Worth every penny
Written: Apr 23 '01 (Updated Apr 23 '01)
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Pros: Great sound, volume KNOB, integrates with CD changer, optional wired/wireless remotes
Cons: Have to pay extra for remotes, display can be hard to read in sun
The Bottom Line: Great sound quality, can control a trunk-mounted CD changer, large display, cool optional remotes available. A very nice car stereo.
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| marcman's Full Review: Sony CDX-C680 CD Changer |
I actually own a C780. It's basically the same as the C680, except that is has 4 volt preamp outputs for getting a cleaner signal when you use an external amplifier.
The C780 is an in-dash single CD player and AM/FM stereo with a large, flip-down display and removable face. It can control several models of Sony CD changers. You can also hook up one of several option wired and wireless remote controls.
I use the C780 together with an 805 10 disc CD changer mounted in my trunk. I use the stock speakers that came with my car (a '95 200 SX SE-R -- see my epinion at http://www.epinions.com/content_15192460932) and I do not use an external amplifier. I purchased the Sony wired joystick remote that mounts on your steering column.
Sound quality
This unit can supply 45 watts of power to 4 speakers, which is quite strong for an in-dash amplifier.
Sound quality is excellent. Very clean and pretty detailed. (Way better than using a Discman with a cassette adapter and you don't have the Discman sliding all over your front seat or floor!). My bass is a bit rumbly at loud volumes, but this is probably because I am using stock factory speakers.
Display
These models feature a large backlit LED display that flips down to reveal the CD slot. The flip-down design hides the CD slot (keeping it somewhat cleaner no doubt) and allows a bigger front-panel display with nice large characters. The display is quite readable. The only problem is that is can be very difficult to read it when the sun shines on it. I imagine that this is probably a problem with any LED display though.
Ease of use
This model is easy to control too. One thing I like is that it has an actual volume KNOB instead of buttons. I know that we're living in an increasingly digital world, but volume buttons seem much trickier to operate than a good ol' knob. In this case, the knob is actually digitally controlled (it's "clicky" and operates in definite gradations). However, I still find the knob to be a much better way of setting volume than buttons.
The other cool thing about this unit is that you can hook up remote controls to it. I've got a small wired joystick remote that I installed on my steering column with double-sided sticky tape and a mounting screw (this is a little scary because you have to drill a hole in your steering column to do this). This joystick lets me adjust the volume, change radio stations, change CD tracks, change discs in my changer, etc... right from my steering column. I absolutely LOVE this feature. There is a wireless remote control available too. Note that the remote controls usually cost extra. Mine was $20 I think.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 350
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Epinions.com ID:
marcman
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Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 33 members
About Me:
If I was writing for my dinner, I'd be a heck of a lot thinner.
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