AIWA CDC-MP3 Review - PAGE 1

Introduction

The CDC-MP3 Faceplate

With the boom of MP3 usage in the past couple of years, it’s no wonder that manufacturers are migrating pre-existing audio products from conventional means to support MP3s and other audio files. Companies are ever-trying to make their portable MP3 players smaller, lighter, and compliant with larger memory sources with each product they release. During the race to create the ultimate portable audio device, manufacturers have developed a way to incorporate MP3 compliancy with traditional portable CD players, allowing one compose a CD (CD-R/CDRW) with the capacity of writing 650/800MB worth of music in MP3 format. You’ll never run out of songs to listen to again! Around the same time, car audio manufacturers got the idea of using this technology in their car decks/receivers. Out came the first mainstream decks on the market: the CDC-MP3 from Aiwa, and the Kenwood eXcelon Z919. I say mainstream since even before them puppies were born, there were many companies who used the hard drive storage method in composing their car audio systems. This limits the user to downloading their music into the car deck, and just creates a lot of headache & hassle if you ask me.

The CDC-MP3, and the Z919 (now discontinued) have been out for a while now (since about April/May), and Kenwood has already upgraded their product to their eXcelon Z828 model due later this month. Aiwa just released a press release with their plans to produce their top of the line audio products with the announcement of the CDC-MP32 boasting some upgrades from its descendent.I have layed out a chart that compares the CDC-MP3 and the Kenwood Z919, as well as mentions what we know about the CDC-MP32 & the Z828 to date:

AIWA CDC-MP3 MSRP: $300 General Power Supply Voltage: 14.4V DC Load Impedance: 4 Ohms Tone Control: Bass +/- 10 dB at 100 Hz, Treble +/- 10bB at 10kHz Preamp Output Voltage: 2.2V Kenwood eXcelon Z919 MSRP: $650 USD Key Features Plays MP3-Encoded CD-Rs and Conventional CDs Maximum Output Power: 45 Watts x 4 Full Bandwidth Power (less than 1% THD): 22 Watts x 4 Motorized Faceplate System E's+ Advanced Crossover System DRIVE Distortion Reduction Circuitry Front, Rear, and Non-Fading Gold-Plated RCA Outputs Full-Function 10-Key Remote Control Power Ratings Maximum Output Power: 45 Watts x 4 Full Bandwidth Power (less than 1% THD): 22 Watts x 4 Compact Disc Features Plays MP3-Encoded CD-Rs and Conventional CDs Digital-to-Analog Converter: Intergated Quad 1-Bit Digital Filter: 8-Times Oversampling DRIVE Distortion Reduction Circuitry 0-Bit Mute Digital Optimum Servo Control Precision Digital Timing (DPAC) Plays 3" (8cm) CDs without Adapters CD Text Disc Naming: 10 Discs Random Play Repeat Play Intro Scan Play/Pause Changer Control Features Changer Control: 2 + Aux (w/KCA-S210A or compatible changer) CD Text Disc Naming Disc Name Preset Play Play Time Display Random Play: Disc, Magazine Repeat: Track, Disc Scan: Track, Disc Direct Disc & Track Access: with Remote Tuner Features Kenwood CR-2 Advanced Tuner High-Speed Multipath Control (CRSC) with ANRC Station Naming: 24 Stations Station Name Preset Play: with Remote Station Presets: 24 (18 FM, 6 AM) Automatic Memory Entry Seek Tuning Tuner Mode Antenna Control General Features Motorized Faceplate System E's+ Advanced Crossover System Front and Rear RCA Preouts: Gold-Plated Independent Non-Fading Output with Level Control and Defeat Attenuator with Smooth Volume Return: -20dB Electronic Audio Control (Volume, Balance, Fader, Bass, Treble) Source Tone Memory: including Non-Fading Level Loudness Control Front/Rear Fader LCD Display: Multi-Color, with Fluorescent Backlight Display Readout: 12-Character Dot Matrix Spectrum Analyzer Display Display Dimmer: 3-Step Auto Dimmer Wire Touch-Tone Keys: Defeatable Clock Full-Function 10-Key Remote Iso-Mount Capability for Japanese Vehicles Optional Accessories Steering Wheel Remote (KCA-RC700) AIWA CDC-MP32 MSRP: $300 USD? internal amplifier with a power output of 50 watts X 4 offers AIWA's new moving "flap panel" that opens and slides out of the way to reveal the CD slot Kenwood KDC-MP8017 MSRP: $360 USD supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW discs faceplate uses a 12-character dot matrix, high-resolution LCD color display, with a white LED backlight anti-theft deterrent D-MASK present which offers the ability to manually rotate the faceplate for self-hiding or remove the faceplate altogether and place it in the included carrying case includes a maximum power rating of 47 watts x 4, and a full bandwidth power rating (less than 1% THD) at 22 watts x 4. handles CD changer control duties, has an optional remote control, and can control the optional heads-up display, sensor unit and compass Kenwood eXcelon Z828 MSRP: $650 USD Source: MP3.com New 4-Tone Fine-Dot, color fluorescent display Increased Read Speed New integrated circuit (IC2-IV) improving audio quality System Q Ex Enhancements Five pre-set equalization settings - rock, top-40/pop, jazz, easy, and flat “scan” option - plays 5 second intervals of each preset EQ setting future digital radio tuner input ready - for receiving satelite broadcasts maximum power output: 47 watts x 4 full bandwidth power rating: 22 watts x 4 supports RDS (Radio Data System) functions Dual Zone listening and control - "used with optional adapter to allow the receiver to operate its front and rear channels independently and play two different stereo sources simultaneously."

Although the eXcelon Z919 came out at around the same time as the CDC-MP3, they are not direct competitors to one another. As Kenwood PR mentioned: "if you are looking to compare apples to apples, I might suggest looking at the Kenwood KDC-MP8017 which will retail for about $360.00." Some of the specs of this deck are listed above & you can have a look at what the MP8017 & the Z828 look like:

KDC-MP8017 (top) & the eXcelon Z828 (bottom)

Back in April 2000 when the CDC-MP3 was released, there was great demand online to get one of these units in your hands. Among the online e-tailers such as Crunchfield and AudioDirect, these units were scarce if not completely sold out/wait listed. Unfortunately Aiwa had to recall the first batch of decks due to mechanical problems with the display. I bought my deck from AudioDirect who were cheaper than Crunchfield by $20. It did take them quite a while to send the deck over (they didn’t have any available when I made the purchase) to where we are in Canada.

When my unit arrived in September, it was love at first sight… I tore open the box & took a look at all the components in the box. The unit came with the faceplate, the faceplate’s case, the ISO/DIN Compliant wiring, and the unit’s harness.