Search ends with JVC
Written: Apr 13 '03 (Updated Apr 13 '03)
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Pros: JVC quality, lots of power, looks good, built in CD changer controls
Cons: Button to remove faceplate in poor location, buttons hard to see at night
The Bottom Line: If you still own cassettes this is a great buy. With the built in changer controls, you get the best of both worlds.
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| cwmont's Full Review: JVC KS-FX480 Car Cassette Player |
My previous in-dash was a Sony AM/FM with single CD. A decent unit but I got tired of swapping CD’s all the time. I knew I wanted a receiver that had CD changer controls but I have lots of stuff still on cassettes (OK I know it’s old technology) so I needed something that also had a cassette player. Adding a remote control and removable faceplate to the list made it seem even harder to get the right combination. I’m not really into the mp3 thing (maybe someday) so ability to play mp3’s was not an issue for me.
I somewhat put the cart before the horse as I ended up getting a good deal on a JVC CH-X1000 12 disc CD changer with J-link hookup so that limited my choice of receivers to something by JVC that also met all my requirements.
You can read my review on the JVC CD changer here:
http://www.epinions.com/615031_JVC_12_Disc_CD_Changer_CH_X1000/display_~reviews
Happily, I was able to meet all of the above with the JVC KS-FX480. I got it from Bsless for about $118.00, which seemed like a good price.
Specifications:
Detachable flip down face – detachable for security, flips down to insert cassette
High power 50 watts x 4 - 19 watts rms per channel
Full logic control – for smooth cassette operation
Music search – finds songs anywhere on tape
Rotary volume control
cEQ – equalizer with 6 presets – factory set or user programmable
Two sets of line out – RCA type
CD changer control – J-link proprietary type
Dimmer – works in conjunction with factory dash light dimmer
Large Multi color LCD display
AM/FM receiver – 18 FM, 6AM user programmable presets
Key chain remote control
It’s a nice looking unit with a black faceplate and silver knobs that will complement any vehicle dash. Controls are well laid out, there’s quite a few on the front and it takes some amount of time to learn them all. If you want to operate this deck properly, I suggest you read the owner’s manual. The manual is clear, concise and takes you step by step through all the various functions. Every feature of the deck is user controllable. You can adjust the six preset EQ settings to your liking for any sound and source input or stick with the factory settings.
Everything needed for a basic install is in the box. Deck, mounting sleeve, rear brace, faceplate, trim ring, remote control and wiring harness. A large fold out installation guide ships with the deck showing how everything hooks up. If you choose to install the deck yourself, go to a local car audio shop and get one of the “vehicle specific” mounting dash panels, they have all the mounting and screw holes in the same location as the factory radio. The universal kits don’t always fit properly. While you’re there, get a wiring harness adaptor for the deck harness to the factory harness. This will save you from having to cut up the factory wires and you can put the factory radio back in if you sell the car. If in doubt about how to remove the factory radio, ask them at the shop. Usually they will answer your questions. If not, go to another shop to buy your stuff. My complete install of the deck and changer took about 2 hours in my 1998 Sonoma. If possible, make sure you use the rear brace and secure it to the back of the deck and to the area behind the unit. You can always find somewhere to attach the brace. I thought I could get away without it and ended up pulling the deck out 2 months later and installing the brace because I couldn’t stand the rattle
JVC knows their stuff when it comes to car audio. This deck has beautiful tone and power to spare. Just flip down the face and insert a tape. The operation is quiet and the full logic controls treat your tapes gently. Power off the unit and the tape head moves away from the tape saving wear and tear on the tape head. With a JVC CD changer attached, the changer controls on the deck work nice and you can select any of the discs in the changer magazine. There are buttons for repeat and random play for the current disc, or you can select random play of all the discs in the changer. This is a great feature; you get to hear a wide variety of music for hours without ever having to touch a disc. You can control almost everything on the deck with the included remote. The remote is small so you have to use it by feel.
After using this deck for about 4 months, I’m very satisfied. I only have two complaints and they are minor issues. The first is the button for removing the faceplate; it’s way too close to the on/off switch. I ended up popping off the plate a few times until I got used to where the button is located. The second is the color of the buttons at night; the red color used by JVC just doesn’t show up very well. Other than that, you will be very happy with this combo from JVC. A HUGE improvement over any factory radio.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 118.00
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Epinions.com ID:
cwmont
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Location: Surprise, AZ, USA
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 1 member
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