Features:
- Optical digital-audio output
- Full random play
- 32-track/multidisc programmed play
- Three playback modes: Single disc, all disc, and custom
- Three custom groupings
Description:
Feeding the current interest in "mega" CD changers is Pioneer's PD-F507 CDFile CD player, a 25-disc file-type changer that stores discs vertically in slots, side by side. Although the PD-F507 is lightweight, the vertical CD storage makes it taller than your average stereo component. Additionally this player offers a number of different playback configurations. The unit itself is simple: a black box on feet with a manual-lift, mouth-like door on the front and a choice of two audio outputs (analog or digital) on the back. The optical digital connection is handy for configuring the PD-F507 with an external digital-to-analog converter for convenience (for example, in a home-theater system) or for better sound, though the standard RCA analog outs sounded fine to us. Once you've loaded your discs, the meat and potatoes of this CD changer are the programming features, most of which are geared for load-it-and-leave-it use. The player lets you program up to 32 tracks across all 25 discs for sequential and repeat playback--including pauses, if you desire. (A pause counts as one selection.) The unit also lets you select and save three different groups of discs, such as albums by your favorite artists, as well as one group of up to 15 favorite tracks with a feature called Best Selection Memory. Other options include Full Random Play, which works within a disc, within a program, or within all discs; Previous Disc Scan, which allows you to audition in reverse order segments of the first tracks of the last 15 albums played in order to locate that special one you can't remember; Programmed Hi Lite Scan, which plays a 10-second snippet of each track in a programmed sequence; and Last Disc Memory, which recalls on power-up the last disc played. The unit handled very well operationally, with intuitive programming and reasonably fast (10-second average) disc-change times. The PD-F507's glossy, dark plastic hood over the disc bay brings life to the attractive front panel, and a back-panel Pioneer SR remote in/out jack fosters system integration with other Pioneer components. In all, a fun and affordable CD changer, perfect for small CD libraries or large single-sitting appetites! Pros:
- Flexible playback modes
- Ease of use
- System-integration options
Cons:
- Random Disc Play only sees the first 17 tracks on any disc
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