Very few people can hear the difference between a CD and 320 kbps mp3 files made from it. I can't even hear the difference between the CD and 256 kbps mp3 files made from it. The 1% or 2% of listeners who can tell the difference can use FLAC. Imo a portable CD player is not worth carrying around as it is way too bulky. I like using a player that fits in my shirt pocket, or a Sandisk Clip+ which can also be clipped to my shirt. The benefits my old portable CD player offered, AA battery use and AM as well as FM radio aren't worth the extra bulk of the portable CD player. Even if one uses an mp3 CD player, they are limited to 12 hours of music at 256 kbps per disc. One a tiny 8GB clip+ with a 32GB card in it, one can have around 320 hours of music. Who wants to carry around a portable CD player and many discs? Years ago I used to carry a portable CD player and up to 10 CDs. That was so bulky!