Pioneer CDX-FM1257

Price Paid:  $150.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 CDX-FM1257

Strengths:
Nothing short of hitting it with a hammer will make it skip. Good sound quality through radio and factory one at that. Even with the cost of installation, only $200 for a 12-disc changer? You can't beat that. Plus the wireless remote works from just about anywhere.

Weaknesses:
The controller is a little small and I'm here to tell you the tape supplied to hold it to the dash doesn't hold up in this Alabama heated interiors. I finally moved it over the steering wheel where it fits nicely. The case seems a little cheap, but with strong guts inside, who cares!

Summary:
Already had an in-dash CD player, but got tired of always changing them out. Had the changer on sale at Sam's for $150, so I snagged it. Had it professionally installed and have had no problems at all with it.
The roads down here aren't exactly in the greatest shape but even over potholed roads and railroad crossings, I have never had it skip.

Similar Products Used:
I owned a six-disc changer way back and it skipped on the same roads this one doesn't on. Never had any problems with Pioneer units. I'm a loyal brand follower.

Price Paid:  $250.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1999

Strengths:
12 disks

Weaknesses:
Loading or changing a disk. The CD holder housing door.

Summary:
Bought this last year and had it professionally installed by a Pioneer certified company. Or so they said. First the door that closes and keeps the magazine safe is very cheap. It came off it's track the second time I used it. How it is stuck in the half open position. Cheap plastic. The control display was mounted with the 2 sided tape and came off the first day. When the power is shut off it loses it's memory and wants to search all 12 disks when I start the truck. Slow load times, slow disk to play. I had a Sony before this and will buy Sony again next time. Pioneer needs to get a better Quality control on it's Car CD' players. I hate taking 5 minutes to change or add a CD since I fight the unit to open or especially to close the door. It's still not closed but jammed half shut.

Similar Products Used:
Sony 6 disk changer. Much better that the Pioneer.

Price Paid:  $219.00

Strengths:
DOES NOT SKIP!
Great sound; easy to install; CD-TEXT; ability to program CD titles; will play only favorite selections if desired; wireless remote

Weaknesses:
Display is not bright enough

Summary:
I researched CD changers thoroughly before I bought this unit. It is the one to buy if you need an RF changer. Lots of features, great sound, easy install and it doesn't skip. You can program CD titles, select favorite tracks to play, play CD-R's. It's a fantastic unit, and I have no regrets.

If you don't want to mess with your existing FM setup, or you don't have a head unit that will control a changer, this is the one for you.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $300.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1999/FM1257

Strengths:
Surprisingly good sound through the radio

Weaknesses:
nada

Summary:
This was professionally installed for $300 total. And I mean profressional.
The control unit was mounted on my dash, to where it almost looks stock.
12 is the way to go! It's very solid, and plays very nicely through the radio. Better than I would have expected.
The remote is a nice touch, but I rarely use it. Programming in the names of albums is cute, but a lot of trouble to do every time you change out disks.
Overall, a good unit that adds a lot of pleasure in traffic, or on a long haul.

Similar Products Used:
ease of use, shock resistance, overall sound quality.

Price Paid:  $199.00

Strengths:
The ease of installation and the price.

Weaknesses:
It does not come with the IP-BUS cable to hook up with a Multi cd changer head unit. Anyone know where I can get one of these cables in Turkey?

Summary:
I paid $199.00 (brand new)----excellent price for what ya get. I would recommend it.....as long as you know the IP-bus cable is not supplied with this unit and it is a pain to find on the net. Other than that it is good.

Similar Products Used:
I had an indash CD player