Price Paid:  $90.00 from ebay

Summary:
I bid on this changer because I wanted to try HDCD for cheap. I did this before checking the reviews posted here. After reading the reviews I thought it would be trouble. Well I am pleasantly surprised. The unit I received was in new condition and has worked flawlessly with very nice sound. Yes it searches the disk tray every time it is closed but it's not that annoying and it does it quietly. For the level of sound quality, good looks, and ease of use I think the 8370 is getting a bad rap. I have to give it five stars for my money.

Strengths:
Smooth sound, HDCD for cheap.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Denon DCM-560, Marantz CC-65SE

Price Paid:  $128.00 from Harmanaudio.com

Summary:
I got the unit as a refurb from Harmanaudio.com, and it didn''t work right out of the box. Same problem as the others had with disc recognition. My system is powered by an H/K AVR which is excellent so I thought this CD was a steal for the money, well it was a good deal for H/K, not for me! DON''T BUY ONE EVER, take it if it''s free and display it to look cool, cause that''s all it does well. I am sending it back today! I don''t what I will get. I am leaning to Onkyo....

Strengths:
DAC is HDCD

Weaknesses:
You name it...it doesn''t work

Similar Products Used:
JVC, Krell, Oknyo, Sony...

Price Paid:  $150.00 from www.harmanaudio.com

Summary:
I reviewed this player a few weeks ago and after having a more knowledgeable experience with it I felt I should review it again. Well, the player doesn''t work. I bought this item refurbished, so I can''t believe that the Harman Kardon factory doesn''t test items before sending them out--it broke within weeks of buying it. I tell it what discs to play, and it just skips over to the next tray position after trying to read the selected disc--it''s almost as if there is no disc in the tray number I choose, but there is. Once in a while, after keeping it going in its never ending cycle, it will read a disc and play it, but this happens rarely and randomely. I have no control over the music I listen to. I am going to return it and buy a new FL 8380, because the older refurbished stuff doesn''t seem to be working out. I''ll review this new player when I get it--hopefully it will work.s

Strengths:
HDCD, LOOKS NICE, HEADPHONE JACK WITH ITS OWN VOLUME CONTROL

Weaknesses:
DOESN''T WORK--POORLY BUILTE

Similar Products Used:
CAN''T REMEMBER

Price Paid:  $150.00 from www.harmanaudio.com

Summary:
Overall, this player is a great deal. For only $150, considering it decodes HDCD, that it looks great, and that it's easy to use, I am very happy. If I could change anything about it I would have to say that the clunky, noisy, slow loading tray has to be changed, but whatever. Although many people say HDCD makes a huge difference, I can't tell too much of one. The sound is definitely better, and the vocals sound like they are in the room with you, but it won't blow you away or anything, it's just slightly better. For more information on hdcd, go to www.hdcd.com. Basically all HDCD does is decode CD's that were recorded with 20 bits of information on the disc rather than the standard 16 bits. The problem is that HDCD's are very rare. I'm waiting for sometime in the future when 32 bits can be decoded. In sum, I like this player a lot, and am glad I own the latest in audio reproduction--HDCD.

Strengths:
LOOKS GREAT, HDCD PROVIDES SOMEWHAT BETTER SOUND, EASY TO USE

Weaknesses:
VERY NOISY AND CLUNKY LOADING TRAY, TAKES TOO LONG TO LOAD AND PLAY CD

Price Paid:  $110.00 from uBid

Summary:
The Burr Brown DAC and HDCD decoding filter make this a step up from your typical hard, brittle sounding 1-bit DAC machines. Definitely far better sounding than anything else you can find for around $100. HDCD discs absolutely sing, making you realize that traditional compact disc definitely does not represent "perfect sound." (uBid, doesn't seem to have these anymore, but H/K has an "outlet" web site where its HDCD players are available at a steep discount.)
On the downside, yes, the changer really does suck. If you're after the capability to quickly and easily change between various discs this will drive you to distraction. The stupid thing clunks around for seemingly hours to find the track you want. Also, the all-disc random play mode is designed to play two tracks from each disc before changing to the next disc, weird!
I have not had any of the reliability issues with my 8370 others have reported. Still, I've seen such reports several places, so I don't doubt that many people have had problems. My advice is to buy a refurbished unit as the initial problem was probably found at the factory and repaired before shipment. This is my case and like I said, I've had no problems whatsoever.
Overall, if you're looking for good quality sound at a great price, and don't mind putting up with a clunky changer mechanism, you will not be disappointed. This is by far the best sounding CD player you're going to find for around $100.

Strengths:
Burr Brown DAC, HDCD decoding make for high quality sound

Weaknesses:
Clunky disc changer

Similar Products Used:
Technics, TEAC, Kenwood, Onkyo multi-disc players