Panasonic CQ-DFX99

Price Paid:  $300.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1991 Camry

Strengths:
Definately the looks, the deck itself not having a built in amp was also a plus in my book but it was also it's own flaw. (I'm a SPL freak and this deck by not having a built in amp helps to keep it cool on high volumes)

Weaknesses:
For someone who isn't all that into car audio you might hate not having an internal amp for this deck, and the color of the deck is hard to match with whatever else you might have in the interior. (day time) Useless 3d stereo effect which still don't bother you unless you are dumb enough to turn it on.

Summary:
The thing about this deck that caught my attention was the looks. Then after comparison shopping, this deck really made me drool when it provided 3 sets of preamp outs at 5 volts!!! (great for external amps) It also comes with Aux input that lets you plug in seperate devices which not too many decks at around 1999 had. This deck also had no built in amp so when I play it loud for hours and hours it would never blow the little display lights which some of my friends had problems with in their other systems. The thing with judging the sound quality of this deck is that you can't. Without an internal amp all you get are just noise signals which is rated in dbs. And the S/N ratio as I recall was well over 90 db which is more than enough to hold it's own compared to other decks. For those of you that judge this deck to other ones, you must take into consideration that the sounds you hear are consisted of this deck's output and the reproduction from the amp which you have and the speakers playing out of. This deck can't be compared to others because it would definately not be suited for the stock stereo upgrade. Unless you have plans for external amps, I wouldn't recommend this deck but besides that, this deck will last you and I think the design will be pretty striking still for years to come. If you want this deck for the looks only, I recommend you get the lower models because those provide the same looks and also an internal amp so you don't need to cough up more cash to start using it. Also for the newer models, they might look great but the stats on this stereo out performs the newer ones and this is the only non internal amp version of the panasonic line. (as far as I know)

Similar Products Used:
sony, kenwood, blah blah blah

Price Paid:  $450.00

Strengths:
Only uses external amps for much better sound quality, great bass control you can turn your amp for your sub up and down so it doesn't drown out the other speakers, Looks pretty wicked at night and in the daytime, Fold down face where you can throw cd's in after you fold it down gives it a nicer look.

Weaknesses:
3D Sound is pretty horrible but who uses it in a car anyways ;)

Summary:
Killer CD Player

Price Paid:  $175.00

Strengths:
Looks good. Nice spectrum analyzer. Auxilary input (you can plug in MP3 player, walkman, I have a mini disc which I plug into it). 3D sound control.

Weaknesses:
FM tuner seems kind of weak and sounds horrible using the 3D sound processor. Bass and treble controls are fixed for everything (CD, tuner, and Aux). Kenwood keeps different settings for the different inputs.

Summary:
For the price I paid I can't complain. I picked it up for $175 brand new. After seeing the 2000 models with the mirror finish I think those are a little nicer. Having no built in amp caused some problems with installing it because it required that I buy a separate 4 channel amp but the sound quality is much better. For the money it's not bad, but I think Kenwood or Pioneer decks offer much more features than Panasonic.

Similar Products Used:
None

Strengths:
I bought this for my daughter'd 16 th birthday, she HAD to have it,I installed it with a new wiring harness.It doe's look good at night,in my opnion it sounds FANTASTIC.I got a good deal because I spent 2 thousand for my new car system there, i paid 220.00 .Panasonic makes realiable products, so I hope it holds out for my daughter 1 yr.warranty.

Weaknesses:
None that I could see very easy to install!!!!

Summary:
For 220.00 I thought it was a good deal.I can add a c/ d changer to it later if she wants one,that option remains open.The unit itself looks MORE EXPENSIVE then it really was.My daughter says it rocks.Has not had any problems[yet].For factory speakers in a 93 OLDS Cutlass it sounds good.We own Panasonic TV'S and have never had a problem.we hope the same with this head unit.Install instructions were clear and concise EASY to follow.I would highly recomend this unit,it's design is clean and uncluttered and the changer can always be added.

Similar Products Used:
We [she] looked at a couple Pioneers and a Sony head unit.BUT the display is what got her.[it is cool]

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1999 dfx99

Strengths:
Nice looking at night ,lots of features ,Great sound quality ,easy to use
aux input -never skips plays scratched cds .

Weaknesses:
No pause on cd ,but can be switched to aux input easily

Summary:
Excellant HU ,paid around $300 new lot of HU for the money.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood , Alpine ,Pioneer ( This is my 4th Panasonic ) that says it all -Never had a minutes problem with the Panasonics . Lots of trouble with the others