Nakamichi CD-40z

Price Paid:  $125.00 from from an individual,

Year / Model Reviewed:
 '99 cd-40z

Summary:
I bought this because I wanted something with good sound quality and I wanted it to look stock. I've had too many friends get their stereo's stolen, and before I installed this one I almost caught someone at my own car. So this was important to me. I'm also on a budget, and believe I got a great deal on this nak. This is the first component I've replaced in my new car so it took the place of a factory cd player. I was really surprised at the difference in detail and sound quality, even though it's not a top of the line deck. I really like having just a volume knob instead of buttons too. So far I'm really happy with it. It should be a good start for my system.

Strengths:
Clarity, sound quality, stock appearance, volume knob..I really like that you can control midrange along with the treble and bass. I'm glad it has a non-fading sub output.

Weaknesses:
The display is green and my dash lights are blue. I don't really mind but it definately would look better if it matched.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing quite as good as this. Just Panasonic and Sony.

Price Paid:  $325.00 from Audio Concepts

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001

Summary:
Purchased and had dealer install unit with facory speakers in 2002 Explorer. Have had no problems ejecting CDs even on the coldest of Alaska mornings (-25f). Sound is detailed and realistic. Tuner captures stations that the Ford installed tuner did not.

Strengths:
CD plays CD and CD-Rs without skipping. Remote control is easy to use. All controls are easy to find and are self explanatory (not like the Sony in my Honda-still trying to fgure that one out after a year. I really like having a volume dial isnstead of the more common these days up and down buttons.

Weaknesses:
When attaching and detaching the face plate it feels like it will break.

Price Paid:  $160.00 from ebay

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Nak CD-40z

Summary:
Good quality sound, especially with my Infinity Kappas (rear) and Bose sub split with Bostons RX-67 (front). Clear quality sound, hardly any static.

Strengths:
Remote. Remote. Remote. Green LCD Remote. Black. Remote. Great sound.

Weaknesses:
Only 3-band equalizer. Kinda pricy. Ejecting mechanism weak and CD-R''s can get stuck.

Price Paid:  $500.00 from "ONLY NAK DEALER IN

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Nakamichi cd 40z

Summary:
I''m impresed with it''s appearance,i was considering Blaupunkt 7 series(similar look)but it''s out of production and everything else looks like it''s a small chrismas tree with all the lights and plasma display,swimming dolphins,city scapes,etc basiclly screaming at the 16 and 17 years olds ,but not much for some of us that dont drive hondas and neons,i cant wait to install the NAK,i''l post another note when it''s my car!

Strengths:
Looks well built,too bad is made where its made,what hapened to japanese products no longer "MADE IN JAPAN",even german brands no longer built "MADE IN GERMANY",hoppe it lasts.

Weaknesses:
Because of our nearly worthless canuck bucks i had no choice but to pay the price,even to buy it on e-bay or u-bid ,by the time conversion takes place i''ll end up paying even more,so i choose to bite the bullet.

Similar Products Used:
Blaupunkt Montreal,Blaupunkt Lexington.

Price Paid:  $260.00 from Dyer Electronics

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001 Nak 40Z

Summary:
I''ve had the unit a little over 4 months. The CD sound is awesome!. Tuner is OK, as mentioned previously. The unit has never skipped, and I''ve played a few different CD-R''s without any problems. Unit looks good without being too flashy and is easy to operate while driving. I''d give 5 stars if it wasn''t for the CD ejecting issue.

Strengths:
SImple layout. Bass/mid/treble controls that really work well. Very quiet between tracks even at full volume. No skipping. Plays CD-R very well.(at least Sony CD-Rs) Speaker output sound pretty good. Pre-amp outputs sound awesome. Sub-woofer ouput. AUX input.

Weaknesses:
Recently started having problems ejecting CDs. Reset no help. I''ve seen other reviewers are having the same ejecting issue. Tuner could sound a little better. Removeable face is difficult to release from left side. I thought I was going to break the face getting it off head unit. No seperate subwoofer control.

Similar Products Used:
Denon Alpine Pioneer