Features:
- 45-second Electronic Skip Protection (ESP)
- 3-stage Dynamic Bass Boost
- 45-hour playing time on rechargeable NiMH batteries (40 hours on AA batteries)
- Includes car adapter kit, headphones and extension cord with remote control
- Backlit LCD display with battery power save mode
Description:
With its brushed-aluminum lid, shiny silver faceplate, and blue backlit display, the Philips AZ7594 looks like one of those secret-agent gadgets that saves the day as James Bond drives off in his bulletproof sports car. Although this portable CD player won't annihilate any villains, it did blow us away with its technically advanced features and excellent digital-to-analog converter. The AZ7594 plays rewritable CDs, which is great if you've got a CD-RW recorder and you like to make compilation discs. The player runs on both rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and standard alkaline batteries. For AA batteries, a detachable "box" connects to the back with contact pins. Playing time is rated at an impressive 45 hours with the NiMHs and 40 hours with AA batteries. The AZ7594 has a 45-second memory buffer and includes a car adapter kit. In addition, the player comes with a remote extension that plugs into the headphone jack and allows you to adjust volume, as well as pause, stop, play, and skip tracks. Philips wisely opted not to build the remote control into the headphone cord. Instead, it comes as a separate 2-foot adapter, which allows you to upgrade to a high-quality pair of headphones and still use the volume control and CD function switches. Either way, the remote extension adds 2 feet to the length of your headphone cord. To test the player's sonic capabilities, we listened to a wide variety of CDs, from electric blues to progressive rock to contemporary female vocals. Thanks to the player's digital-to-analog converter (DAC)--which provides excellent channel separation--the headphones were well balanced, delivering smooth stereo transitions from one speaker to another. Although the headphones demonstrated decent bass, they had a tendency to distort the upper midrange at high volumes. Philips does offer a three-stage bass boost, but we found level three to be a bit bloated and artificial sounding. In short, the player's built-in DAC is superb, but the headphones are only slightly above average. If rock is your passion, we recommend upgrading to a better pair. No matter what kind of music suits your fancy, the Philips AZ7594 is an excellent investment. Unlike many portable CD players, the AZ7594 is made to last. It's loaded with state-of-the-art features, and its polished design won't fade out of style. --Eric Gill Pros:
- Eye-pleasing, durable aluminum lid
- Superb digital-to-analog converter
- State-of-the-art features
- Handy remote-control extension cord
Cons:
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