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Vinyl records experienced a resurgence in popularity, and now it seems that CDs are poised to be next , due in large part to the affordability of CDs, especially compared to the astronomical prices of vinyl records. If you buy secondhand discs, they may not be in the best condition . To salvage a damaged CD, you probably just need a better, higher-quality CD player.
CD players use a laser to read data from a disc. Without getting too technical, the CD player shoots a low-power laser at the optical disc’s reflective surface. The surface of the disc reflects the laser into a lens, which reads and plays the data written on the disc.
The quality of the laser has a significant impact on whether your CD player will be able to read the data on any given disc, but especially ones that are damaged. High-quality lasers are more precise and can accurately focus on the surface of a CD, even when there are scratches and scuffs on the surface of a disc. In addition, higher quality lasers maintain a consistent power output to reduce read errors due to fluctuations in the laser’s stability.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to test a CD player’s laser quality without some technical know-how and specialized equipment, so it could require some research on your part. When a CD player reads the data on a disc, it is reading tiny bumps that are etched onto the surface of the disc. Unfortunately, these tiny bumps can be obscured by scratches, scuffs, fingerprints, etc.
Thankfully, all CDs are encoded with redundancy data known as Reed-Solomon codes that ensure smooth playback even when the disc is damaged. In addition, thanks to buffering, the listener interruptions in playback can be avoided completely. YouTube , Spotify , Netflix and similar streaming platforms also use buffering, in case the Internet connection drops out momentarily, Buffering acts much the same way with CDs.
The CD player reads data ahead of the current playback time and stores it in a memory buffer, resulting in uninterrupted playback. Better quality CD players from more reputable brands often have better buffering capabilities. CD players utilizing this technology will always advertise it, so do your research before pulling the trigger.
The mechanical components of a CD player, including the motor, lens assembly and tracking mechanism, all play a role in maintaining consistent, error-free playback. The motor is responsible for spinning a CD at a precise speed, the lens assembly includes the laser, and the tracking mechanism moves the lens assembly to ensure that the laser follows the data track on the CD as it spins. Unfortunately, budget and no-name CD players often use cheap, lesser-quality internal parts with these key components, making them more likely to fail or produce errors in playback.
As you may have surmised, based on the previous section, there are many moving parts in a CD player. Unfortunately, all of them create unwanted vibrations, or “noise,” that could interfere with the accurate playback of CDs. To minimize this, manufacturers will use a variety of noise shielding measures (also known as dampening).
Most often, these include using dampening materials like Dynamat inside of the player to absorb vibrations and isolation feet to reduce the transfer of vibrations from the player to the surface it is sitting on. When shopping for a CD player, be on the lookout for a player that has isolation feet. Chances are, if it does, the manufacturer is concerned with minimizing vibrations that can impact playback.
Furthermore, listen to the internals of the CD player when it is in operation. If it’s relatively quiet, there’s a good chance dampening materials are being used. Conversely, if it’s loud and rickety, it would suggest an absence of noise dampening.
If you’re in the market for a CD player, you probably won’t be able to open it to have a look at all of the internal components before you buy it. So, along with the above, you’ll need to consider the factors below to ensure you’re getting a quality CD player. Whether you’re buying new or used, if the CD player is from a trusted brand with a track record of quality products, you’re probably safe.
Additionally, consult reviews. Have a look at what other consumers are saying, and look for professional reviews by folks who know what they’re talking about. There are a number of websites dedicated to audio equipment, so do your homework.
If you’re buying a CD player in person, test it out by bringing a scratched disc with you to see how the unit handles playback. Collecting CDs can be a lot of fun. However, your enjoyment may suffer at the hands of poorly made equipment.
Therefore, if you’re on the hunt for a good, quality CD player, you’ll want to get a player that is reliable. If you can get your hands on the unit before purchasing, inspect it for the things mentioned above. If you can’t, do your homework, as all CD players are not made with the same quality.
Image credit: Pexels . Images by Ryan Lynch. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Ryan is an English & Film Studies teacher.
He splits his time between Australia and the United States. He passes the time on long haul flights by playing retro video games from his youth..
