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Exceeded my expectations
Pros
front panel auxiliary input, nifty features, works with my CD-R's, doesn't skip, anti-theft, removable face
Cons
can't select radio or CD while mini-plug is connected to auxiliary input
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Can't be beaten for price and performance.
I purchased a refurbished Aiwa CDCX146M indash CD player solely for its front panel auxiliary input. I wanted to connect a portable mp3 cd player. My expectations were very low because of negative Aiwa reviews, but I?ve been very pleasantly surprised.
A sticker on the unit says it was manufactured in September 1999. Aiwa?s website indicates their CD units produced prior to 2000 do not support CD-R, but my CD-Rs play fine (at least my existing collection, all of which use light green dye media). Based on other user reviews, I expected the unit to skip while playing CD's, but even under bumpy driving conditions, no skips! The radio has a feature for automatically memorizing the strongest stations as presets, which is convenient when you go out of town. It also has a timer feature, allowing the radio to turn on and tune in a selected station at an appointed time.
I discovered that powering my separate mp3 player with a cigarette lighter adapter introduced noise when I subsequently connected the player to the Aiwa?s auxiliary input. This was easily remedied with the addition of a ground loop isolator but for the sake of convenience I decided to use rechargeable batteries. An auxiliary connection for external audio devices ensures much better sound quality than FM transmitters or cassette adapters and I?ve been more than pleased. While a device is connected, all other modes are overridden and the display says "Tape In".
I found my refurbished unit on the Ubid auction site. The package was exceptionally clean and included a pouch for the removable face as well as new mounting hardware and wires. It carries a 90 day warranty from the distributor. My "Amount Paid" includes shipping and handling.
In mid-2001, there are a variety of indash mp3 cd players on the market but they are expensive and have limited features. Mating the inexpensive Aiwa to a top rated portable mp3 cd player is a welcome alternative.
A sticker on the unit says it was manufactured in September 1999. Aiwa?s website indicates their CD units produced prior to 2000 do not support CD-R, but my CD-Rs play fine (at least my existing collection, all of which use light green dye media). Based on other user reviews, I expected the unit to skip while playing CD's, but even under bumpy driving conditions, no skips! The radio has a feature for automatically memorizing the strongest stations as presets, which is convenient when you go out of town. It also has a timer feature, allowing the radio to turn on and tune in a selected station at an appointed time.
I discovered that powering my separate mp3 player with a cigarette lighter adapter introduced noise when I subsequently connected the player to the Aiwa?s auxiliary input. This was easily remedied with the addition of a ground loop isolator but for the sake of convenience I decided to use rechargeable batteries. An auxiliary connection for external audio devices ensures much better sound quality than FM transmitters or cassette adapters and I?ve been more than pleased. While a device is connected, all other modes are overridden and the display says "Tape In".
I found my refurbished unit on the Ubid auction site. The package was exceptionally clean and included a pouch for the removable face as well as new mounting hardware and wires. It carries a 90 day warranty from the distributor. My "Amount Paid" includes shipping and handling.
In mid-2001, there are a variety of indash mp3 cd players on the market but they are expensive and have limited features. Mating the inexpensive Aiwa to a top rated portable mp3 cd player is a welcome alternative.
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