Date:         Sat, 3 Aug 2002 13:21:44 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Subject:      [review] JVC cd/mp3 player for van
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I just bought and installed a JVC KD-SX980 cd/mp3 payer in my '82 Westy,
replacing an old Kenwood radio/tape deck.

Why I chose this unit:

least expensive cd/mp3 player with remote
had rotary control
was available in my area
doesn't look too garish
had some good reviews

some features:

flip down and removable faceplate
2 pairs of pre-outs
1 input in back, 1 input in front
CD changer control

It fits (DIN) perfectly, in fact the bolt and rubber bushing on the back of
the deck pit right into the hole on the existing bracket that hangs from the
underside of the dash, right under that speaker grill. Installation/wiring
was really simple. Has wire to connect to headlight switch to automatically
dim display when headlight on, I chose to leave this disconnected as I drive
with my lights on during the day, has manual adjusted 2 level brightness
anyway.

Sounds better than the old Kenwood, even through my old infinity speakers
(4", 2 on the front doors, 2 on the overhead storage unit in back). Has more
than enough volume/power for my needs.

No equaliser, just bass, treble, loudness.

The mp3 playback and navigation is straightforward.

The remote (small)  is great, now will be able to control deck from bed.

Will see how it performs on our 3 week trip (leaving Monday)

Alistair

--
'82 Westy -> diesel converted to gas in '94
albell@uvic.ca
http://homepage.mac.com/alistairbell/home/