Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player, Black

The Yamaha CD-S303 is a CD player that plays back CDs and USB music files through its own 192 kHz/24-bit converter with Pure Direct circuitry.

The CD is far from dead – and a good CD player like the CD-S303 shows why. Here, Yamaha packs technology from significantly more expensive units into an affordable, thoroughly solid chassis.

Why the CD-S303?

Yamaha built the internals with strict symmetry, isolated the power supplies for the transport, display, USB, and the digital and analog sections from one another, and kept the signal paths short. Sounds like engineering minutiae, but it's exactly what keeps noise away. The 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converter pulls a clean, dynamic signal out of every disc.

What you'll hear

A calm, precise sound that reaches well beyond its price class. At the press of a button, the Pure Direct circuit switches off the display and digital output so nothing disturbs the analog output. Besides CD and CD-R/RW, the front USB port also plays MP3, WMA, LPCM, AAC, and FLAC from your stick – making the CD-S303 more than just a disc spinner.

Who is the CD-S303 for? (and who it isn't)

Perfect for anyone with a real CD collection who wants to hear it in good quality without spending a fortune. Honestly: if you only stream and never put in a CD, you don't need it. But if you enjoy holding a disc in your hand, you get remarkable value for money here.

Our verdict

A CD player that doesn't make a fuss about itself and simply plays cleanly – solidly built, uncomplicated, and sonically above its class. An honest way into proper CD listening.

Technical data

• Disc compatibility: CD, CD-R/RW
• USB formats (front): MP3, WMA, LPCM, AAC, FLAC
• D/A converter: 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Pure Direct: yes
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB (CD)
• Dynamic range: 96 dB
• THD (1 kHz): 0.003% (CD)
• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 20 kHz (CD)
• Outputs: optical, coaxial, analog RCA
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 435 × 86 × 260 mm
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Included: CD-S303, remote control

Frequently asked questions

Which formats does the CD-S303 play?
Audio CDs as well as self-burned CD-R and CD-RW. The front USB port adds MP3, WMA, LPCM, AAC, and FLAC. That covers both classic discs and digital files with a single device.

What does the Pure Direct circuit do?
At the press of a button, it silences the display and digital output so they don't feed noise into the analog signal path. The result is a calmer, clearer sound – especially noticeable during quiet passages.

Can I connect the CD-S303 digitally to my amplifier?
Yes. Besides the analog RCA output, it offers an optical and a coaxial digital output. That lets you either use the internal converter or send the signal to an external DAC or AV receiver.

Does the CD-S303 need a separate DAC?
No. Its built-in 192 kHz/24-bit converter delivers clean, dynamic playback. Via the digital output, you can still add an external DAC later on if you want to upgrade.

Why buy the CD-S303 at HD Zürisee?
Because we've known since the early days of the Hi-Fi industry which devices hold up in everyday use. In Wädenswil, we advise you on the right combination of amplifier and speakers, deliver and install on request – and we're here for you even after the purchase.

Goes well with

You'll find the matching amplifier and the right speakers to go with it – or the entire Yamaha range – in our collections.