When picking out a car CD player, let's begin with the obvious
criteria. How much capacity do you need? Do you need a single car CD
changer, or are you an audiophile who needs a six-disc CD changer? Keep
in mind that changing CDs while in the car is a potentially dangerous
activity; for long commutes or drives, it's far safer to load up a
multi-CD changer and let the good times roll.
The type of music you enjoy listening to is also something to
consider. Do you have homemade CDs? While many CD players are now
capable of playing homemade discs, a number of car CD players will not
play them well. A high signal to noise ratio will give home-recorded CDs
a cleaner sound.
If you want to be able to control your iPod from your car's CD
player, look for a model that has a compatible iPod control adapter. The
adapter will charge your iPod's battery, which will in turn provide you
with optimal sound quality. No matter what external device you want to
play, whether it's an iPod, an MP3 player, or some other audio source,
you need a CD player with auxiliary input. The majority of the CD
players on the market either have a built-in auxiliary input, or an
adapter that converts the stereo's changer port to an audio input. For
added convenience, look for a model with a front-panel auxiliary input.
Reputable brands like Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood will all offer this
feature.
Next, take a moment to think about how you listen. If you want your
music to be "just right," look for a player with a sophisticated
equalizer that has digital signal processing or digital time correction.
If you listen to MP3 discs or satellite radio, look for a display that
will show you the song, album, and artist information without requiring
you to scroll while driving. Choose enhanced graphics so that you can
see the display at a glance. Remember, safety must come first when
you're behind the wheel.