A straightforward, well-measured single-disc CD player with both optical and coaxial digital outputs, a front USB port for files on a memory stick, and a Pure Direct mode that shuts down the digital output and the display for the quietest possible analogue playback. The CD-S303 does one job properly. It plays CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs, and reads data discs carrying MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC files. Distortion is quoted at 0.003% or lower, signal-to-noise at 105 dB or better and dynamic range at 96 dB or better — competent figures for a player at this price, and Yamaha publishes them rather than hiding behind adjectives. It is unusually flexible on outputs for the money. Both coaxial and optical digital outputs are fitted, so it can feed an outboard converter either way — the CD-C603 changer, by contrast, has optical only. The front-panel USB 2.0 port plays MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC files from a memory device. Pure Direct shuts down the digital output section and turns off the display to keep their switching noise out of the analogue stage. Two things to be clear about. It does not play SACD — SACD appears nowhere in Yamaha’s specification table, product page or manual. And while the product page describes a 192 kHz / 24-bit DAC, that is a capability description rather than a part number; Yamaha names no converter chip for this player, and we will not invent one. Features Plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW, plus MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC data discs Front-panel USB 2.0 port for MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC files from a memory device Both coaxial and optical digital outputs Pure Direct mode shuts down the digital output and display for lowest noise Total harmonic distortion 0.003% or lower Signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB or higher; dynamic range 96 dB or higher Remote control included Full-width 17-1/8″ chassis to match Yamaha’s A-S amplifiers Specifications Type: Single-disc compact disc player Disc formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW. Data discs carrying MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC. Yamaha’s specification table lists only “CD, CD-R/RW”; the fuller data-disc list comes from the manual and product page SACD: Not supported. SACD is not mentioned anywhere in Yamaha’s specification table, product page or owner’s manual for this model DAC: Yamaha names no converter chip for this player. The product page describes a 192 kHz / 24-bit DAC in the context of USB file playback, which is a capability statement rather than a part identification USB: Front panel, USB 2.0. MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC Digital outputs: Coaxial ×1, optical ×1 Analogue output: Unbalanced RCA Pure Direct: Yes. Shuts down the digital audio output and turns off the display Frequency response: 2 Hz – 20 kHz (CD) Total harmonic distortion: 0.003% or lower (CD) Signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB or higher (CD) Dynamic range: 96 dB or higher Remote control: Included. Yamaha does not publish the remote’s model number Dimensions (W×H×D): 17-1/8″ × 3-3/8″ × 10-1/4″ (435 × 87 × 260 mm) Weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg) Power consumption: 11 W Finishes: Not itemised by Yamaha. Product imagery shows black; Yamaha’s own disclaimer notes that colours and finishes shown may vary and lists no options Country of manufacture: Not published. Yamaha prints no country-of-manufacture statement on this model’s US product pages, specification tables or owner’s manual. The only geographic reference in Yamaha’s own documentation is the corporate head-office address in Hamamatsu, Japan, which is a company address and not a manufacturing statement. Third-party retailers and reviewers often assert “made in Japan” for this model — Yamaha does not. Warranty: Two years, parts and labour, under Yamaha Corporation of America’s general A/V Products limited warranty, which covers CD players and changers for two years. This model is not named in the five-year Premium Hi-Fi Products warranty. Registration is not required for coverage. The warranty is enforceable only by the original purchaser and is not transferable.
