Well worth the extra $100
Written: Aug 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound, easy to use, plenty of power, remote and aux input, great value, simple.
Cons: No multi-bit D/A (45Z has that for another $100), only simple 3-band equalization/boost, could use a quick low-volume function that isn't just mute.
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| LockeXT's Full Review: Nakamichi CD-40z CD Changer |
I got a Nakamichi CD40Z head-unit a few weeks ago because my previous one, a CD35Z (check my review on it for more info), was putting out strange distortion to the RCA outputs on it. I really liked that stereo, but as it was the 2nd time something happened to it and I had been working out a deal with my shop to upgrade to this model, I spent the extra $100 and got a brand new CD40Z installed in my car.
Before I bought this unit, I did some research on the features of it and the benefits over my current head-unit, and also listened to it in my local shop. The deck delivers 45 watts into 4 channels at 4 ohms peak, a fairly standard 'high-powered' in-dash stereo rating, though it actually puts out slightly more power than typical stereos of the same rating (Sony, Pioneer low and mid level, etc.) It has a 1-bit digital/analog converter chip, 18 FM and 12 AM radio presets, +-12db bass, mid, and treble controls, balance and fade, and a loudness feature. These are all the same as the CD35Z (retail $250). The main difference that I knew about and convinced me to upgrade to this model is that it has 2 sets of RCA preouts which operate at 4 volts each. The 35Z only has one set at 2 volts. Higher voltage makes the amplifier not have to work as hard to increase the volume and therefore make less distortion (plus it can get louder when set at the same level as a lower voltage system if you're into that). This in itself was worth the $100 to me.
The features I didn't know about are what make me especially happy with this unit. When I had it installed, I found out that it also comes with a wireless remote control and auxiliary input! The remote makes it safer to operate while driving and easier, and very much easier to use while tuning your system. It's also a necessary feature if you compete at high volume levels, where you would probably permanently injure your ears if you had to be inside the vehicle to adjust volume or change tracks, etc. The auxiliary input allows you to attach cool devices to your stereo and play them through it. I'm currently working on setting up a microphone in my car so I can talk through the stereo. It requires a powered microphone though I believe because my computer mic wouldn't work on it. You could also use this feature for, say, a handheld television, or a tape deck, or even a specialized car or cellular phone system.
The sound the Nakamichi CD40Z puts out surpasses all of my expectations for it, even owning a CD35Z which was great! I do not use the deck's power at all, only the RCA preouts which go to my 4 channel amplifier (HiFonics Z440, I also have a review of the amp up), so I can't tell anything about the direct sound output of the deck. Especially improved over the lower model is the quality of the treble and upper midrange. Voices are clearer, hi-hats and drums sound very real, and the placement of sounds by your ears is dramatically improved. The bass can get much louder, though I turned down the gain (volume boost) on my amplifier to get better quality and I had it at my preferred volume for the CD35Z anyway. At the same volume levels, the tone definition is slightly better, and bass notes seem a lot deeper and more full.
In all, I am extremely satisfied with my Nakamichi CD40Z and do not plan on purchasing a mobile CD player by any other brand in the future. I believe that for the price, these head-units are the best quality and the best value that you will find, and all of my friends who have heard it agree entirely (especially the Rockford freaks). It is also easy to use with intuitive controls on the deck and a comfortable remote that can control all features on the deck except disc ejecting and setting radio presets, with almost all functions just as easy to use as on the deck. It also has a detachable faceplate to deter thieves.
I recommend this deck to anybody looking for a car CD player/tuner who doesn't want to stare at animated neon junk flying around on their dash and can afford the $350. For those who have slightly less funding, I recommend the CD35Z, which is $250 and still has great sound.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
LockeXT
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Member: Alex Kohler
Location: Anchorage, AK
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 0 members
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