Decent unit for the money; some shortfalls
Written: Mar 30 '04
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Pros: Cheap, steering wheel remote, plays MP3 discs, hides itself when off.
Cons: Skips, skips, skips, skips...
The Bottom Line: Should have looked at epinions first. Now that I have one, I like it, but if there's something better, I would get that.
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| zwerski's Full Review: Aiwa CDC-MP32 Car CD Player |
This unit was installed in my 2001 Jeep Wrangler about a year ago, and I am pleased overall with the unit. The biggest headache with this model is the unending skipping that is compounded by my Jeep's super-stiff suspension and short wheel base which makes the ride choppy.
My solution to the skipping was to utilize the AUX IN feature and plug in my skip-free MP3 unit and use that from time to time. I have heard from other Jeepers who use the same unit that mounting the unit between the seats vertically cuts down dramatically on the skipping. Jeeps have the option of aftermarket center consoles that will mount a stereo vertically for security purposes.
When my unit was installed, the installer did not secure the rear of the unit in any way, making big bumps shake the stereo real hard. I ended up needing to secure the rear mounting bolt on my own, making it more secure in the dash.
WHAT'S GOOD- Plays MP3 discs reliably, and in many bit rates, contrary to the literature, which states that 128 kbps files are best. i have not experienced any problems with other bitrates or even variable bitrates.
The on-wheel remote is easy to use and convenient and can be removed when needed, like for other drivers who can't stand to have it in their way. Auxiliary In mode for using portable devices is a feature that seemed obsolete a few years ago is a nice feature to have. So many features, it would take a long time to list them all, but they are all useful and appreciated.
WHAT SUCKS- 1) Of course, the skipping. 2) MP3 files take a long time to cue up and don't fade from song to song like regular CD's - there is a 3-5 second delay when going from one to the next. 3) There is no way to select directly to the various modes on the unit, users must "scroll" through the modes to get from AM to FM to CD. 4) On-unit buttons are small and unintuitive and difficult to operate when driving.
OVERALL- This current version should be improved, but for the price, it is well worth the money. I am not one to recommend unneeded extended warranties, but this model is a good candidate for purchasing one, due to the folding face and skipping tendency. $40 for three years seemed OK for me and kept the price well below other units with less features.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250.00
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Epinions.com ID:
zwerski
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Reviews written: 2
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