CD2260M
Do you envision your mega-changer as the ultimate digital recording source? Are you a fiend for mixes? With its digital coaxial output, the 200-disc CD-2260M admirably serves as a master CD source. It's second in Kenwood's lineup of mega-changers, and differs from its bigger brother, the CD-2280, in its lack of multi-room simultaneous playback compatibility. If your home isn't stereo-networked but you still want digital outs, this changer should be on your comparison list. First, you can make digital copies using its digital jack, skipping the 2260M's D/A converter entirely and sending a data stream directly to a compatible digital recorder, like a CD-R or MiniDisc. The jack should also be a welcome addition for an audiophile interested in using an external D/A converter (see link below). On the convenience side, you have the ability to name your discs (210 max, 25 characters each) and assign them to one of 26 music types. Then you can repeat or random play within those music types or globally, using the entire 200-disc magazine. Global random play is equipped with the circuitry to lock out already-played tracks, so you won't hear the same track twice until the entire magazine has played through once. Thirty-two tracks can be designated for the "best" file, giving you a personal Greatest Hits mix on call. Access to discs and tracks in your massive music library of music can be had through the remote or front panel, the latter featuring a convenient jog dial. The unit will begin playing as soon as you touch "power." Although Kenwood hypes the player's dual 1-bit D/A converter, Mark found the highs soft-edged and the bass fat on another Kenwood equipped with the same converter. As always, the final sound decision is yours.

MSRP:
$162.00 Product Rating:
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 CD4700M
Kenwood's CD-4700M is a fairly high-end 200-disc CD mega-changer that sports a cool silver finish. It's loaded with all the performance and convenience features most users will ever need or want. Most notably, this model has something called Net Link, a proprietary feature that allows connection to the Internet for the retrieval of enhanced information about your CDs. The data is then presented on the front panel's 15-character dot matrix display. Other amenities include CD Text compatibility. Insert a specially encoded CD and you'll get info on the album title, artists, track titles, etc. Direct Disc Access makes finding one disc among 200 a lot easier. Initiate an alphabetical search from either the remote control or the front panel. What's more, the filing system lets you organize your collection into 27 categories. Other, more common features include Play Exchange (swap up to 199 CDs while one plays uninterrupted), 32-track programmable memory, random play modes (one disc, all discs, music type) and repeat play modes. The CD-4700M is one-touch CD recording (CCRS) compatible; if you have an appropriately equipped cassette deck, you can set the optimum recording level and begin recording with the touch of a single button. On the connectivity front, the CD-4700M packs a Toslink optical digital output and an analog line (RCA) output. Some other units on the market also have a coaxial digital output. This jukebox supports Kenwood's SL-16 format for system integration with properly equipped Kenwood A/V receivers. -- NW

MSRP:
$399.00 Product Rating:
  0 of 5