Features:
- 101-disc capacity
- Single-disc play slot
- Optical digital-audio output
- CD Text
- Custom-file groupings
Description:
Despite the complexity of its motorized carousel movement, the robustly built Pioneer PD-F958 operates without a hitch. And robustness is a good thing, because with 101 discs spinning around inside, this player will see a lot of action. We were actually pleasantly surprised at the flexibility of the PD-F958 once we programmed seven-letter title lines and classified each disc under three custom-file categories of our choosing. If you don't take advantage of the PD-F958's labeling options, you can't appreciate most of its clever little features--all you have is a player that plays all 101 discs, either straight through or randomly. However, programming 101 discs in a single evening ranks among the most boring and frustrating tasks we've ever undertaken; be sure you're up for it before you start. Also, be warned that data entry comes with the territory. Until a greater percentage of CDs employ CD Text (many now do, and the PD-F958 is one of the CD changers that can read CD Text), entering CD Text will be a manual process for any megadisc changer. Once you've told the player what you've fed it, you can select any disc by typing its title line, or you can play only the music within a certain category (either straight through or in random-disc or random-song order). You can even listen to every disc in the order which you installed it. The bottom line is, you're in control. The player sounds robust through the analog output from its single-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and it also features a Toslink optical digital output in case you have a more sophisticated DAC in your home theater processor--or in case you want to make digital recordings to minidisc or CD-R/CD-RW. This option may become even more useful as audio technology continues to develop. Our only real complaint is minor: the remote is small and crammed with tiny buttons all the same size and shape. (The three different control groups, however, are segregated by color.) Also, the remote's gold lettering on its gray background is practically invisible, even in bright daylight. Overall, we were impressed with the unit's ease of use. Whether playing programmed sequences of tracks we'd chosen in advance, sorting through file categories, or even playing our latest acquisition in the single-loader slot, the PD-F958 worked like a charm. To find this level of well-thought-out, reliable, musically distinguished performance in a player under $300 is a pleasure. --L. V. Phillips Pros:
- Flexible operation
- Superb-sounding analog outputs
- Custom-file categories make it convenient to play specific musical genres
- CD-deck synchro simplifies cassette taping
- Single-load slot convenient for listening to new CDs
- Reliably and robustly built
Cons:
- Lengthy data-entry required for full usability
- Remote control is cramped and hard to read
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