Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player (Black)

BH #YACDS303BL • MFR #CD-S303BL
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Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player (Black)
Key Features
  • Single-Disc Tray
  • 192 kHz / 24-Bit DAC
  • USB Port
  • MP3, WMA, LPCM, AAC, FLAC Playback
Enjoy stereo sound from CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, data CDs, and compatible USB drives with the black Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player. It uses a 192 kHz / 24-bit digital-to-analog converter for detailed audio reproduction from the stereo RCA analog output, or you can use your own DAC via the optical or digital coaxial outputs. A remote control and stereo RCA cable are included as an added convenience.
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Yamaha CD-S303BL Overview

Enjoy stereo sound from CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, data CDs, and compatible USB drives with the black Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player. It uses a 192 kHz / 24-bit digital-to-analog converter for detailed audio reproduction from the stereo RCA analog output, or you can use your own DAC via the optical or digital coaxial outputs. A remote control and stereo RCA cable are included as an added convenience.

Designed to Deliver Enjoyable Sound Quality
Inheriting many of the sound quality features of the high-end CD player components, the CD-S303 CD player delivers sound that will satisfy devoted music fans. In addition to CDs, it also provides high-quality playback of music files stored on USB memory devices via a USB port on the front panel.
Sophisticated Circuitry and Layout
Yamaha technicians devoted a great deal of time and effort to designing the overall interior layout of parts and circuit boards, a factor that significantly affects sound quality. As a result, the power supplies for the motor drive, display, and USB sections, as well as the digital and analog sections, are individually isolated, eliminating electromagnetic interference among them. To achieve ideal weight balance for stable performance, the drive mechanism is located in the center of the unit.
Short Signal Paths
The logical and symmetrical internal layout of parts and circuit boards are designed to keep the signal paths on each board as short as possible. This purposeful design also keeps the paths between sections straight and short, minimizing the chance of signal loss or interference.
Pure Direct Mode
The CD-S303 offers Pure Direct Mode, which is the same popular feature included in Yamaha amplifiers and receivers. By pressing the button on the front panel or on the remote control, it shuts down the digital audio output and turns off the display. This achieves the lowest possible noise interference and, therefore, the highest sound quality of the analog audio output.
Well-Matched, High-Quality Parts
Each of the individual elements in a CD player influences the sound quality, which is why Yamaha puts a great deal of effort into the selection and matching of parts and materials. A high-grade acoustic capacitor, a low-noise, high-gain bandwidth op amp, and the use of damping material under the transformer and around the signal cables are just a few examples of the Yamaha commitment to great sound quality.
High-Performance D/A Converter
Utilizing a 192 kHz/24-bit DAC, the high-performance D/A conversion system takes full advantage of the digital technology refined by Yamaha over a period of many years, ensuring excellent conversion precision, S/N ratio, and dynamic range.
Enjoy Your MP3, WMA, LPCM, AAC, and FLAC Music
The USB port on the front panel gives you an easy way to enjoy high-quality sound from MP3, WMA, LPCM, AAC, or FLAC digital music files stored on USB memory devices. You can also play files recorded on CD-R/RW discs.
Laser Pickup Floating Mechanism
The laser pickup is isolated on a floating mechanism so its delicate operation cannot be affected by vibration.
Intelligent Digital Servo
Conventional tracking servo circuitry cannot completely overcome errors caused by a warped disc, dust, and other defects. This system uses a dependable DSP, exclusive for CDs, to monitor the signal, adjusting pickup tracking and focus, as well as spindle motor speed, to compensate for any problems.
3-Mode CD Text Display
Information about the currently playing CD is shown right on the CD player's display. The 3-mode CD Text display shows the CD's title, the artist's name, and the title of the track.
Program Play (Audio CDs Only)
It's easy to program the tracks you want to hear in any order. You can clear the program at any time with a single touch.
Additional Features
  • Compatible with FAT16 & FAT32 USB file systems
  • 10-key direct track and direct access
  • Random play
  • Repeat play (full/single)
  • 3-mode time display
  • Four illumination levels
  • Last track resume
  • Ready Mode
  • Play Mode memory
UPC: 027108960043

Yamaha CD-S303BL Specs

Key Specs
Disc Capacity
1
Supported Disc Types
CD
Bit Rates
8 to 320 kb/s
Skip Protection
No
Audio I/O
1/4" TRS Unbalanced Stereo / Coaxial / Stereo 2RCA / TOSLINK
Media Support
Supported Formats
CD / FLAC / MP3 / WMA
Disc Capacity
1
Supported Disc Types
CD, CD-R, CD-RW
Audio
DAC
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Frequency Response
2 Hz to 20 kHz
2 Hz to 22 kHz
2 Hz to 44 kHz -3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
≤0.003% at 1 kHz
Dynamic Range
96 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio
105 dB
Bit Rates
8 to 320 kb/s
Skip Protection
No
Connectivity
Audio I/O
1x 2RCA Output
1x TOSLINK Output
1x Coaxial Output
1x 1/4" Stereo Output
Other I/O
1x USB-A Input
Power
Input Power
120 VAC, 60 Hz
Power Consumption
11 W (Typical)
0.2 W (Standby)
General
Dimensions
13.6 x 10.2 x 3.4" / 34.5 x 26 x 8.7 cm
Weight
7.7 lb / 3.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
11.37 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
21.7 x 15 x 6.5"

Yamaha CD-S303BL Reviews

Almost perfect

By Douglas
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-06-03

I have had it for a few weeks now. Do not regret the purchase. Sounds wonderful with no problems. Dislikes: I wish it was available in silver. The play/pause/stop buttons should be larger. Any button should wake it up from standby mode.

Works great, sounds great, looks great

By Mark
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-02-25

Although I did not purchase my Yamaha CD S-303 from B&H I have purchased quite a few things from them in the past. And, I feel so strongly about this player that I thought I'd like to submit a good review. I am a 67 year old lifelong audiophile. I've owned my share of gear, both modest and expensive. I most strongly recommend the Yamaha CD S-303 player. First, this player actually works. I have a Rotel CD11 Tribute that cost $600 (as opposed to the price of this one) and it has not read discs, skipped, etc. Secondly, I love the sound of this player. It runs quietly and plays even my burned CDs (CD-R) without fuss and sonically - well, I really don't see a difference from it and the pricier cd players. You can dim the display which is not annoying LED blue to begin with. It's a soft whitish color with a tint of blue I'd say. There's a co-axial out if you choose to run a separate DAC. I do not because I feel the sound quality of this player is excellent. It has beautiful Yamaha styling. I first bought the predecessor to this player - the CD S-300. Also great. I liked it so much I decided to get the 303 as well. It has never, never, never misplayed a cd. That alone should count for someone trying to make a decision on buying this vs. a different brand player. I see that Yamaha has discontinued the higher priced players and I do hope they keep making excellent, decently priced players such as this.

See any errors on this page?

Is this CD player compatible with older Yamaha ...

Is this CD player compatible with older Yamaha receiver HTR-5640? How does this plug to receiver?
Asked by: Stephanie
You would use a stereo pair RCA cable like B&H # KOSRC4010 to connect the Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player to the Yamaha HTR-5640 receiver.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2022-07-04

Does using the digital outputs bypass the ...

Does using the digital outputs bypass the internal DAC, essentially converting functionality to CD transport?
Asked by: Sherif
Yes you can bypass the DAC inside of the Yamaha CS-S303 using the digital output.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2023-07-10

Can I connect this to a Sonos Port?

Can I connect this to a Sonos Port?
Asked by: Kathryn
Yes you can connect the Yamaha CD-S303 to a Sonos Port.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2022-07-27

I bought this player and initially had all kinds ...

I bought this player and initially had all kinds of issues with it. check if yours is running the latest firmware. -what means this?
Asked by: Breck
Here is a link to the firmware update for the Yamaha CD-S303. https://usa.yamaha.com/support/updates/cd-s303_cd-s303rk.html
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2022-12-23

Will the USB port play music on an iPod?

Will the USB port play music on an iPod?
Asked by: Dianne
No the USB port on the Yamaha CD-S303 CD Player will not play music from an iPod.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2022-09-20

Is the player I would receive fitted with the ...

Is the player I would receive fitted with the latest firmware? (See review on this problem)
Asked by: Breck
Here is a link to the firmware update for the Yamaha CD-S303. https://usa.yamaha.com/support/updates/cd-s303_cd-s303rk.html
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2022-11-30
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