List of Portable CD Players With an Optical (Digital) Line Out

This is a list that I was looking for, but nobody had.

So I created one myself…manually.

I tried to use AI to create this list, but the information was patchy because portable CD players haven't been archived on the internet in the same way that mobile phones have been, so there aren't any large databases with specs on each device.

To create this list, I had to research each model individually on the manufacturer's website and on eBay to see if it had an optical line out port.

Since many vintage portable CD players with the optical line out feature cost more than the average used portable, having a list that you can check periodically will increase your chances of finding a good deal.

Bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you're in the market for this type of CD player.

I'll also feature new CD players with an optical line out too, if you don't want to take any risks with old equipment.

Before I get into it, be sure to double check what you're buying. Although I do my best to provide the most accurate information, there may be unintentional mistakes in this list (aka human error).

These also aren't all of the models available, but I'll add to this list when I find models that are missing. There might be a ton of international variations that I don't have access to information about.

OK, let's get into it…

Why Get a Portable CD Player with an Optical Line Out?

The bottom line is that an optical line out jack allows you to bypass the internal Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) in the CD player and use any external DAC you want.

Since the DAC in most portable CD players is bearable at best, having the optical line out option allows your CD player to act as a CD transport, a feature that's usually only available on higher end stereo components.

Your portable CD player is simply passing the data from the disc directly to your external DAC, without translating it into sound.

So you're able to use a tiny device that's relatively inexpensive compared to most home audio components and many times get very similar sound quality.

This is perfect for minimalists who don't want a full sized shelf CD player, or people who want a high quality mobile setup.

What to Consider Before You Buy

Before you jump into buying a portable CD player, there are a few things that you should think about.

First, vintage portable CD players will tend to have some issues because they are so old.

Even if a unit has been sitting in the original box this whole time, rubber can dry out and lubricant can start to get sticky.

Therefore, it helps to buy 2 or 3 of the same model so you have some parts. It's also useful to look for models that have a lot of supply available, so you have more to choose from.

If you don't want to potentially deal with this, then consider buying a brand new unit.

I have some new options in the list below.

Next, all CD players are not created equal.

You might have to buy a few units to try them out first. There might be quirks that won't be obvious until you actually use the device.

Even if you have the line out option, you might also want the headphone jack to sound good too. So that will take some testing.

Finally, consider the batteries for the unit you're buying.

Many super slim players used proprietary batteries instead of the standard AAs to achieve the thinner profile.

At a certain point, those custom batteries probably won't be available anymore. So you'll be forced to run the CD player on the AC adapter, or get a new CD player.

But keep in mind that some players also came with external battery packs that used AA batteries, even if the body of the player used a custom battery design.

Some players use AAA batteries and probably don't run as long as the AA players do.

I would highly recommend getting a CD player that uses AA batteries, unless you know that you'll only use the CD player at home on an AC adapter.

To add further complication, some CD players can sound better when using batteries, so that's something you'll have to test too…if the sound quality really matters to you.

Alright, here's the list….

After the list, I provide some useful accessories to use with your optical line out portable CD player.

Vintage Portable CD Players with an Optical (Digital) Line Out

Models with an Optical Line Out port will have it written on the body above or below the port.

Many Sony models also have optical ports that are colored white, so that's an easy way to spot them in pictures.

eBay is usually the best place to find good deals on retro CD players, but I have found a couple on Mercari. Use this link to get a $10 credit on Mercari.

New Portable CD Players

Keep in mind that newer CD players usually have fixed batteries, which may be hard to replace when they stop working.

There is a lot of junk out there when it comes to new portable CD players, so be sure to read the ratings carefully before buying. These are the best portables on the market today.

Amazon is usually the best place to find good deals on new CD players, but another good place to find them is on Mercari. Use this link to get $10 off your first purchase on Mercari.

Accessories for Your Optical Line Out CD Player

Here are a few things that are useful to have when you own a new or used portable CD player.

Also remember to clean your CDs so you get the best performance out of them.

Replacement Power Adapter

There are 3 ways to get a replacement adapter.

First, you can buy an original unit on eBay. If you get lucky, you might be able to find one that's new or almost new.

It might be hard to find one and if you do, it could be expensive.

There's a better way. Many companies make replacement units for older electronics and they are usually inexpensive.

Just look up the “brand + model number + adapter” on eBay or Amazon and you'll probably find something.

The third way to buy a universal adapter. These adapters allow you to change the voltage and tips to match your CD player.

Belker 12W 3V 4.5V 5V 6V 7.5V 9V 12V Adjustable Voltage Universal AC/DC Adapter Power Supply for Household Electronics

See Pricing on Amazon

It's almost guaranteed that one of these will work with your CD player. Just be sure that it has the voltage setting that your CD player requires.

If you use too high of a voltage, it will blow out your CD player.

AA Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are the best thing to use in portable CD players.

This kit comes with the charger, which is really handy.

Eneloop – Panasonic Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger Pack with 4 AA 2100 Cycle Rechargeable Batteries

See Pricing on Amazon

Plastic Safe Lubricant

No, you cannot use WD-40 on everything…

This grease is essential for maintaining retro CD players.

If you use the wrong lubricant on plastic parts, it can cause the plastic to shrink or expand and might cause your CD player to stop working at some point.

This is what I use.

It's perfect for plastic gears, plastic sliders and any metal parts that come into contact with plastic parts.

Dow Corning Molykote EM-30L – High Performance Synthetic Grease Lubricant

See Pricing on Amazon

Digital Line Out Cable

This is the cable you need to plug your portable CD player into your stereo.

Just be sure that your DAC or receiver has an optical input in the back.

EMK Toslink to Mini Toslink Optical Audio Cable 24K Gold-Plated Digital S/PDIF Fiber Optic Cables for Home Theater, Sound Bar, TVs, Amplifiers, Hi-Fi Systems (26FT/8M)

See Pricing on Amazon

DAC Preamp

The easiest way to plug your portable CD player with an optical line out into your home stereo is to use one of these DACs.

There are plenty of them out there, so do your research.

But this one is very highly rated and has excellent sound quality.

Fosi Audio ZD3 Desktop DAC Preamp, Fully Balanced Digital to Analog Audio Converter for Home Stereo Amplifier, Bluetooth/USB/Optical/Coax/TV HDMI ARC Input, XLR/RCA Output with Remote

See Pricing on Amazon

Final Thoughts

So those are the models of CD players that have a optical line out jack.

They can be an easy way to add a high quality CD player to your home sound system, without paying the audiophile price.

It might take some experimentation to find the right model, but it can be well worth it.

Now get out there and find more CDs!

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