Product Features:
Optical digital-audio output
1-bit converter
8x oversampling
CompuLink remote
4-way repeat
Description:
The following words could be used to describe a fine red wine: full-bodied, warm, silky, seductive. They also happen to characterize the sound of JVC's XL-Z232BK single-disc CD player, which, like a marvelous but moderately priced wine, satisfies the senses without emptying the pocketbook.
On the surface, the XL-Z232BK appears to be nothing more than an average $200 CD player. Its profile is slim and it offers standard features (play, program, track skip, and so on) but little else. The XL-Z232BK uses a one-bit digital-to-analog converter with an 8x oversampling filter--again, relatively standard stuff.
But the sound of the XL-Z232BK is anything but middle of the road. The quality is, in our experience, remarkable in this price range, and a very good argument in favor of buying a single-disc (rather than a multidisc) CD player. It's not that megachangers can't sound good, only that it's easier to make sonic refinements when the CD-playing mechanics are simple.
Vocals, for instance, have expressiveness, balance, and a "there"-ness that really pulls us into the music. The bass is very fine, tight, and punchy, with good body and definition. The midrange sounds consistently open, rich, and textured. And--unlike so many sub-$500 models--the XL-Z232BK has a sweet, silky top end.
Granted, the XL-Z232BK isn't perfect. The treble sounds a bit rolled-off and the player doesn't render the final degree of detail found in some higher-end players. But then, you'll probably never feel fatigue while listening to the XL-Z232BK, and the same can't be said of many brighter, more detailed-sounding players (which often exaggerate the high frequencies).
An optical digital output allows connection to a digital recorder, such as a minidisc or CD player, but also lets you integrate the player with a surround receiver. The audiophile in us would have preferred a higher-quality coaxial output, but when the analog outputs sound this good for this little, this is a small complaint.
The bottom line: JVC's XL-Z232BK is simply one of the most musically satisfying CD players we know for under $1,000. Considering that its list price is a mere $200, it's a fabulous buy. --Wayne Garcia
Pros:
Great sound
Good build quality
Amazing value
Cons:
Slightly de-emphasized high frequencies
No headphone jack
No coaxial digital output
Reviews for JVC XL-Z232BK CD Player:
Excellent sound from a cheap unit.
The XL-Z232BK is a nice-sounding single-disc player, perfect for those of us who do not trust multiple-disc models. The sound is rich and creamy. Both low and high frequencies sound very smooth, with little distortion. It sounds almost as clean as the thrice-as-expensive Marantz unit I borrowed when I was shopping around. The controls are so easy that the manual is totally unnecessary; the remote also has nice buttons which, although small, are well-organized and quite responsive. Likewise, the display on the main unit is easy to see and not at all annoying. Further sweetening the pot is the player's small footprint. It is about half as deep as my receiver, and fits nicely on a small shelf amongst my books. All in all, this is a pleasant little unit that won't break the bank. I like it a lot.
Impossible to over-rate this one!
If you prefer a dedicated, serious, quality single disk player over the many multi-disk changers out there, than this could be the one for you. It lives up to my expectations completely, with no reservations. The sound is outstanding throughout the spectrum, and the easy up front controls make using the remote control optional. The styling fits in perfectly with the rest of my audio stack. Operation is crisp and responsive, controls are straight forward and easy to find and understand. The disk transport system is solid and even, not at all flimsy or noisy. Built solidly and with a quality feel, this one's a winner!
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