Sony XR-CA300

Price Paid:  $125.00 from ITALY

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 XR-CA300

Summary:
If you like listening for music and want to beat thieves (just in case) by not investing too much money in your car stereo, this is the best deal. Sony quality, powerful enough, simple and reliable. Since it handles a Sony CD changer you can hear also CDs or you can buy an adapter (CPA-9 for example) and use your portable CD. That's all you need if you can live without special FX. The annoying demo feature can be easily disabled, the directions are in the instruction booklet.

Strengths:
Value for money - CD changer control - CD TEXT if the CD changer handles it - Clear and powerful sound

Weaknesses:
tape features are very basic, XR-CA400 is the answer to that

Price Paid:  $89.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
This deck has great sound, plenty of power, and is simple so I can do anything with it without taking my eyes off the road. Even has CD-changer controls. Best bang for buck under $100. Only complaint is that demo "screen saver" it has when shut off, I'd rather just have a clock.

Strengths:
Sound, power, simplicity, CD-changer controls, cheap.

Weaknesses:
Displays a demo when shut off rather than just a clock.

Similar Products Used:
Factory....SUCKS!!!