Features:
- Optical digital-audio output
- 14 programmable music categories
- CD Text and customizable text entry
- Front-loading door
- Full-function remote control
Description:
Large-capacity CD changers are among the best bargains in today's audio market, and Technics is one of a handful of companies responsible for bringing them to a broad consumer base. The LS-MC4 61-disc changer/player is a well-crafted component that fits neatly into an entertainment rack while offering just enough storage capacity to keep most music lovers content. This handsome player defies the "jukebox" description of many changers, measuring as it does less than seven inches high (with a standard width). The entire front-panel lifts down manually to reveal all 61 slots, with slot 1 reserved for single-disc play only. We were impressed with the build quality of the door mechanism, which slides down gently but firmly and doesn't appear prone to breakage. This mega-changer includes an optical-digital output for connecting to an outboard digital-to-analog converter or an surround receiver or processor with digital inputs. We connected the LS-MC4 to an outboard digital-to-analog converter with a Toslink optical cable, plugged it in, slipped a CD in the single-disc slot, hit play, and whistled the tune of simplicity. Since programming features can be rather complicated with today's computer-reliant changers, operating instructions are a must-read. Technics deserves credit for providing well-written, concise instructions on the multitude of programming options, including how to categorize discs by music genre (choose from 14, from Ballads to Oldies) and how to input customized text to identify discs (though a growing number of discs offer CD Text, which displays track and artist information automatically). It took approximately 90 minutes to read the instructions and become comfortable with inputting text using both the remote control and the front-panel numeric keypads, which include letters just like a phone. It took a few trial-runs to get the procedure down, which was encumbered by the computer's 7-second limit to perform text entries. Once we got the hang of it, however, we had the procedure memorized after about half-a-dozen discs. Obviously, programming 60 CDs is cumbersome and requires an afternoon of leisure time, but it's well-worth the effort, since it eliminates the task of searching for the right CD in a five-foot display rack or, worse, shuffling through the changer in search of a specific title. Once this mega-changer is armed and loaded, it brings added pleasure to general music listening, not to mention parties. The LS-MC4 should top of any host's list of must-have electronics, since it can play a weekend worth of music with the touch of a button. Although sound quality doesn't seem to be a priority in mega-CD changers, the LS-MC4 is more than adequate for most music lovers, particularly when taking advantage of the fiber-optic audio output. Kudos to Technics for simplifying today's large-capacity CD changers with the LS-MC4. Pros:
- Good build quality
- Easy to program
- Compact size
- Well-designed remote control
Cons:
- Cumbersome to access CDs quickly
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