brentv's Full Review: Yamaha CDC-506 5-Disc CD Changer
INTRODUCTION
You know, theres something to be said for finding a product that meets both performance and pocketbook requirements. Id like to have the most state-of-the-art electronic components for my home theater/stereo system, but, like a lot of people, I dont really have the resources to shell out loads of money, especially since other priorities seem more important than me getting good sound. But with the Yamaha CDC-585, there wont be any lost sleep. At around $120 bucks US, this player is hard to beat. It produces great sound and comes with enough features to keep most happy. Its also an attractive unit that should blend in with most home theater setups.
FEATURES Quick Features
5-Disc PlayXchange (Play one disc while you change the other four)
CDR and CD-RW disc read capability
Peak search and Index search
40-track Random Access/Programming
^All of these features work well. CD-R and CD-RW playback has been flawless. I have never had a problem with any of these discs. The Yamaha can also play back discs that are lightly to moderately damaged. Though, beware, some discs will have problems if they are damaged too much.
The Play Xchange feature is also a nice feature. I can change all four discs without having to rotate the carousel. I can easily see what discs I have loaded and whether or not I want to exchange them. With most players, you might see at most three dics. With this, however, there is no guess work.
More In-Depth Features
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz or - 0.5db
Distortion: less than .003%
106 db S/N Ratio
96 db Dynamic Range
Fixed OUTPUT
RCA ANALOG/OPTICAL OUTPUTS
Remote control
40-track Random Access/Programming
Automatic track programming for tape recording
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17-1/8" x 4" x 15-1/2"
PERFORMANCE
Ive listened to this unit on a Denon 3802 A/V receiever and on a basic JVC 8000V A/V receiver with Paradigm Mini Monitors. In both cases, the sound was balanced. It reproduced the frequency range well. At times I thought there could have been some increase in the high frequency, but I think that was due to the poor sources and not the player itself. The player, as it should, never gets warm. In both analog and digital out, the audio was quite good. With the JVC, analog is preferred. But with the Denon, I thought the digital sounded the best. In any case, you cant go wrong. There is really little more to say about this unit sound wise. It simply does its job and does it well.
Discs that I have enjoyed listening to on this player are Sheryl Crows The Globe Sessions (though not the best mix ever, her voice comes through very nice); Dire Straits On Every Street (definitely not their best album but maybe sonically superior to their other remasters); The Tony Rich Projects Words Simians We Are Your Friends Michael Jacksons Dangerous (simply a treat for the ears, especially In The Closet).
THE REMOTE
Personally, I love this remote. I find it is beautifully engineered. Over the year that I have owned this unit, I never have to look down at the remote for basic functions. Play, pause, skip, scan, and other functions are laid out nicely. It would be nice if you could turn this unit off with the remote, but this is a small quibble from me. For others, this might be an issue.
WHAT I LIKE
Great sound; affordable; attractive; Play XChange.
WHAT I DONT LIKE
Cant turn off the unit with remote.
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