Currently I'm using a DVD player deck as a CD player deck, because dedicated CD players are very expensive here. Not all DVD players will do CDs, though. Cheap ones often do.

I have two MP3 player 'walkman' things, though like Kendal I'm not delighted with the quality. I can plug them into the lounge Amp, which makes them louder, but not higher quality. OK if you are not 'listening,' though. Recorded/converted from CDs on the computer. If you are going to buy one, look to the batteries. One of mine takes replaceables, the other charges through a USB port. Flying Auckland to London means 24hrs away from a mains supply.

The car radio is new (The old one died) and it also plays MP3s/CDs/CDRs, and I'm playing CDRs of MP3s on that, copies of my disk-backup MP3s that are on the MP3 players. Recorded using Nero as Data, because you seem to get more tracks on that way.

I am also turning my LPs into CDRs, but slowly, it is a tedious process. I'm not delighted about the longevity of CDRs, though, and have them backed up twice. It is all possible, even by me.