Pioneer CDX-FM653

Price Paid:  $16000.00 from Circuit City

Year / Model Reviewed:
 CDX-FM653

Summary:
I bought this CD Changer in December 1999 this changer has performed flawlessly.It does not skip even on the most severe bumpy roads. I got this unit mounted on the floor board in the rear area of my extended cab chevy truck.

Strengths:
solid dependabilty, not prone to skips

Weaknesses:
some I get interference when a strong fm signal is near one of the (usable frequency). this problem is easily solved by switching to another usable frequency.

Similar Products Used:
portable cd player, with car adapter.

Summary:
I just got the changer this week. So far I am very happy with my purchase. It sounds very good to be a fm changer and its easy to use. I paid $169 for it at best buy.

Strengths:
holds 6 disk, sound is very clear, nice controller, hasn't skipped.

Weaknesses:
controller can be hard to read in the sunligt,

Similar Products Used:
none

Summary:
This is a good changer, if you get it at the right price. I personally like the Sony RF changers better because of their remote and 10 disc capacity, but I was tight on space and wanted to keep the Pioneer them going in my car. As far as the quality of an RF, it's great. There isn't a noticable difference in quality between a hard wired unit and an RF unit, especially with all the noises assoicated with driving. As far as price, I got mine for $160 from crazyeddieonline.com. It usually runs about $200 in stores and most catalogs, but for that price I couldn't resist. Still, overall I good unit and I recommend it.

Strengths:
This is a very compact changer. Installing it was simple and straight forward. Skipping is non-existant. I mounted mine on the side of my sub box and it takes that along with the road bumps. The remote has a nice small footprint and is unnoticable in most cars.

Weaknesses:
The display is hard to read at some angles, especially if it is a sunny day and you have sunglasses on. This lower model doesn't have naming capabilities, but higher models do.

Similar Products Used:
Clarion propietary changers, JVC RF changers

Summary:
Just got it. But so far it's great. Mounted it vertical in console. Doesn't take up a lot of room. It even comes with a small remote control and you can program up to 100 cd names in the system. I would rate it a 5, but I have nothing to compare it with.

Strengths:
no skip, sounds great

Weaknesses:
only holds 6 cd's

Similar Products Used:
None