magic_ears

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I had this cd player for about a year before it broke. Acoustically is very clear and accurate. There is a mechanical or tinny quality to the sound, but I believe there is a law of diminishing returns here. I went to listen to a Cambridge Audio Azure cd player that everyone is raving about and yes it has a better sound, more natural, smoother…it is not three times better than the JVC. I think when you get into more expensive players your buying more a placebo rather than audio nirvana.

Particularly with the sound processing technology incorporated into today’s receivers; you can simulate different sounds. I prefer accurate representation of the music. There are so many factors that can affect the sound such as speakers, speaker placement, room acoustics, and receiver quality. These factors can alter how a cd player can sound just as much as the DAC in the player(in my humble opinion). On a sound quality basis for the money this is very good sound but mechanically dubious. If you’re the gambling type I would recommend it you might get a more

Strengths:
Accurate sound reproduction
Clear and sharp sound
Great price : performance ratio

Weaknesses:
Slight treble bias
Mechanical sounding
Reliability, all plastic not built like Yamaha or Marantz....built like tanks

Similar Products Used:
sony
cambridge audio
panasonic
pioneer

Summary:
Great CD Player. Great sound. Great Price. Need I say more?

Strengths:
Sound, Price, Value

Weaknesses:
The control isnt the best

Similar Products Used:
Sony 5 disk

Price Paid:  $100.00

Summary:
When the CD format first hit the scene I owned a Toshiba model (I can't remember the model #) and I thoght it was the ballz! I mean, after all, the digital scene was new and it was exciting to say the least, and honestly, the judge of a quality player was supposed to be over-sampling!

Now that we have progressed into the digital age and realize that 500x over-sampling does not a good Cd player make, I can give an honest review of this faithful, but still piece of crap CD player.

I say this because thats what it is: a piece of crap. I bought it at a time when I knew nothing of CD transports and DAC's, because if I did I would have saved my money for a better spinner. Don't get me wrong! I am still using it until my NAD C540 comes in, and for the most part its not a bad player if you don't really care about how your music sounds or if its all you can afford. The sound is simple to describe: The 1 bit DAC produces an output thats common with low end players. An over emphasized high and low end, not very faithful to the original program, something I lived with for years until I heard my first real CD player (The NAD C540, there are better ones out there but as far as price and sound it can't be beat). But as far as reliability, its been playing great ever since I bought it and I am glad I did buy it. It carried me over and I have it to thank for me noticing the difference in quality it doesn't share with the NAD C540. This is great for a college dorm or a rec room music setup, and if you can find it for $50.00 or less, its a good deal. But if you want to start a mid fi system, stay away from JVC. They are really low end crap creators..........(no offense).

Strengths:
Nice price, decent sound.

Weaknesses:
1 Bit DAC, Being a JVC, No digital output.

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
I got this on Ebay for $97. ($112 after shipping) Not bad for the quality hardware this this thing is made of. I use it with my JVC-554VBK Reciver.

I used the compu-link for about 5 mins before tossing it. I like to put a CD on pause and listen other sources for a few mins. Doing this with compu-link turns off the CD player and I will lose my place on the CD.

The remote is very simple, but runs all the needed functions.

Strengths:
Great sound, value, styling, and design.

Weaknesses:
Some of the Compu-link features.

Similar Products Used:
Sony 5-disk player.

Summary:
I have owned this cd player for a few weeks now, and I have loved it since the day I got it. I bought it refurbished from spidergear for $97 and it was worth every penny. My only regret is that I should have bought the XL-F154BK that doesn't come with a remote. I have a JVC receiver, so the remote to that will control my cd player. VERY GREAT AUDIO COMPONENT.

Strengths:
Great sound, very sleak styling, afordable, many options.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood 204-CD