GoKawiilPS Audio and Naim halt CD player production citing disc drive shortage
PS Audio told customers in January it is ending production of its PMG Signature Audio CD Transport because it can no longer source the optical disc drive mechanism it relies on. Separately, Naim's new Uniti Star Lite streaming amplifier, launched last month, drops the built-in CD player found in the original model because that drive mechanism is no longer manufactured. Neither company has named the specific drive or supplier behind the shortage.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The disappearance of the desktop optical drive market, driven by streaming and digital downloads, appears to be starving niche hi-fi makers of a critical component they cannot easily replicate in-house, as PS Audio's CEO suggested when calling disc-mechanism manufacturing beyond the firm's skills. This could accelerate the broader decline of physical CD playback in premium audio gear, even as some brands like PS Audio hint they may revive cheaper CD transport models once new drive sources emerge.
- PS Audio has stopped making its PMG Signature Audio CD Transport due to a lack of available optical disc drives.
- Naim's Uniti Star Lite ships without a CD player because the drive mechanism used previously is discontinued.
- PS Audio's CEO says a new CD transport could return in 2027, but likely as a cheaper Stellar-series product rather than a PMG flagship.
Sony CDP-CE500 5-Disc CD Player — With premium hi-fi brands abandoning CD transports due to drive shortages, now's a good time to grab a reliable CD player while stock remains available. This kind of unit lets you keep enjoying your physical disc collection without waiting on the uncertain future of high-end optical drives.
See Sony CDP-CE500 5-Disc CD Player on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Kishalaya Kundu, 2026-09-23
Published there as: “High-end audio brands are ditching CD players because nobody makes disc drives anymore”
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