Philips CDC775 5-CD Changer

• 5-disc capacity
• CD-rewritable compatible
• Digital-output jack
• Internal volume control
• Play exchange

When you first turn it on, the CDC775 automatically goes into CD detection mode, displaying the number of discs loaded and where they're sitting. If you add or change discs while the player is stopped, it returns to detect mode upon closing and displays the new results. The detect process takes about a minute and if you interrupt the process by pressing any button (such as Play), it will display incorrect data. If you don't need to know at a glance which disc slots are occupied, this won't be problem.

The CDC775 also includes a handy Quick Play button located on the tray surface. This feature bypasses the detect process altogether, giving the changer single-player simplicity. Just place a disc in the tray slot marked Preferred Position, press Quick Play, and you've got music within five seconds. Additionally, you can change up to three discs without interrupting the disc in play using a play-exchange feature. The CD detection mode will not kick in.

The player's basic operations are well labeled and intuitive, making reference to the manual unnecessary. Programming the CDC775 and learning how to use the other convenience functions may require some reading, but, fortunately, the instructions are easy to follow and well illustrated.

The CDC775 allows you to program up to 40 tracks from among the five discs and to conveniently transfer them to cassette, MiniDisc (MD), or recordable CD (CD-R). While most programmable changers let you select the cassette length you are using and will automatically pause when the cassette reaches the end of a side, the CDC775 also includes CD-R (or MD) settings of 21, 60, or 74 minutes. Thus, whether you're dubbing from the CDC775 to cassette, MD, or recordable CD, you can program the player to pause when your chosen medium is out of time. This allows you to turn over the cassette or change discs without ruining the continuity of your created program.

A Peak Search mode scans for the loudest passage on a disc, making it simple to set the recording level. If you're recording a program of tracks from different discs, you need to run Peak Search on each disc to find the loudest section among them.

The unit's internal volume control--accessible from the remote control--is a double-edged sword. It does allow you to lower the volume from the remote, but it alters the actual output level (not just the listening level). So if you adjust it while recording, you'll ruin the tape or CD you're making. When recording, make sure to leave the volume all the way up and don't touch it.

The CDC775's headphone output is adjustable and the sound quality from the headphone amplifier is remarkably good, especially considering the unit's low price. The quality of the main analog outputs is also impressive, more so if you upgrade from the supplied cables. While the bass performance isn't comparable with far more expensive CD players, and images (the aural illusions presented in a stereo soundfield) tend to be somewhat two-dimensional, the overall sonic picture painted by the CDC775 is pleasing and free from the harshness sometimes associated with digital gear.

The performance, features, and build quality suggest a product that should cost at least twice its $150 asking price. The CDC775 is an outstanding value, especially for those burning their own CDs.

Pros:

• Three-disc change without interrupting disc in play
• Plays CD-RWs
• Single-disc-player convenience with Quick Play function
• Versatile programming and recording (including CD-R)
• Good-sounding headphone jack with adjustable volume
• Peak Search function for easy record-level setting
• Remote-control volume
• Digital output for use with outboard D/A or AV receiver

Cons:

• Remote volume control changes recording level when accidentally pressed