Sony CDX 757MX Auto CD Changer - Another Sony Product Best In Class!

Review of Sony Xplode 10 Disk CD Player (June 28, 2004)

I originally purchased my Lincoln Towncar with the Sony CDX 805 10 disk CD changer. When playing regular (store bought) CDs it worked flawlessly. I don’t ever recall having any problems with it. However, when I tried to play CDRs in the changer, the player would often bomb out and cause skipping. Since I now prefer to use copies in my car, I shopped around for newer technology that could play CDRs without any problems. That’s when I learned about the Sony Xplode CDX-757MX.

After reading dozens of articles, visiting a number of chat rooms, and with the helpful advice from the friendly folks at Crutchfield.com, I decided on buying this replacement unit. One question that drove me absolutely nuts while I was doing my research had to do with compatibility. There are lots of Sony CD changers out on the market, could I change my existing CD changer with any of them? The answer is any Sony 10 disk CD changer made after 1997 (which is the date posted on the back of the old CDX-805 cd changer) uses the newer Unilink plug and they are interchangable.

I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a new CD changer (he, he…. who does?), so I looked at what was for sale on Ebay. Unfortunately, many of the prices on Ebay were more expensive than in some of the online stores. I didn’t want to buy something used, but one merchant’s auction sucked me in. I ended up getting a “good deal” on a broken piece of junk. Being handy with electronics, I figured I would fix the unit myself. I checked out Sony’s sales website, but found it to be pretty much useless. However, I Googled around and was able to find a Sony tech web site. I called them and asked some tech questions. The tech told me that if I sent the unit in to them, they would fix it free of charge under warranty. Eh? I bought it on Ebay? No problem – as long as I had a receipt. So, I shipped it in and got a reconditioned unit back as a replacement.

This unit is basically a later model of my previous CD Changer. To replace the old CD changer, all I needed to do was remove the four screws that secure the unit to the bottom of the trunk, pull out the two RCA channel plugs, pull out the unilink plug (this actually did not take much effort at all - there are two little tabs, one on either side, that keep the plug in to the unit securely). Then reinstall the new unit! It took less than 5 minutes to do.

The CD changer uses the exact same CD magazine as my older unit (model: XA-250). In fact, the following Sony CD changers all use this magazine:

CDX-415RF
CDX-505RF
CDX-606
CDX-705
CDX-805
CDX-424RF
CDX-525RF
CDX-636
CDX-715
CDX-828
CDX-434RF
CDX-530RF
CDX-646
CDX-727
CDX-838
CDX-444RF
CDX-540RF
CDX-656
CDX-737
CDX-848X
CDX-454RF
CDX-555RF
CDX-747X
EXCD-3
CDX-565MXRF
CDX-757MX
EXCD-3RF

Having an extra magazine handy is a big plus. You can pre-load them for quick change-over when going on long trips.

I was delighted when I stuck my original magazine into the CD compartment of the changer. I heard the mechanism kick in and load the CD. My changer is mounted inside my rear trunk, so I don’t normally hear these noises when I’m driving. I sat in my big Lincoln and cranked up the volume. It played flawlessly! I’ve had the replacement unit for a couple of weeks now and I have not had any problems with it at all since receiving it from the good people at Sony.

As for the specifications, Sony's CDX-757MX CD changer holds 10 discs, and features 12-second Advanced Electronic Shock Protection (this keeps the CD from skipping every time you hit a bump). It also allows for CD Text if you have a compatible receiver (I don’t use this feature). This changer plays CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and recordable discs loaded with MP3 files. Custom File memory lets you add titles (up to 8 characters) and organize 110 of your favorite discs. It takes about two seconds to change disks using the remote feature within the car. You may mount the changer unit multiple ways using the included brackets. It may be mounted horizontally or vertically.

The frequency response from the changer unit is 5-20,000 Hz. The CD signal-to-noise ratio 102 dB. It comes with a 17' connection cable which you will definitely need, as they are very difficult to find for sale, and if you do, they are very expensive. The overall dimensions are: 11-11/16"W x 3-5/8"H x 7-5/8"D. If purchased new, it comes with a
1-year Sony warranty. It does not come with the set of RCA patch cords (right and left channels) which I purchased at a local dollar store (guess how much they cost?).

If you do purchase one of these changers, it is only fair to mention that it requires a lot of other components which are generally sold separately. This includes the amp, cords, stereo head, remote control, and other miscellaneous hardware (e.g., cable ties, wire channels, etc.). Most of these items can be purchased at the same place you buy the changer. Make sure to ask a knowledgeable Sales Rep to assist you.

I absolutely love this changer unit. I have had no problems with it so far, and I use it practically every minute I am in the car. However, if I were to add a new sound system to my car, I might change from using CDs to the new technology that allows you to add a hard disk driver that can hold several gig of music. The only problem with doing this would be every time I wanted to add new songs to the drive, I would have to take it to my PC and download it. Maybe for my next car…. Also, the newer cars all allow for CDs to be loaded in the player from within the car (opposed to the trunk). This would be nice, but I actually prefer having my CD changer in the trunk – less junk to keep in the car compartment.

I would highly recommend this CD changer as a replacement. I’ve seen several other replacement units, and of all those I’ve seen, this is by far the best. Others take forever to load CDs. Some skip, some go quiet when you hit a bump, others do not play MP3 files. I would not recommend buying one that has been untested, unless you do not mind sending it to the good people at Sony for a replacement. The prices for new Sony changers seem to always be dropping, so it may pay to shop around. I got mine used for under $30 shipped (with an extra $10 spent to ship it to Sony for a replacement). Thanks for reading my review and best wishes for a great day!

Mike