Panasonic CQ-HX1083U

Price Paid:  $349.00 from Crutchfield

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Panasonic CQ-HX1083U

Strengths:
The display is absolutely gorgeous. It fills up the entire front faceplate. The touchscreen works perfectly. No stupid buttons to deal with. The remote control is so much better than membrane remotes. This has real buttons and an excellent jog-pod. This not only plays MP3's, but also Window Media Files. WMA's are even more compressed. I can fit over 225 on one CDR. Sound quality is superb. The face has 7 selectable colors...plus a myriad of displays. The detachable faceplate is very easy to remove and store...plus it tilts down to accept a CD. The sound quality is absolutely sterling. Crystal Clear with plenty of oomph! I use a separate amp to power my rear speakers, but the Panasonic's built in amps really pumps my Sony 1333 front speakers.

Weaknesses:
The so-called Ghost face is not that invisible. But I take the faceplate with me when I am worried about where I park. There are no other weaknesses to this head unit.

Summary:
I fell in love with this Panasonic CQ-HX1083U when it first appeared in my Crutchfield catalog. I know I could have waited a few weeks and purchased it for less elsewhere. But Crutchfield is such a great place to purchase electronics. They offer unbelievable support, and simply do it right.

Similar Products Used:
Soundstream, Aiwa, Sony.