owner's toolkit. These special discs feature tiny brushes that gently sweep the laser lens as the disc spins, removing dust that accumulates during normal use.
Use a cleaning disc every three to six months under normal conditions, or monthly in dusty environments. Quality options from Allsop, Maxell, and similar brands cost under $20 AUD and last through many uses.
#
Disc Cleaning Supplies
Clean discs play better and last longer. Essential cleaning supplies include:
Microfibre Cloths: Lint-free cloths designed for optical surfaces. Keep several on hand and wash them regularly.
Disc Cleaning Solution: Purpose-formulated cleaners safe for polycarbonate surfaces. Avoid household cleaners that may damage discs.
Disc Cleaning Machines: For serious collectors, motorised cleaning machines provide thorough, consistent cleaning. Manual models start around $50 AUD; automatic versions cost more but process discs faster.
#
Storage Solutions
Proper storage protects your collection and keeps it organised.
Replacement Cases: Cracked jewel cases should be replaced to protect discs. Bulk cases are inexpensive.
Storage Racks: Purpose-built CD racks store discs vertically, preventing warping. Choose units that match your space and collection size.
Disc Sleeves: For space-efficient storage, paper or plastic sleeves allow filing many discs in minimal space, though you lose the artwork and liner notes.
#
Essential Tip
Store CDs away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. A climate-controlled living space is ideal; garages and attics are not.
Audio Enhancement Accessories
These accessories can improve sound quality, though benefits vary.
#
Quality Interconnect Cables
The cables connecting your CD player to your amplifier matter—to a point. Upgrading from the cheapest cables to quality mid-range interconnects often yields audible improvement. However, the law of diminishing returns applies strongly; extremely expensive cables rarely justify their premium over good mid-range options.
Look for cables with: - Quality RCA connectors with good grip - Adequate shielding against interference - Robust construction that will last years
Expect to pay $50-150 AUD for quality interconnects. Cables costing more than your CD player are almost certainly unnecessary.
#
Digital Cables
If you're using your player's digital output to feed an external DAC, a quality digital cable matters. Options include:
Optical (Toslink): Glass-fibre cables sound identical regardless of price; buy quality construction, not premium pricing.
Coaxial (S/PDIF): Here cable quality can matter. Look for proper 75-ohm impedance cables rather than standard audio interconnects.
#
Power Cables
Aftermarket power cables generate controversy. Some listeners report improvements; others consider them snake oil. If you experiment, start with modestly priced options and trust your ears.
#
Isolation and Vibration Control
CD players are sensitive to vibration, which can affect laser tracking. Isolation products include:
Isolation Feet: Rubber, sorbothane, or composite feet replace stock feet to reduce vibration transfer from the surface.
Isolation Platforms: Dedicated platforms using various technologies (springs, air, composite materials) isolate the player from environmental vibrations.
Spikes: For players on carpeted surfaces, spikes can provide more stable footing.
These products range from $30 for basic feet to hundreds or thousands for sophisticated platforms. Start modestly and assess whether benefits justify cost in your specific situation.
Convenience Accessories
These items enhance usability without directly affecting audio.
#
Remote Control Replacements
Lost or broken remotes can be replaced with universal remotes or manufacturer replacements. Learning remotes can consolidate multiple components onto a single handset.
#
Surge Protectors
While not exciting, a quality surge protector safeguards your equipment against power spikes. Choose units with adequate joule ratings and connected equipment warranties.
#
Equipment Racks
A proper audio rack provides stable, level surfaces for all your components, with space for cable routing and ventilation. Dedicated audio racks often include vibration isolation features.
Portable Player Accessories
Portable CD player users benefit from specific accessories.
#
Quality Headphones
The headphones bundled with portable players are typically mediocre. Upgrading to quality headphones dramatically improves the listening experience. Consider:
In-Ear Monitors: Compact, isolating, with excellent sound quality when you invest appropriately.
Portable Over-Ears: Foldable full-size headphones offering superior sound and comfort.
Look for models with balanced sound signatures and good isolation, allowing lower volume levels.
#
Carrying Cases
Protect your portable player with a padded carrying case. Cases designed for portable electronics protect against bumps and scratches during transport.
#
Battery Accessories
Rechargeable Batteries: Quality NiMH batteries reduce ongoing costs and environmental impact.
Battery Cases: Keep spare batteries organised and protected from short circuits.
Portable Chargers: USB battery packs with appropriate adapters provide emergency charging away from outlets.
#
Belt Clips and Armbands
Secure carrying options for active use. Look for robust construction that won't fail during exercise.
Accessories to Approach with Caution
Some accessories promise more than they deliver.
#
CD "Enhancing" Treatments
Various products claim to improve CD sound through edge treatments, surface coatings, or other interventions. Scientific evidence for these claims is minimal. If you experiment, do so with healthy skepticism and compare treated and untreated discs carefully.
#
Exotic Power Conditioning
Basic surge protection makes sense; elaborate power conditioning with questionable claims may not. In Australia's generally clean power environment, benefits are often minimal.
#
Ultra-Premium Cables
Cables costing hundreds or thousands of dollars rarely offer improvements proportional to their price premium over quality mid-range options.
Building Your Accessory Collection
Start with essentials that protect your investment:
1. Lens cleaning disc 2. Disc cleaning supplies 3. Quality storage solutions 4. Decent interconnect cables 5. Surge protection
Add enhancement accessories as budget and interest allow, prioritising those offering the most audible improvement in your specific system.
Conclusion
Thoughtfully chosen accessories protect your CD player and collection while potentially enhancing audio performance. Start with maintenance essentials, upgrade cables to a sensible quality level, and consider vibration control if your environment requires it.
Avoid being seduced by exotic products promising miraculous improvements. The foundation of great CD sound is a quality player, well-maintained discs, and careful system setup. Accessories should complement that foundation, not attempt to substitute for it.
Written by Michael Chen
Audio Equipment Specialist
Michael Chen is part of the CDPlayer.com.au editorial team, bringing expertise and passion to help Australian music lovers find their perfect CD player.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, CDPlayer.com.au earns from qualifying purchases. Our editorial content is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.