Something to OWN!
Written: Jan 14 '00 (Updated Jul 27 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: BBE; Audio Cruise Mode; Volume fluctuation; Line Inputs; Remote Control; Anti-Theft System
Cons: Price
|
|
|
| kmic's Full Review: JVC KD-LX3 Car CD Player |
The JVC KD-LX3 is one of the most amazing car CD players that I have ever seen. Its design has spawned a car audio revolution. There are rumors that Sony is even building a new CD player with the face like the one of the KD-LX1 and KD-LX3.
There is a huge advantage for the KD-LX3 over the KD-LX1. Especially for me. I am engaged in a project for my car to play MP3's (For more information about MP3 files, please refer to http://www.mp3.com). The KD-LX3 has Line Inputs on the back, while the KD-LX1 does not. With the KD-LX3, you can use any auxiliary device, which has RCA plugs. If you need to use it for a small headphone jack (like I would to connect to a computer soundcard), you can get an RCA->Headphone converter. Easy as pie.
I have had an amazing time with my KD-LX3 and it's great moments stay strong. One of the best features, aside from Line Inputs is the fact that the Volume has a maximum level of 50, in increments of 1. With zero being the first and most silent level, 10 is very audible in my car stereo system. Studying this, I know that this CD player makes my system extremely powerful.
Another amazing thing about this CD player is the built in amplifier. It has a 40 watt x 4 channel amplifier built right in to the CD player. The special subwoofer outputs allow you total control over all of your bass needs. You can also customize all of the built in amplifier's functions just by pushing buttons on the CD player.
I am also very pleased with the BBE function. It is a sound processor all in one little button. Without an equalizer or expensive sound processor in your car audio system, it may tend to be very dull and obviously missing what most of us car audio freaks take for granted once achieved.
A few other things that deserve a good word:
Audio Cruise Mode. Personally, I don't prefer to have this on in my car because of it's environment. If you have a loud vehicle, or just want your music to get louder as the car accelerates, then this function is definitely for you! This function monitors your speed and increases the volume as you accelerate, and decreases the volume back to normal as you slow down.
Who could forget the remote control? I am aware that most of the new high-end car CD players come with a remote control. It has a great range and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.
And last, but not least, the most important thing about the CD player:
The "El Kameleon" Anti-Theft System. This is the most appealing thing about this CD player. At night, it's literally impossible to tell that there is anything in place of the CD player. The face is also motorized, so when you press the eject button, the button panel retracts and the main display moves down to make way for the CD slot. Pretty amazing eh? You'd have to see it to believe it. When you put a CD in, the process is reversed, making the CD slot hidden behind the main display, and the button panel re-appear. Very original.
Update #2! 7/27/2000
Estimated price $380 eh? Time does a lot of interesting things to electronics. Especially their price. If you want to purchase this, yes, the KD-LX3 for $250 (around wholesale price), you're in luck:
<A HREF= http://www.mmxpress.com/jvc.html >http://www.mmxpress.com/jvc.html</a>
Update! 1/26/2000
I received an E-Mail for someone asking for more details on the KD-LX3. Since I didn't cover this in my main review, I thought I'd add it incase someone had the same question.
Here is the E-Mail:
Hello..
I saw your review of the JVC KDLX3..
Someone told me that with the ignition off the face can still be flipped
over/exposed. Can it, or does the power have to be on?
I am seriously considering one for my Jeep, to get away from detachable
faces that I ahve had problem with. With the top off all summer the
contacts go real quick..
Here is my response:
When the ignition is turned off, the CD player turns off automatically. This causes the main control panel to flip upside down and conceal itself.
When the keys are in are in the ignition and turned to the point before "engine start":
The CD player works as it does when the engine is on. It gets the power from the battery, so try not to leave it on too long unless you want a dead battery.
When the keys are out of the ignition (i.e. in your pocket):
The only buttons that you can use are the ones to the left and right of the main display. The button on the left controls the volume and the button on the right changes audio tracks. Pressing either of the two buttons will cause the CD player to spit out the CD that's currently in and await another. If there isn't a CD already in, then it will await a CD until you press a button again or turn the car on.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
kmic
|
|
Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 8 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.