Once you start closing channel 1 you have to pan channel 2 back to the middle. Back to the top . The principle behind mixing with CDs does not differ much from mixing vinyl. That was one wrong prediction. Comparing vinyl records with CDs will be a battle without end because both systems have something in advance over the other.
CDs are lighter to carry around and are less vulnerable to scratching.
But this discussion is outside the scope of this web-page. Decide for yourself. Double front-loading CD players come with a separate front panel which holds the displays and controls for both the drives. Single top-loading single CD players are more like the turntables, drive and controls are incorporated into a single unit. Hit Cue .