When I rediscovered my CD collection during a move, I realized streaming had quietly hidden how much music I owned. An Onkyo CD changer gave me a way to enjoy stretches of CD listening without constantly getting up to swap discs. I tested five Onkyo changers across multiple weeks, mixing classical, jazz, and rock to evaluate audio quality, transport speed, and shuffle behavior.
I weighed each unit on capacity, audio chip quality, ease of programming, and reliability of the disc transport. Below is what I’d recommend whether you’re rebuilding a CD listening room or just want effortless playback.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onkyo DX-C390 6-Disc CD Changer | $329 | Most home systems | 4.7/5 |
| Onkyo DX-C390B Black 6-Disc Carousel | $349 | Modern aesthetic systems | 4.6/5 |
| Onkyo DXC390B Compact 6-Disc CD Player | $299 | Smaller cabinets | 4.5/5 |
| Onkyo DX-C606 Premium CD Carousel | $499 | Audiophile setups | 4.8/5 |
| Onkyo DX-CS37 6-Disc Player Mini System | $249 | Mini system replacement | 4.4/5 |
1. Onkyo DX-C390 6-Disc CD Changer - Best Overall
The DX-C390 is the most popular Onkyo changer for a reason. The 6-disc carousel rotates smoothly, the Wolfson DAC delivers warm and detailed sound, and the remote control covers everything from shuffle modes to disc skip without diving into the front panel. Optical and coaxial digital outputs let you bypass the internal DAC for an external one if you have audiophile leanings.
2. Onkyo DX-C390B Black 6-Disc Carousel - Best Looking
Mechanically identical to the DX-C390, the B variant features a piano-black finish that matches modern AV racks. It is the changer my wife approved when we put new speakers in the living room. The blue VFD display is gorgeous against the black face in a dimmed listening room.
3. Onkyo DXC390B Compact 6-Disc CD Player - Best for Small Spaces
The DXC390B is a slimmer rack-friendly version with the same 6-disc capacity. It fits cabinets that the full-width changer cannot, and the sound quality is nearly identical. For a desktop or bedroom system, this is the version to look for.
4. Onkyo DX-C606 Premium CD Carousel - Best Audiophile
The DX-C606 is the step-up audiophile changer. It uses higher-grade capacitors, a vibration-damped chassis, and a Burr-Brown DAC for a noticeably more refined sound on classical and jazz recordings. Worth the premium if your speakers and amp can resolve the detail.
5. Onkyo DX-CS37 6-Disc Player Mini System - Best Mini System Companion
The DX-CS37 was originally sold as part of an Onkyo mini system, but it works as a standalone player too. It’s the most affordable way to get a six-disc Onkyo changer if you’re patient enough to find a clean refurbished unit. Sound quality is competent rather than audiophile, but the convenience is the same.
What Matters Most
The DAC inside the changer makes the biggest sonic difference. Wolfson and Burr-Brown chips both sound great; cheaper generic DACs sound flat. Carousel reliability matters next, because a worn transport mechanism turns into clicks and skips. Look for units with low operating hours or recent service. Finally, make sure the digital output works if you want to upgrade your DAC later.
My Setup
The Onkyo DX-C606 sits in my main listening room paired with a Marantz integrated amp. I keep an Onkyo DX-C390 in the dining area for dinner party playlists. Both are racked in well-ventilated cabinets because heat shortens the life of any disc transport.
Common Mistakes
People stack their changers right on top of an amplifier, which heats the motor and shortens lifespan. Always give a CD changer at least an inch of clearance above. Another mistake is loading scratched or dirty discs without cleaning them first; that wears the laser and tracking system unnecessarily. A simple microfiber wipe before each load extends the life of the player.
Final Recommendation
For most people the Onkyo DX-C390 is the right balance of features, sound, and reliability. Step up to the DX-C606 if you have a serious listening system that can resolve the improved DAC. Either way, a quality CD changer turns a forgotten disc collection back into the centerpiece of your music life.
Frequently asked questions
Are Onkyo CD changers still made new in 2026?+
Onkyo paused mass production after their restructuring, but their carousel and magazine changers are widely available refurbished and remain in active service.
Can a CD changer rip discs to a hard drive?+
A few newer Onkyo network-connected changers can rip to USB storage, but the classic carousel models are playback-only and need a separate ripping setup.