JVC XL-FZ158BK 5-CD Changer
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Description
JVC's XL-FZ158BK combines minimal features with surprisingly good sound in a five-CD changer that lists for well below $200. It's a tremendous value--as long as you can live without a remote control. Some will immediately bar the XL-FZ158BK from consideration for having no remote control, but the XL-FZ158BK's sound is so good that you might think about how often you actually use a CD remote (especially with a changer) before dismissing this player from consideration. In our experience, CD changers do not sound as good as their single-disc counterparts. The reason is simple: it's easier to make a stable transport mechanism, which does affect the sound, in a single-play unit than it is in a multiplay. That said, the XL-FZ158BK is an impressive performer. It's well balanced and smooth, with a laid-back high-frequency response that we attribute to JVC's proprietary 1-bit digital-to-analog converter. (To our ears, this is preferable to the bright high-end we've heard on other modestly priced machines.) The midrange, where the heart of music lies, is the XL-FZ158BK's most notable strength. Vocals and instruments such as piano and cello have fine presence and a sense of openness that consistently pull you into the music. In the features department, the XL-FZ158BK offers just the basics. Play exchange allows you to replace up to four discs while a fifth is playing, and you get the usual play, program, track skip, random play, and--a feature we love--a headphone jack with a volume control. An optical digital output allows connection to a digital recorder such as minidisc or CD, but also lets you integrate the XL-FZ158BK with a surround receiver. We would have preferred a higher-quality coaxial output, but optical is better than nothing. JVC has done a fine balancing act with the XL-FZ158BK, and it certainly deserves your consideration--assuming you don't mind getting up from your chair to operate it. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Good sound
- Solid value
- Headphone jack has volume control
Cons:
- No remote control
- Slightly deemphasized high frequencies
- No coaxial digital output
Description
JVC's has enhanced its XL-FZ158BK five-disc CD changer with play exchange, letting you change up to four discs while one is playing. The changer offers an optical digital output for recording to minidisc or CD (and for integration with a surround receiver). An 8x oversampling digital filter augments JVC's exclusive P.E.M. D.D. (Pulse-Edge Modulation Differential-Linearity-Errorless) digital-to-analog converter, which has been touted by media reviewers and audiophiles as one of the most accurate and musical one-bit digital-to-analog converters available.The XL-FZ158BK also features continuous play across all five discs, a headphone output with volume control, JVC's high-precision three-beam laser pickup, and a disc-stabilizing clamper. It also has a 20-track program chart, a resume function (which will pick up where you left off the next time you hit "play"), and program play of up to 32 "steps" (tracks and/or discs) from all five discs. Repeat modes include all tracks, single track, programmed tracks, and random play. Another feature of the XL-Z232BK is that it works with JVC's intuitive COMPU LINK technology to let your JVC components communicate. This technology reduces the amount of time it takes to adjust settings, thereby allowing you to sit back and enjoy your music without the unnecessary burden of technical fumbling. This unit is covered by a one-year warranty.
Product Description
-Change any 4 discs while one is being played -Program play of up to 32 'steps' (tracks and discs) from 5 discs -8-times oversampling digital filter with 1-bit P.E.M. D.D. converter -2 enhanced COMPU LINK control system jacks -Headphone output with volume control and an optical digital output -Play modes: continous, program, and smart random -17 3/16"W x 5 1/16"H x 15 1/4"D -Includes remote -UPC 046838256028
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