I have had Hott CD players in the past. Returned one, gave one away and kept the one I am using now (for years) and I'm still using (the HOTT 511 model), plus this new one the HOTT CD204 Portable CD Player. The old one still works fine. Just worried CD players may go the way of the dodo bird so I wanted a spare. I only use the CD player to listen to music CDs I burned myself, and in the dark, before I go to sleep at night. I do not use it in the car (I still have one built in) and I don't use it to listen to audio books preferring hardcovers. That being said, I also don't use ear buds, ever, on any gizmo so this review doesn't include what came with the player. I have a regular set of Vogek headphones (no problems with using them in the CD 204 but initially didn't go in all the way, had to push) and I prefer regular batteries to rechargeable ones so can't speak to recharging batteries. There are only a few things where I prefer my older HOTT CD player and that is having the volume control on the side (because I listen in the dark) of the CD player and the CD player playing no matter how it is held or placed. The CD 204 shut down immediately when I turned it upside down to read the model number but since I listen in a recliner and don't go hunting for model numbers every time I use it, that scenario won't happen again, anyway. If your CD player doesn't work at all, make sure your batteries clicked into place and are facing in the correct direction. I made that "batteries not clicking in fully" mistake but it was the first thing I checked. Having had the older model, didn't need to look at any directions to start using it. There are more sound quality options on the CD 204 and the old options aren't the same on the new one. Example: I like treble in my music CDs. That was the Jazz setting on my old Hott. On this one, Jazz doesn't achieve it. I use Pop for more treble. Again, a preference, not a problem. The screen is well lit, initially, then goes dark (assume it's to conserve battery power like my cameras). The older model did not have a bright screen. The sound quality on the CD 204 is very good and I'm borderline hard of hearing. If you have an older HOTT cd player, the symbols on the buttons aren't hard to figure out. The + and - is for volume control (not on the older model where you had a rotating dial on the side) and instead of using the arrow pointing right with the up and down 2 parallel lines to turn it on, there is now a button with a power symbol but you would figure that out, anyway. Hold the power button down until the screen lights up, don't just click it. The EQ/DR button is how you choose the the sound type. I suggest you try them all (keep clicking that EQ/DR button with CD playing) until you find the one you like. How long it lasts only time will tell but so far, I like it a lot based on sound quality

This CD Players works just fine. The volume needs adjusting for each CD.

This CD player is brilliant. The sound quality is very good and it has minimal speed and it also has amazing shock resistance, meaning you can use it in a car as well.

Very solid, reliable and durable for the price and excellent sound quality. And I have bought SEVERAL in my time.

Don’t order this y’all. I ordered one for my niece’s birthday and two weeks later it stopped working so I ordered a replacement. Less than two months after that the other one also stopped working. This was not even used that often and it was under parent watch when it was. I contacted the company directly and I’m sending it back to them (on my dime) so they can refund me if and when they receive it (the address is very confusing and does not seem legit so I’ll update my post to let y’all know if I actually get a refund). I feel like they have some major quality problems and you are better off spending more money in order to receive something that actually lasts instead of a headache. I NEVER received a refund for this and even sent the product back with my own money. Don’t use this company!

I am very happy with this purchase! The cd player is as described but most importantly, it sounds very good. I am using a AKH K511 headphone ( purchased last year for $9.79 each from Amazon, Thanks for that ) and find the JAZZ EQ preset sounds the best for the type of music I listen to the most. I find the controls easy to use and lit lcd screen is small but easy to see. Since I received this only yesterday, which is 2 days ahead of the estimated ETA, I will know for sure in the next 6 months how durable this unit will be. So far, YES I do recommend this HOTT CD204 cd player for purchase for a simple personal portable cd player!

I listen to books on CD players to help get myself to sleep. When Insignia cd players (the best) disappeared from the market(except for exorbitant prices) I had to search for anything that seemed viable. I got onto Hott as when pictured it seems the buttons were simple enough. Hott could make it SO much easier. When you get the sound mode that works you have to reset it each time. (Sound is good)) The fast forward and rewind buttons are separated instead of next to each other.. The battery drains relatively quickly. But the price is reasonable and with practice you can work it in the dark if needed. And I have no idea why they made the case as slippery as it is. How about some texture to make is simple to hold onto?

Works so well I bought two of them. Fast shipper. Good quality.

A very good player and a decent price. I particularly like that I have the option of using either AA batteries, or a USB connection to my computer to power my player.

clear sound and eq settings