JVC KD-SH707 Car CD / MP3 Player
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Similar in In Dash Receivers
- MP3 / WMA Playback: MP3 Playback
- Anti-Theft Protection: Detachable Face Panel
- Player Type: CD
- Controlled Devices: CD Changer
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User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Does its Job well, and with class.
Pros
Great look, motorized/detachable faceplate, quick MP3 playback, front auxilary input, 3 preouts, million features
Cons
cheezy remote, not a fan of the turn volume knob
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
You want creamy MP3 goodness, without breaking the bank? Get it all and MUCH MUCH MORE with this player.
After being in the market for MP3 head units for quite sometime, and drooling over the JVC digifine series for almost a year, they have finally come down to a reasonable price range and now is the best time to get one. (Online that is.) Check out the same unit in Bestbuy, its $360 dollars, but then do what I did, play with it there and realize how cool it is before you buy it.
I picked mine up for $220 at Sounddomain.com, and let me tell you it is worth every penny. The Digifine series produces some of the best high-end car audio playback around, and coupled with MP3 compatibility, it makes the driving experience that much more enjoyable.
Chances are that if you are looking at this review, you want this player for MP3 play back, and you are already familiar with it. I won't go into the vast technical aspects of the technology, but for those of you that are not, imagine 200 songs on one CD. If you don't think this is a feature you'd want, or you don't have the extra tools (i.e. computer & cd burner), check out the KD-SH55, it's the same unit without MP3.
One of the big sells for me on this unit was its MP3 track seek time. Patience is not one of my better virtues, and to wait 5-8 seconds (as in other MP3 units) for a song to load just wouldn't cut it. The JVC does it in less than 2. Not as quick as I would PERSONALLY like, but still not bad at all. The unit also has a lot of other MP3 features that I've come to find out others are lacking. The KD-SH707 supports an UNLIMITED number of directories and sub-directories, and then sub-directories to those sub-directories – well you get the point. Although I would not advise for a huge amount of folders, just because you can doesn't mean you should, as it could get very confusing to find a song you are looking for. In addition to those features, JVC also allows for not just random song selection in a folder, but a random 2 feature for randomizing ALL files and folders. Very nice. And the MP3 encoder also recognizes every file format I have thrown at it thus far from 60k to 320k, and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) files. Sound quality (on anything encoded higher than 128k) is phenomenal, nearly indistinguishable from the original cd.
Another BIG sell for me was the front auxiliary headphone input. JVC advertises this as an "MP3 input", somewhat confusing as the unit also plays MP3 cds. Essentially it is an input for anything with a headphone jack. Hell, you could shove your record player into it if that's what you wanted. I got it for listening to my MiniDiscs in the car.
I also ran this product up against two other comparable MP3 units, a Pioneer model (I love Pioneers), and a Kenwood model. The Kenwood model was horrid; don't even bother looking at it. The Pioneer was a very close runner up to the JVC. They were both the same price, and the Pioneer was much easier to operate than the JVC. It also had higher voltage Pre-outs, (By 1 volt) for richer sound and a better remote. But with no front input, longer tracks seek time, and no motorized face plate (I'm a slave for superfluous eye candy) I chose the JVC model.
The motorized faceplate is great, not only does it look cool, but it allows you to tilt the face for easier access to the buttons. The unit also feels very strong and well built even in its "slanted" tilt mode.
As I said above this radio has a million features, most of which I am still playing with. You can have three-seperate user setting for the radio. Essentially each driver can have their own radio settings, involving EQs, radio presets, and sound options. In addition to that each driver, or user, can have further sub-options depending on which mode the radio is. For instance Driver A has an EQ setting of Hard-Rock (did I mention the EQ is also 7 bands!), but they aren't limited to using that setting for everything they listen too. CDs can be at hard-rock, radio stations at Jazz, etc. Drivers B and C can have something completely different themselves as well. Probably a feature not everyone will use, I myself am the only driver of my car, but the ability to change settings between radio stations, CDs, and auxiliary input is great.
JVC also has a killer display. There's plenty of Eye candy with animated Icons, and scrolling CD/MP3 text.
My only qualms with the unit thus far, include the cheesy remote (I wish it was a steering wheel mount), and that the operation of the unit with its hundreds of features can get confusing at times. Switching between the volume knob, and the track selector, and then whichever mode you are in, is a feat in itself while driving. Which is why I would recommend that any safe driver set the unit up prior to departure, as the basic "driving" operations are simple. It's the setting up of advanced options while driving, that makes talking on your cell phone, eating a cheese burger, and shifting into 4th, seem like a walk in the park.
I also noted that some users have reviewed that the radio's display is somewhat dim. True it is a multicolor display that does get somewhat washed out in the sun - but there is a contrast option on the unit that solves this. As well an auto-dimmer feature allows the radio to dim when the dash lights are turned on at night. (Kinda nice, cause with out it at night your car's cabin is one big multicolored disco.)
*****UPDATE*****
But for all the great features and eye candy, it really all comes down to one thing: HOW DOES IT SOUND?? It sounds EXCELLENT, SUPERB, ORGASMIC, and any other adjective you can think of. I am a big audiophile, I THOUGHT my old system sounded great, but the upgrade to DigiFine 2.2 makes a huge difference in Bass richness (JVC has a Bass enhancement feature that allows for constant bass depth even at low volumes) and the highs are magnificent. I must admit though that the internal AMP is weak by today's standards, especially compared to other headunits in the same category as the JVC. It is a 200W MAX amp, but really when looking at power you want to consider RMS (or Real/Constant Wattage provided), and the JVC only puts out about 20Watts RMS per speaker, or 80 Watts. When a unit notes "max" power, it is the highest wattage it will peak at.
I mention this because anyone adding JUST the radio to their system may not experience the stellar sound I mentioned above, or maybe you will, but as a fair warning - I have all new speakers around the car, 2'' tweeters in the ceiling, 2 external amplifiers, and 2 10'' subs. As you can probably tell its no stock stereo. Over time I had accumulated this stereo wealth :). But at the same time all of it was controlled by a very basic headunit purchased years ago at the very start. I don't know if any of you are familiar with the Pioneer DEH-1000, it is a very basic Pioneer put out about 3 years ago - that was my old radio. For what it did, it did well, and that was play cds - but to be the controls to anything other than a stock stereo system, it was lacking. I truly did not realize what I was missing until I upgraded "the brain" to the JVC.
The most outstanding sound performance upgrade is the balance between all the speakers; the sound truly surrounds you. With my previous system, ALL the power was centralized around my rear desk speakers. This was because the old radio had only one Pre-out, occupied by the Subs and the amp powering them. My remaining amp was wired directly to the speakers' "highs". This did not allow for fading, and again all the sound was in the back. The JVC has an ample amount of pre-outs, three in fact. One for subs, one for the front, and one for the back. This allows the radio to control the sound balance between amps, making for a much better experience.
Besides better fading and sound balance, the Bass enhancements the JVC makes are also notable. For one, the bass is no longer dominant or distortive at very low frequencies. This is a combination of the bass enhancement feature, the 7 band EQ (which I recommend specifying yourself based on your system), and most importantly the Woofer controller. You see while most systems only have 2 pre-outs, (one for front and one for back), the JVC has those and one SPECIFICALLY for subs. Without a pre-out dedicated to subwoofers, you would normally plug them into the rear pre-outs, which are really setup for speakers, leading to bass distortion as the base sent to the subs in that type of setup, is really meant for speakers.
****END UPDATE*****
In the end, for anyone looking to spend less than $400 dollars on a car stereo with MP3 I would say this is the unit for you. It features far exceed any of its shortcomings, and for the price it beats out units double that.
I picked mine up for $220 at Sounddomain.com, and let me tell you it is worth every penny. The Digifine series produces some of the best high-end car audio playback around, and coupled with MP3 compatibility, it makes the driving experience that much more enjoyable.
Chances are that if you are looking at this review, you want this player for MP3 play back, and you are already familiar with it. I won't go into the vast technical aspects of the technology, but for those of you that are not, imagine 200 songs on one CD. If you don't think this is a feature you'd want, or you don't have the extra tools (i.e. computer & cd burner), check out the KD-SH55, it's the same unit without MP3.
One of the big sells for me on this unit was its MP3 track seek time. Patience is not one of my better virtues, and to wait 5-8 seconds (as in other MP3 units) for a song to load just wouldn't cut it. The JVC does it in less than 2. Not as quick as I would PERSONALLY like, but still not bad at all. The unit also has a lot of other MP3 features that I've come to find out others are lacking. The KD-SH707 supports an UNLIMITED number of directories and sub-directories, and then sub-directories to those sub-directories – well you get the point. Although I would not advise for a huge amount of folders, just because you can doesn't mean you should, as it could get very confusing to find a song you are looking for. In addition to those features, JVC also allows for not just random song selection in a folder, but a random 2 feature for randomizing ALL files and folders. Very nice. And the MP3 encoder also recognizes every file format I have thrown at it thus far from 60k to 320k, and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) files. Sound quality (on anything encoded higher than 128k) is phenomenal, nearly indistinguishable from the original cd.
Another BIG sell for me was the front auxiliary headphone input. JVC advertises this as an "MP3 input", somewhat confusing as the unit also plays MP3 cds. Essentially it is an input for anything with a headphone jack. Hell, you could shove your record player into it if that's what you wanted. I got it for listening to my MiniDiscs in the car.
I also ran this product up against two other comparable MP3 units, a Pioneer model (I love Pioneers), and a Kenwood model. The Kenwood model was horrid; don't even bother looking at it. The Pioneer was a very close runner up to the JVC. They were both the same price, and the Pioneer was much easier to operate than the JVC. It also had higher voltage Pre-outs, (By 1 volt) for richer sound and a better remote. But with no front input, longer tracks seek time, and no motorized face plate (I'm a slave for superfluous eye candy) I chose the JVC model.
The motorized faceplate is great, not only does it look cool, but it allows you to tilt the face for easier access to the buttons. The unit also feels very strong and well built even in its "slanted" tilt mode.
As I said above this radio has a million features, most of which I am still playing with. You can have three-seperate user setting for the radio. Essentially each driver can have their own radio settings, involving EQs, radio presets, and sound options. In addition to that each driver, or user, can have further sub-options depending on which mode the radio is. For instance Driver A has an EQ setting of Hard-Rock (did I mention the EQ is also 7 bands!), but they aren't limited to using that setting for everything they listen too. CDs can be at hard-rock, radio stations at Jazz, etc. Drivers B and C can have something completely different themselves as well. Probably a feature not everyone will use, I myself am the only driver of my car, but the ability to change settings between radio stations, CDs, and auxiliary input is great.
JVC also has a killer display. There's plenty of Eye candy with animated Icons, and scrolling CD/MP3 text.
My only qualms with the unit thus far, include the cheesy remote (I wish it was a steering wheel mount), and that the operation of the unit with its hundreds of features can get confusing at times. Switching between the volume knob, and the track selector, and then whichever mode you are in, is a feat in itself while driving. Which is why I would recommend that any safe driver set the unit up prior to departure, as the basic "driving" operations are simple. It's the setting up of advanced options while driving, that makes talking on your cell phone, eating a cheese burger, and shifting into 4th, seem like a walk in the park.
I also noted that some users have reviewed that the radio's display is somewhat dim. True it is a multicolor display that does get somewhat washed out in the sun - but there is a contrast option on the unit that solves this. As well an auto-dimmer feature allows the radio to dim when the dash lights are turned on at night. (Kinda nice, cause with out it at night your car's cabin is one big multicolored disco.)
*****UPDATE*****
But for all the great features and eye candy, it really all comes down to one thing: HOW DOES IT SOUND?? It sounds EXCELLENT, SUPERB, ORGASMIC, and any other adjective you can think of. I am a big audiophile, I THOUGHT my old system sounded great, but the upgrade to DigiFine 2.2 makes a huge difference in Bass richness (JVC has a Bass enhancement feature that allows for constant bass depth even at low volumes) and the highs are magnificent. I must admit though that the internal AMP is weak by today's standards, especially compared to other headunits in the same category as the JVC. It is a 200W MAX amp, but really when looking at power you want to consider RMS (or Real/Constant Wattage provided), and the JVC only puts out about 20Watts RMS per speaker, or 80 Watts. When a unit notes "max" power, it is the highest wattage it will peak at.
I mention this because anyone adding JUST the radio to their system may not experience the stellar sound I mentioned above, or maybe you will, but as a fair warning - I have all new speakers around the car, 2'' tweeters in the ceiling, 2 external amplifiers, and 2 10'' subs. As you can probably tell its no stock stereo. Over time I had accumulated this stereo wealth :). But at the same time all of it was controlled by a very basic headunit purchased years ago at the very start. I don't know if any of you are familiar with the Pioneer DEH-1000, it is a very basic Pioneer put out about 3 years ago - that was my old radio. For what it did, it did well, and that was play cds - but to be the controls to anything other than a stock stereo system, it was lacking. I truly did not realize what I was missing until I upgraded "the brain" to the JVC.
The most outstanding sound performance upgrade is the balance between all the speakers; the sound truly surrounds you. With my previous system, ALL the power was centralized around my rear desk speakers. This was because the old radio had only one Pre-out, occupied by the Subs and the amp powering them. My remaining amp was wired directly to the speakers' "highs". This did not allow for fading, and again all the sound was in the back. The JVC has an ample amount of pre-outs, three in fact. One for subs, one for the front, and one for the back. This allows the radio to control the sound balance between amps, making for a much better experience.
Besides better fading and sound balance, the Bass enhancements the JVC makes are also notable. For one, the bass is no longer dominant or distortive at very low frequencies. This is a combination of the bass enhancement feature, the 7 band EQ (which I recommend specifying yourself based on your system), and most importantly the Woofer controller. You see while most systems only have 2 pre-outs, (one for front and one for back), the JVC has those and one SPECIFICALLY for subs. Without a pre-out dedicated to subwoofers, you would normally plug them into the rear pre-outs, which are really setup for speakers, leading to bass distortion as the base sent to the subs in that type of setup, is really meant for speakers.
****END UPDATE*****
In the end, for anyone looking to spend less than $400 dollars on a car stereo with MP3 I would say this is the unit for you. It features far exceed any of its shortcomings, and for the price it beats out units double that.
