RCA RP8078 5-Disc CD Changer
Out of stock |
Similar in CD Players
- Device Type: Changer
- Number of Discs: 5
- Overview
-
Reviews
-
Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
MP3s are for PCs, avoid this low-performance player
Pros
Price; MP3 Compatibility; Sleek 'silver' look
Cons
Lack of functionality; inoperable remote; slow, noisy changer
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
Keep your MP3s on your computer or burn them to CD-R. Despite the low price, this player lacks even the most basic features to be a worthwhile, utilitarian stereo component.
I bought this model based on price, appearance, and convenience. At the time, Best Buy were out of the Sony I had my eye on, and I figured that in the price range I was considering, the models, brands, and features are all relatively the same. I was wrong. This RCA dedicates a great deal of its purported worth based on its MP3 compatibility. Essentially, it allows the user to play MP3s burned to disc on their stereo, with the added feature of text display allowing the name of the folder and track to scroll across its LCD. There are navigation elements on the poorly designed remote control that were intended for ease of use on discs with large numbers of files, allowing users to skip around and create playlists (but NOT programs - more on this later).
While these may be nice features for users who are heavy MP3 users or do not otherwise have the capability to hook their computers up to their stereos or convert the format of their music to CD-R (which by now, most cd players on the market will play), it's unlikely that the severe lack of other, more essential CD features combined with its poorly functioning design will make this a satisfying purchase for someone expecting a utilitarian stereo component.
For starters, the remote simply does not work. After changing the batteries twice and attempting various angles and distances from the infra-red sensor on the unit, the remote, particularly the functions that require use of the "shift" button, does not deliver. Much of the player's "commands" are ONLY on the remote (i.e. you cannot get around using it by pressing buttons on the unit itself). This was quite frustrating.
Secondly, the player lacked the capability to perform the most basic operations such as creating a program, both on a single CD and with combinations of the 4 others in the player. It simply was not an option, unless you were using MP3s ( in which case you could create a 'playlist'). It lacked additional nice features found on other models/brands of the same price range such as A-B repeat, fader, db control, etc.
Another discouraging point is that the changer is both very loud and very slow. I got the impression that it would be the first thing to 'go' if I were to keep the player around long enough.
Well, I didn't bother waiting to find out. I returned this disappointing player and picked up that Sony.
While these may be nice features for users who are heavy MP3 users or do not otherwise have the capability to hook their computers up to their stereos or convert the format of their music to CD-R (which by now, most cd players on the market will play), it's unlikely that the severe lack of other, more essential CD features combined with its poorly functioning design will make this a satisfying purchase for someone expecting a utilitarian stereo component.
For starters, the remote simply does not work. After changing the batteries twice and attempting various angles and distances from the infra-red sensor on the unit, the remote, particularly the functions that require use of the "shift" button, does not deliver. Much of the player's "commands" are ONLY on the remote (i.e. you cannot get around using it by pressing buttons on the unit itself). This was quite frustrating.
Secondly, the player lacked the capability to perform the most basic operations such as creating a program, both on a single CD and with combinations of the 4 others in the player. It simply was not an option, unless you were using MP3s ( in which case you could create a 'playlist'). It lacked additional nice features found on other models/brands of the same price range such as A-B repeat, fader, db control, etc.
Another discouraging point is that the changer is both very loud and very slow. I got the impression that it would be the first thing to 'go' if I were to keep the player around long enough.
Well, I didn't bother waiting to find out. I returned this disappointing player and picked up that Sony.
