JVC XL-MC302 CD Players Reviews

Summary:
I have had the JVC Model XLMC-301 CD Changer that is the same unit as the JVC Model XLMC-302 only the 301 is a champagne color and the 302 is black. I purchased the 301 in December of 1996 and have had nothing but flawless operation of the unit. In August of 1997 I purchased another 100 disc module the Model XL MCM1 FROM J&R Music World for 150.00.
Just last week I was on a real mission to find another 100 disc module. Forget trying to contact JVC America on-line they just don't respond.
Well, I got lucky, I went to the Internet a found Direct Sales out of Staten Island, New york and they not only had an extra 100 disc module XL MCM1 but they had the Model XLMC-301 (BRAND NEW) both for 350.00 plus delivery.
Anyone that is looking for add ons for your Model 301 or 302 check with Direct Sales.
As for the JVC Web Site forget it.

Strengths:
Great design, easy to operate. A real conversation piece that has add on capability. A design that JVC should have stayed with.

Weaknesses:
Short lived design. A real challenge to find

Similar Products Used:
none

Summary:
The XL-MC301/302 series from JVC is a very unique CD changer in that it comes in two pieces: the 100 CD jukebox + a control unit that contains a single CD player (pictured above). The beauty of this setup is that the control unit can fit within a standard rack or audio setup, and the jukebox can be placed elsewhere... out of the way or where it can be accessed more easily. Very good design... Unlike the new Denon and Sony models that require a lot of space. I have the jukebox connected to the control unit via a 20ft monster RCA cable to keep it out of the way.

In addition, if you need more than 100 CD storage, additional units (XL-MCM1) can be purchased (up to 2 additional) for a total of 300CDs all controlled from the control unit and one remote! Sony and Denon also allow daisy-chains, but the units are monsters.

Though the control unit does not have digital out, the jukebox transmits music back to the control unit via a Coax digital out. All you have to do is place an RCA splitter on that line and you have the digital stream.

Very good playback and disc transition time is very good. I purchased this unit from J&R last year for $250 (regularly $800). They no longer have this unit, but they show up on ebay ocassionally. Get one if you can, you won't regret it.

Notes:

XL-MC301 is champagne
XL-MC302 is black
XL-MC100 is the previous model that does not have a single disc player in the control unit. Otherwise seems similar.

Ratings:

5 stars for value - if you can find one of these, if performs all basic functions great.

4 stars overall since some of the newer jukeboxes will recognize CDs automatically, and provide keyboards and computer interfaces to enter disc information.

Strengths:
Ulta-flexibile setup. Very good sound and reliable disc exchange mechanism.

Weaknesses:
No digital out from the control unit (only from jukebox). Does not 'recognize' CDs. If you move them, you have to change the titles etc.

Similar Products Used:
Various single disc players