Sony CDP-CE500
A functioning machine, but the changer format is a stated hard-avoid in current collector consensus and it demands external amplification. Buy the Cambridge Audio AXC25 instead.
Consolidated from 7 cited sources across 3 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 5 positive sources
- 2 mixed sources
1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
The archetypal 5-disc carousel changer still pushed by eBay and refurb listings, and current collector consensus calls CD changers a hard avoid. It also needs external amplification and powered speakers, and is outclassed by any modern single-disc player.
Flagged 10 September 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ A functioning 5-disc carousel changer still available through eBay and refurb channels
- ✓ Reliable construction
- ✓ Strong support network
- ✗ Changer format is a stated hard-avoid in current collector consensus
- ✗ Needs external amplification and powered speakers
- ✗ Outclassed by any modern single-disc player
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 2 video reviews and 5 community sources
5 positive sources
ULTRA RARE! This is an absolutely pristine new-in-box never-been-unpacked Sony 5-disc CD player model CDP-CE500, including remote control, owner packet, and original packaging.View post F Facebook Adam Roberts · owner
Tested and working perfectly. The tray mechanism is smooth, and it reads discs without hesitation. Please review the photos for exact cosmetic condition.View post F Facebook Adam Roberts · owner
Tested and working perfectly. The tray mechanism is smooth, and it reads discs without hesitation. Please review the photos for exact cosmetic condition.View post F Facebook Adam Roberts · owner
Tested and working perfectly. The tray mechanism is smooth, and it reads discs without hesitation. Please review the photos for exact cosmetic condition.View post F Facebook Bonum Vtg · owner
Sony CDP-CE500 5-disc CD changer in good working condition. Tested and working.View post
2 mixed sources
YouTube YouTube review Watch J JoelsDIY JoelsDIY · 2.1K subscribers · Jun 2020 So, my conclusion about this device is: it's pretty cool—just insert a USB, add some CDs, and it will automatically burn them. without thinking about it. However, when comparing tracks in Audacity to see if we're losing quality, I will say: you will lose a little quality. Because this machine copies directly from the CD, but does not record to USB with the same quality as the original trackWatch
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #18 of 25 on our CD players tier list, in D tier. That placement draws on 7 cited sources across 3 outlets.
None of the 7 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Changer format is a stated hard-avoid in current collector consensus. Needs external amplification and powered speakers. Outclassed by any modern single-disc player.
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