Nakamichi TD-35z

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00 from OEM

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 TD-35z

Summary:
I take issue with the other reviewers of this unit. The following is what I submitted to the folks at Nakamichi: Having recently purchased a vehicle equiped with a TD-35z/MB-70 system, I feel compeled to write to you. Nakamichi has had a reputation of being "the best". If so, I am deeply disappointed. The TD-35z/MB-70 are simply not ready for prime time. At least, not in the year 2004. Why are most of the function buttons tiny, difficult to locate, and identical to one another ? Nakamichi should use buttons of different sizes, shapes, colors, and/or lighting. How about a "jog dial" ? Who designed the programming logic ? If at the end of a CD, why must the user reverse through the CD track selections to arrive at, say, track #2 ? Why didn't Nakamichi program the unit to allow the user to simply go "forward" from the last track of the CD, to track #1, and then on to track #2 ? Even worse, similar logic renders the "T.Scan" function almost useless. When using this function, the programming does indeed sample 8 seconds of each track - with a catch. The user must begin the T.Scan at the beginning of a CD. If the user initiates this function from track #2 and on, the unit will never sample the tracks prior to the track on which T.Scan was initiated. Instead, after sampling the final track of a CD, the programming instructs the unit to select the next CD in the changer, and to begin sampling this next CD. Bizzare. Frustrating. Lighting. Come on, a Nakamichi system doesn't even allow the user to vary the light intensity of the display ? Oh yeah, if the user defeats the clock function, then the unit will "go dark" when the power is selected off. Hey, that's progressive ! But it doesn't help the user at all when using the unit at night. The interior of my vehicle is lit up like the approach lights of the Los Angeles International Airport. And finally, the name Nakamichi. This name suggests state-of-the-art features, doesn't it ? So, why doesn't the TD-35z have an "aux" input ? Sure, the TD-45z has one . . . but why not the 35z ? I recently decided to subscribe to a satellite radio service (as do millions), only to find that there is no way to input the signal to the TD-35z. I must admit, I was surprised that Nakamichi, of all manufacturers, would find such an input unnecessary. To the contrary, certain features, such as an "Aux" input, should be STANDARD for a Nakamichi, don't ya think ? Re-think your mission statement. Become what Nakamichi should be. Thanks for letting me vent. Please use my e-mail, should you respond.

Strengths:
Sounds OK.

Weaknesses:
Ergonomically, a throw-back to the ice age. Vexing programming logic.

Price Paid:  $141.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 ford f-150

Summary:
Great simple look and feel. easy to use. Cd flawless so far. Power is good enough for normal listening although seems to struggle just above resonable listening levels. Added some amps and it does much better. My unit was refurbished and the only problem I've noticed is that if you hold the seek button in too long on fm it automatically switches to AUX in. don'n know if this is normal with all units or not. (By the way my unit is actally a 40z not 35z).

Strengths:
look, feel, reception seems great to me.

Weaknesses:
power at 43watts max is not going to impress anyone but it is reasonable power for normal listening.

Similar Products Used:
alpine - much better overall although I liked the alpine too.

Price Paid:  $200.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 87 Jetta GLI

Summary:
Great product, great price, great look - very factory looking and blends in well with the dash.

Strengths:
Not a disco light show like the Pioneer and Sony junk. Wanted a clean looking and sounding cd unit in black. Plenty of power to drive four speakers - I'm using inefficient MB Quart components up front and they sound great. I'm using the pre-amp outs to an amp to power a sub. Has yet to skip. I like the addition of a "mid" adjustment between bass and treble. The display when playing a CD looks like the units they use in Lexuses.

Weaknesses:
If you do not defeat the clock function, the display stays illuminated. Since I have a clock, I defeated it, no loss to me.

Similar Products Used:
Alpine, Sony, Kenwood - this is the best I've had.

Price Paid:  $300.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 71 chev pickup

Summary:
This unit has a very clean sound. I am very pleased with every aspect. If you are looking for quality sound at a good price, this is it. (Eg. can't spend alot of money, but want a true quality sounding stereo.)
I Would buy again.

Strengths:
clean, and simple layout. No unessesary extras

Weaknesses:
nothing... except for requiring dealer instl. to get the full 3 year warranty

Similar Products Used:
none.

Summary:
Paid $229 (I think the MSRP is $299, there is quite a markup, I've seen it online for under $200). I'm using the stock speakers in my Maxima and it sounds better than the factory unit on FM. The CD player is flawless, sounds great and has decent power. I would recommend it/buy another.

Strengths:
Simple design/layout. No flashy display. Volume knob. 3 year warranty.

Weaknesses:
You need to turn the volume knob many turns for little volume. Unit doesn't constantly display the station frequency, it changes to clock after a few seconds. No CD changer control (not that it matters to me).

Similar Products Used:
None