Sony CDX-MP450X

Price Paid:  $290.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I got this Sony CDX-MP450X unit at Best Buy. It worked flawlessly for about 2 years. Then it started having problems playing MP3 files. It started cutting off the first half second of each song. The second problem was the scroll button stopped working. It wouldn't scroll through the song names anymore. This was then followed by strange numbers being displayed (example: "Sting2" instead of "Sting-Together"). Then, as mentioned by others, it started making strange warping sounds at various times while the MP3 files are playing - always in the same spot on the songs too. The radio and CD playback are still flawless but I listen to MP3s more than anything else. I have lost all confidence in Sony car audio products. I always knew they weren't the best in this department but this is alarmingly pathetic, especially since other people have mentioned having the same exact problems! Ron (San Diego)

Strengths:
-Radio -No skip CD playback,

Weaknesses:
MP3 Glitches

Price Paid:  $280.00 from dont remember

Year / Model Reviewed:
 cdx-mp450x

Summary:
realiable deck.... i've had no problems with it except the file name having to be 8 characters or less and the mp3 loading times the D bass system is nice if you have subs .... all you have to do is set your bass and trebles to how you like it with D-bass off and you want to turn up your bass all you have to do is press 1 button. excellent head unit for stock speakers or entry level sound systems for advanced systems - look somewhere else

Strengths:
mp3 playback D-Bass - excellent for subs

Weaknesses:
loading times 8 character file names

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer something- dont remember model # $ 799.99 Cdn

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
hmmm.. where to begin. when i first purchased this, it was when mp3/cd players were just out and there were only 2 reasonably priced units out. it was great for a while, then the problems started. the cd spin motor went out, and took sony 8 weeks... 8... to fix. when i got it back finally, it was fine for a while, then it started to just stop playing cds and i would have to reset the unit to get them out and have it start working again.

Strengths:
good sound (when it works) plays mp3s

Weaknesses:
low preamp, poor workmanship/parts looong load times

Price Paid:  $310.00 from car toys

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001/Sony CDX-MP450X

Summary:
I read the reviews posted so far and none of them mentioned all of the weaknesses of this deck so I thought I would inform you guys. At first I found this deck worth the money but now that the 2002's are out i would definitely stay away from this one. I've tried out the new sony mp70 and it kills this machine as far as load times and options. Granted it costs 100 more but I think it's well worth it. I know I will be getting this one as soon as possible.

Strengths:
- Goes from each mp3 file at a relatively good speed. - Good skip protection. I've used it for 9 months and i don't remember it skipping EVER. - Supports text on burned CD's (not mp3s) Basically if you burn an audio cd with the text then it will read but for some reason you only get 8 characters with mp3s

Weaknesses:
Where do I begin....... - On mp3s it skips the first 1/4 second of every song. I found this really annoying at first but I honestly don't notice anymore. - No text for mp3s. This has been mentioned a thousand times on here. If you're like me you have artists names first on mp3 files. Well the player only reads the first 7 or 8 characters and then it gives a number. Like BustaRh8. It's really annoying and you won't get over it. -For those of you who are looking to hook up a sub-woofer then look somewhere else. This player only has front and rear preamp outs. Which means if you hook up a sub then you won't be able to adjust the power of the sub through the deck and it will be connected to either front or rear fade adjustment. - Load times on this player on really ridiculous. After it initially loads (which takes 10+ seconds sometimes) the player goes through files at decent speed but when switching folders it can be really slow. -There is no pause button. This can be really annoying if you accidently turn of the player and then have to reload the mp3 cd. It will take another 10 seconds to load the cd again.

Similar Products Used:
I've tried the new sony mp70 and it seems a lot better.

Price Paid:  $249.00 from Best Buy

Year / Model Reviewed:
 CDX-MP450X

Summary:
Plays Mp3s, looks good and sounds great! Id3 tag problem with no scrolling unless you tell it too. Cool remote. Nice display

Strengths:
Easy to find Mp3s when searching. Looks good at night.

Weaknesses:
No scroll with text. Id3 stuff. Too much reading every time you switch sources and it takes long too. Shuffle sucks!

Similar Products Used:
Aiwa Mp3