Nakamichi CD400

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 cd-400

Summary:
i have one of these in my bmw 325i and i think it sounds amazing i only have problems loading cd's sometimes it is a tad picky about which ones it will play and wont

Price Paid:  $320.00 from E-Bay

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Nakamichi CD-400

Summary:
An absolutely brilliant sounding if fragile unit. Nakamichi's no frills approach mean the budget has been spent on extracting good sound quality from your disc's.

This unit was purchased as an ex demo model, it has failed to eject a disc a couple of times but this is usually cured by depressing the reste button with a ball point pen, I've also taken the lid off the unit and re-greased the eject mechanism to keep it sweet.

Radio sounds are superb, but it has an annoying quirk that requires you to switch off the AF feature on low strength station otherwise you'll hear an annoying pip every 2 minutes.

I've hooked this up to some Mission, MTX, Diamond and Nakamichi gear and it really gets the most out of it.

To surmise, not one for those who'll worry about reliability and like to jam filthy fast food covered Cd's in the drives svelte slot, more of a unit that need to be treated with kid gloves and a bit of TLC.

The sonic rewards are second to none at this price break.

Strengths:
Sound quality to rival domestic audio.
OEM looking.
Easy to use.
Purposeful display.
Good Radio sensitivity.
A thief would assume it's a naff unit and walk by.

Weaknesses:
Questionable reliability.
No CD changer controls.
AF function.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer DEH7100
Becker Mexico PRO
Becker Grand Prix

Price Paid:  $299.00 from Millionbuy / eBay

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Nakamichi CD-400

Summary:
The Nak CD-400 is an excellent choice for anyone that wants a GREAT sound from their mobile audio accompanied with the refined design of a modest head unit. Most of the reviews I read prior to purchase were positive, so I decided to take the risk and buy one online. (I usually buy electronics items from big box stores like BestBuy.) Fortunately, I was not dissapointed by the delivery and quality of the product I received. This is by far the best aftermarket head unit I've ever purchased. I'm not a sound techie, but I know when my system sounds good. The Nak CD-400 is paired with a Memphis Amp, JL Audio component speakers and an Infinity 10" sub. The system sounds incredible with the top up or down in my E36 convertible.

The Nak CD-400 is definitely a good choice! Not only do I have a great sounding system, but my dashboard no longer looks like a cheap side show. (Previous head unit had annoying graphics and screen savers.)

Strengths:
SOUND, design, ease of installation and use. Great, clean presentation.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic CD-8100, Alpine CD-9756, Kenwood, Pioneer

Price Paid:  $329.00 from eBay NAK dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Nakamichi CD-400

Summary:
The CD-400 sounds very good with the 24 bit DAC. It does not have the 8X oversampling like the CD-700 and uses CIRC error correction. It is very revealing of the recording (including any imperfections in the sound and scratches on the disc). It plays all of my CD-R discs without a problem. It installed perfectly in a Toyota(single din) using the mounting brackets from the OEM radio. The sleeve and trim ring bezel were not used. I integrates extremely well with the interior and looks almost stock. Controls are well designed and you do not need a manual to figure them out. You can still push the buttons with leather gloves on and do not need small fingers. I especially like the ability to switch on/off the display (OEM radio dimmed with the dash lights), mute, pause CD in one button push. The rotary volume control is simple and you can quickly access and change settings with this. I have a NAK PA-504 amp powering the speakers and it sounds crystal clear. I tested the internal amp and two speakers and the head unit was quite hot. As such (like every other head unit), I recommend using a seperate amp. Fortunately, the internal amp can be turned off. This model also has a subwoofer preamp output and you can adjust and turn it off if needed. AUX input via RCA connectors make it possible to use an Ipod if desired. As far as build quality, it does not seem any more rugged than the factory radio, which is disappointing at this price range. However, an industrial style design like the CD-700 is significantly more expensive. Hopefully I will never have to have my NAK components serviced. My experience trying to get a manual for the PA-504 amp has proven NAK support is almost nonexistent for mobile audio in the US. Overall, I highly recommend this CD player.

Strengths:
Sound quality, understated design, ease of use.

Weaknesses:
Nakamichi service support.

Similar Products Used:
None.

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.33 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $400.00 from online car stereo

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Nakamich CD 400

Summary:
Nakamichi once meant quality, now their company has gone commercial and churning out junk like the rest. A few months after I purchased this unit (brand new) it started skipping, and now a few years later the CD transport is useless. They have the WORST service support, having their customers wait endlessly as they connect you from one recorded voice to another. They have a list of service centers, however when you call them they will tell you Nak is no longer supplying service parts or manuals. It sounds great (when it doesnt skip)I have contacted Nakamichi about these issues however they don't seem to care. I digitally master audio for a living, and an avid audiophile. Go with SONY!, they have more experience with CD transports and they don't skip when you make a sharp turn.

Strengths:
sound

Weaknesses:
CD Transport skips all the time, cheap AUX & SUB wiring

Similar Products Used:
Sony Car Audio