Sony's RCD-W500C is a feature-laden, modestly priced alternative for the home audio enthusiast requiring a good-sounding CD changer and a cost-effective solution for consolidating a record and tape collection.

The RCD-W500C is a dual deck 5-CD changer and CD recorder housed in a handsome chassis offering very nice display graphics and 24-bit converters. This is a consumer unit made by SONY, so don't look for SCMS management or balanced connectivity. There is an optical digital I/O, a thoughtful inclusion for those wishing to incorporate the unit into a digital Home Theater system, or record from another digital device. The machine is easily operated, and offers a lot of flexibility; most front panel controls are duplicated on the remote control as well.

For personal recording, archiving, and plain old enjoyment listening, the RCD-W500C offers good sound and useful features, very affordably.

5-CD Changer and Recorder Dual Deck unit with 4x High Speed Dubbing; good value for Home Audio System

CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 Playback

Records to Audio CD-R and CD-RW Discs

SBM Noise Shaping Algorithm adds richness and depth to recordings

24-bit A/D and D/A Converters for better quality recording and playback

High Speed Finalizing

One-Touch Synchro Start/Record for easier operation

CD Text Entry

Optical Digital I/O

24-Step Program Play for Customized Track Playback of multiple CD's from Changer