Sony Mobile ES CDX-780

Price Paid:  $380.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 '98 Sony CDX-C782

Strengths:
I think it's a great unit for hte money, I like the display and the external features.

Weaknesses:
Radio Reception, Sony bragged about how good the FM tuner was in this unit and I have to say it really sucks.

Summary:
From the first day I bought this unit in 1998 till today, I still really like this unit. I went out on a head unit search about 6 months ago and bought all kinds of units. I returned or resold everyone because I really couldn't find one unit that did everything the Sony does. I have the Sony XDP-766EQ hooked up to it and Sony's XEC-1000 5-way crossover too. I really like it's quailty and recommend it to anyone. The only promlem the FM tuner and they don't make any nice units now except theCDX-C90 which is $1200.

Similar Products Used:
Eclipse 5504, 55040, 5503R, Apline, and all the rest

Strengths:
It will not skip, user friendly, clean sound (99 s/n ratio), good frequency range. I am brand loyal to Sony and I was very impressed by this unit. Sony is the only brand that I've seen that has ESP in their decks, which also made this one a plus.

Weaknesses:
If played for an extended amount of time, the CD's get hot. It has never shut down on me because of heat, but there was always that fear. CD text only works with a CD changer. The 1-10 buttons on the bottom of the unit were too small.

Summary:
I paid $380 back in 1998 from Crutchfield. I have never had a problem with this unit. I would recommend it to everyone, even though they don't make it anymore. A very well made unit. Sony did a good job.I also have the Mobile ES Changer 828, and these two work hand in hand.

Similar Products Used:
CDX-6850. If it had shock protection it would be right up there with the 780. The shock protection make this unit more superior than others. At first I was skeptical about only 3 seconds for ESP, but it proved me wrong.

Strengths:
I reviewed this before..look below

Weaknesses:
its ok now I guess

Summary:
Well, it was fixed by sony and they did a surprisingly good job. They replaced the whole cd assembly stuff and some circuit boards. It now plays cd-r's burned at 12x instead of only 4x, it actually plays cd's again and of course the damn thing never ever ever skips. I was really impressed by sony at their repair facility. Its only like 20-30 mins from my house so I drove down one day and droped the radio off. I didn't have to wait for more than like 3-5 mins. The repair took probably 4 or 5 days and when they were done, they even shippped it back to me so I wouldn't have to come and pick it up. I guess this radio is a good value after all.

Similar Products Used:
None

Year / Model Reviewed:
 91 Corolla

Strengths:
-It will NOT WHATSOEVER skip!!! I took it over potholes in yellowstone with a cd playing, and after trying for a half hour, it still would not skip.
-I like the fact that it has 3 preouts plus an equalizer out, a bus and remote in.
-The display is quite nice. No unneccesary displays.
-Layout great.
-Volume, sound clarity, and warranty AWESOME!!!

Weaknesses:
-FM and AM radio have a hiss. Needs fixing.

Summary:
-Paid $300. Most definitely recommend it. Or even the 6850, or 7850. Best cd receivers on the market!!!

Similar Products Used:
-CDX-CD 680: Same features, just not es, and no warranty

Strengths:
It Never skips whatsoever, love the volume knob, 2 yr. warranty.

Weaknesses:
The FM tuner is pretty crappy, It stopped playing cd's after about a year and a half(being fixed right now tho at sony). It wont play cdr's that are burned at higher than 4x. You can't advance back to the begining of a cd, you must go back through.

Summary:
I paid way too much for this unit...I would have to say that I would't recomend it

Similar Products Used:
n/a