Panasonic CQ-DF800U

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This deck is the best deck I've used so far. Compaired to Pioneer, Alpine and Kenwood. First off, this deck has the looks; the blue eq display is really nice, but also has the sound quality.

Strengths:
5 volt preouts the display sound quality slim remote options and functions

Weaknesses:
none so far

Similar Products Used:
Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer

Price Paid:  $165.00 from eBay

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000/Panasonic CQ-800u

Summary:
I've been searching for this deck for months now, and finally found one. First of all I recommend this deck as a signal deck. That is using the pre-outs. I owned the model that this one replaced, and that was pure signal deck (no internal amp). It doesn't offer very good EQ adjustments, run a crossover or EQ for best results (with amp of course). Basically there just isn't a deck that looks quite as good as this one, and it performs pretty well too. Good luck finding one, but you'll love it.

Strengths:
Fantastic Looks, 3 pairs of 5v Pre-outs, General high quality look. Nice small remote. Rare deck, yet very good.

Weaknesses:
Hard to see in sunlight, Letters on buttons fade over time, by using it. Built in amp is not very impressive.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic 99EUC, Clarion, Pioneer

Price Paid:  $180.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001 CQ-DF800U

Summary:
Best head unit for the price or even a lot more. This is the best looking head unit I've ever seen, especially at night. It's almost hypnotic. Before I amped my speakers, this drove my mb quarts beautifully for a deck. Best head unit I've ever used.

Strengths:
Great looks, very nice sub out with level and crossover controls, good amp, disc titling, pretty much all of the features lend to this being a great deck- and once again it's great at night.

Weaknesses:
Hard to see in sunlight, might have helped with eq controls instead of just bass and treb. Those are really the only flaws I can see.

Similar Products Used:
More pricey kenwood, jvc, sony, all others paled in comparison to the panasonic- in bang for the buck, features, sound, and looks... especially the sony!

Price Paid:  $460.00

Summary:
I thnik this is the absolute best CD receiver I have ever seen or heard.

Strengths:
This is unbelievable to watch at night. The night I out it in, I just sat and looked at it. I instantly noticed an improvement in sound quality even through the stock speakers.

Weaknesses:
The remote needs to have a way to select your presets. Difficult to see during the day.

Similar Products Used:
Doesn't compare.

Price Paid:  $250.00

Summary:
Overall i love this deck. 5volt preout, display, sound quality its all there. Too many companies want to put cute little gadgets on their decks like screensavers, which is unique...but who sees that when you're driving? Mostly eye candy for the passenger. Its good to see some companies still try to increase quality and at the same time keeping the price low for us working audio addicts.

Strengths:
I bought this deck because of the display (yes im sheep) and then read about its features and was even more sold on it. The 5 volt pre-out is definitely a big plus when running an amp. And its gotta be the best display i've seen at night. 45x4 cant be beat either and i like the center channel ability that i'll be adding soon and subwoofer crossover points. Panasonic spankin the big boys.

Weaknesses:
Hard to see the display if the sun is directly on it or even angeled on it. Hard to keep messing with the volume if your remote isnt handy, would have liked a knob better.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood, Clarion, Alpine. Even tho i love Clarion, i still think panasonic makes a deck thats just as good for a lower price.