Sony CDX C880

Price Paid:  $150.00 from eBay

Year / Model Reviewed:
 CDX C880

Summary:
This is definitely the best head units I have ever used. To this date, I have not heard it skip once. The controls are very simple and usable, and I can see the display even in the daytime clearly. The radio reception is clear, and is plays even scratched or burned CDs very well. The list price is pretty steep, you would expect a highest quality unit for $600 of course. I consider myself lucky for finding it on eBay for much less though. I would give this the highest value if found at a reasonable price, say <$300. I don''t know if this is really really worth $600 or so, but then again, I don''t think any head unit is. Probably only the C90 (which Ive seen run in the thousands) can beat this one.

Strengths:
Just about everything I can think of: CD reception, radio playback, display, controls, user friendly controls.

Weaknesses:
I would like a pause button for CD play, when I want to pause the CD I have to switch to radio and then lower the volume, or turn the whole unit off, but surprisingly I haven''t noticed that problem (probably since I''m always listening to music in the car). Pricy.

Similar Products Used:
Other Sony cd head units, other brand name head units in other cars

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Circuit City

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1998

Summary:
Sony has made a Winner! This deck is incredible, I''ve used alot brands such as Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion and Macintosh. The 1 Bit Burr Brwon D/A and BBE combined with the Digital Coefficient Filter are simply amazing! The Sound is so REAL! It makes me say WOW. I also love how easy it is to use as well as the many features that it has. The display and knob are VERY welcome. I''ve never had a cd player thatis as easy to use as this one. All I have to do is lift a finger! The display is nice too, You can see it in the SUN! I''ve never had any trouble what so ever trying to see the display. It''s clear as crystal enjoyable to look at. Nice variety of colors. I definately recommend this cd player to anyone who has the chance to get it. Not to be passed up!

Strengths:
Great Sound quality. VERY user friendly Wonderful Flexability

Weaknesses:
NONE.

Similar Products Used:
Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion, Eclipse, Sony, Macintocsh

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Good Guys

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1998

Summary:
Fantastic! Sony has made a winner! I paid full price, but this cd player is worth every penny! This is certainly one of the last good cd players to be made by Sony. All that Xplod stuff is really giving them a bad name. I really love this cd player. It''s SO user friendly! All I have to do is lift a finger and I can do all sorts of stuff. The sound from this unit is phenomonal! With BBE this deck SINGS! It sounds so real! My buddy recently got a CDX-C90 and I have to admit, my 880 is a definate contender. If you don''t have $1,200 to pay for a c90 then certainly look into this cd player. I have NEVER had it skip on me and I just LOVE the sound! VERY REAL, the Burr Brown 1 bit D/A combined with the BBE and the Digital Variable Coefficient filter is simply AMAZING! I''ve used Alpine, Pioneer, and many other brands and they just can''t compare to the realism this deck can produce. I definate recommend this cd player

Strengths:
Everything! VERY user friendly. Sound quality! Flexability Does not Skip

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Alpine, Pioneer, Sony, Eclipse, Macintocsh, Calrion