Aiwa CDC-X176M

Price Paid:  $260.00

Strengths:
Sound quality, remote, bass boost, display.

Weaknesses:
Skips some, overheats when fed low voltage.

Summary:
Very good sound quality. Does skip on rough terrain, though I have solved this problem by using higher quality cdrs. As far as heat goes, it does not seem to get hot when the engine is running. I drove an 8 hour day running a cd at a considerable volume and it did not overheat, but one day I was just bassin' in a parking lot for 30 mins or so and when I took out the CD it was really hot, as was the rest of the head unit. It has a nifty display, H-Bass works good for my 6x9s, I love the remote also. I haven't had any mechanical or integrity related problems, it always works for me. There is very little distortion at high volume, and it does get loud. The controls are easy to use, if somewhat unlabeled. Overall I like it, about to add 2 10" truck boxes behind the seat.

Similar Products Used:
sony 650x, 52x4, sound quality on the aiwa is better, but the sony never skips, even while mudding.

Price Paid:  $10.00

Strengths:
Bass amplified-Colorful screen (sorta, seen better Screen Savers)
Wheel Remote - its alright - if aimed accurately
Full Face is covering the CD Slot (prevents dust)

Weaknesses:
Sk_i_ps
Sk_i_ps
Sk_i_ps

Summary:
I GOT SCREWED. What a piece of junk. I can't believe it!
Well it was a gift in a radio contest-can't complain-except I paid $30 to install the AIWA Garbage.

Actually, I run on CD-Rs and thought the Aiwa deck couldn't read CDrs, my mistake, the decks not "Warmed Up" yet. Give it a few minutes.

What a joke.

Similar Products Used:
Have a JVC - 40x4 (2oo1 Model)
JVC is a simple yet kick A** system. Nuff said -try it out your self at ANY audio store. *Note new Aiwa's are better (ie MP3 reader)

Strengths:
It plays CDs.. Beyond that... I'm not sure

Weaknesses:
The quality of this unit is horrible. Everything breaks. Aiwa actually sent me this unit after I broke my old one. Horrible Horrible cd player.. Screen quit working, Eject button fell into the player, skips, randomly resets.. bad news folks. And the worst part... Aiwa Customer Service. My first unit was repaired 5 times before I had to go ballistic to get a new replacement.

Summary:
Everything breaks. Aiwa actually sent me this unit after I broke my old one. Horrible Horrible cd player.. Screen quit working, Eject button fell into the player, skips, randomly resets.. bad news folks. And the worst part... Aiwa Customer Service. My first unit was repaired 5 times before I had to go ballistic to get a new replacement. I gave my sister this replacement. Continual hassles. Its a possessed cd player.

Similar Products Used:
To the Clarion 8575z in my other car. It doesn't compare.

Price Paid:  $144.00

Strengths:
Nice H-Bass, cool display, very good sound quality, nice features, cool remote.

Weaknesses:
The display is a little tempermental, but works good, it does get hot when in the direct sunlight, but other than that, i cant think of anything else, not the best in the world, but far from Jensen or Pioneer.

Summary:
I think this is an overall good headunit, and would reccommend it to anyone that it looking for an afforable head unit with all the features you will find in the more expencive brands. One reccommendation, have it pro installed, it will be much easier! The Aiwa customer support people were nice, and got the information for me quickly (Hold down the DSSA button for more than 2 seconds to turn the stupid demo mode off)

Similar Products Used:
JVC Headunit, it was easier to use, but didn't have good SQ

Price Paid:  $230.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1999

Strengths:
Cool H-Bass, easy to use, sound quality ain't bad

Weaknesses:
Skips a lot. Gets very very hot. Breaks very easy.

Summary:
This thing skips over every little dimple in the road. The plastic clip which holds the face closed broke off, piece of crap!DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE!!!!!!!!!!

Similar Products Used:
Now have a Sony M600, couldn't be happier.