Aiwa CDC-Z106

***This is for the Aiwa CDC-Z107 that replaced this model***

I purchased this radio because it was the cheapest in-dash CD player I could find. I was also looking for a volume dial(more on that later) The name Aiwa was also a selling point as I trust them. I was looking to replace a failing Blaupunk CD in my 1990 Plymouth Colt(see my review). I found this fine little radio with some nice features and two surprises.

The installation was easy. The documentation was clear and had good wiring diagrams for the speakers and power. Never having installed a car radio before I found the wiring diagram the most helpful part. All I had to do was find where the wire out of my old radio went and splice it into the bundle on the Aiwa.

One thing that bothers me about most car radios is the lack of a volume dial. I understand that they do all kinds of fancy button layouts that include a volume up and volume down but I don't like them. I just want a dial so that I can quickly and easily change the volume exactly where I want it. The last radio I had changed in increments of four and was difficult to get just the right volume. This radio had a round dial with raised spokes so I can just put my finger in the middle and rotate it.

Aiwa included 18FM presets, 16AM presets, and an auxilary port on the front. Now, I don't think most people need more than about six presets unless they commute between distinct radio markets like in the north-east US. Living in Denver I don't have this problem and consider it a minor inconvenience to go through two additional sets of presets to get to my one AM station.

The first surprise feature is the support for cd-audio on CD-R and CD-RW. I have been told that many other decks may support this but this one actually prints it on the front of the unit.

The second surprise feature is the front mounted auxilary port. It is a headphone sized jack that allows you to plug in portable MP3, MD, and Cassette players. All you need is a double ended headphone cord. To go with this is a pre-amp adjustment for the FM/AM/CD/Aux so that you are
not having to turn the volume up and down when you change sources.

I use the jack to listen to my home recorded Mini Discs with my MD walkman and books on tape with my cassette walkman. The only other alternative would be to buy a cassette radio with a separate CD changer or one of those monster units that take up your whole dash with a cassette and CD.

The sound quality is just fine on my Jensen 120w speakers. It is not earth-shaking but it is plenty loud for me. It has a bass boost that is a little much for my cheap speakers. The buttons are simple and intuitive making operation simple. The display is easy to read. These things help you keep your eyes on the road and off of the radio.

This is a great little radio if you want flexibility and quality at a low price.