My search for a perfect head unit is finally over! If you are considering a replacement head unit this review might help. Although this is audio specific I hope you do not mind me posting here. I think you guys will find it informative.

About two years ago I had a professional car audio shop install new speakers and an amplifier in my car. I wanted better sound and a bit more volume. At the time my stock CD player was working fine so that went unchanged. I knew that an aftermarket head unit would improve quality but none of the units available really caught my attention.

Several months ago, after nearly 3 years of constant use, my stock CD player started deteriorating, FAST. Small bumps would make CD’s skip and even G forces from cornering caused my stock CD player to skip. Very annoying! I tried a CD cleaning disk with no long term luck.

So the search began. I visited every major audio place in town for a replacement head unit in the $200 - $350 price range. Each visit concluded with me being extremely frustrated with the products on display. With the issue of sound quality aside – every head unit had multicolor flashing lights, too many pointless features, small flimsy buttons, and cheapo detachable face plates. Who really wants to see low resolution displays of dolphins swimming in circles?

My quest finally ended a couple weeks ago while searching eBay. A couple auctions appeared for the Nakamichi CD400. Some people say it looks bland and boring but I call it beautiful. Several reputable online stores were selling these head units for just under $300 (they still are). I purchased mine from http://www.cbrstereo.com because of their low price and great feedback rating. I believe the retail value for this unit is around $550.

This head unit is excellent, period. Sound quality/clarity has been improved significantly. Keep in mind that I already have aftermarket speakers and an amplifier installed. This is why the sound quality improvement has been so dramatic.

I am particularly impressed by the quality of the tuner on the CD400. The clarity of radio stations is shocking. Not surprisingly, this head unit allows the volume level to be raised without distortion, well beyond the capabilities of the stock unit. For example, in comparison to the stock head unit, the CD400 can extract more detailed midrange and more bass. This is much appreciated since I do not have a subwoofer.

The display is very clean and simple - reminiscent of the stock configuration. The buttons have a great feel - solid yet cushioned. You would never know that it has a detachable face plate from the solid construction. The volume **** is slightly larger than stock making volume changes quick and comfortable. The most important cosmetic feature is the user-selectable color scheme. You can choose a green or AMBER color scheme. The amber blends well with the Type R interior lighting. A couple cool features include a blackout mode button, a mute button, and a handy remote control. It even has a clock which is great for me since I removed mine in place of the Valentine concealed display.

Quick note on the Nakamichi Company
During my research I discovered that Nakamichi filed for chapter 11 last year. I guess the company was having problems making a profit. In addition they had a few previous head units that were having reliability problems (not the CD400). Ug! This made me think twice about buying the CD400. A week passed (still had not purchased the head unit) and during this time I made a few new contacts. I discovered that Nakamichi went under new management and that their products were doing much better in terms of quality control. In addition, the CD 400 won the “Design & Engineering Showcase Honors” by Innovations International. This news gave me enough confidence to make the purchase.

$300 is a great deal for this quality product (if it proves to be dependable). Most mid-level CD players will run you at least $300. Keep in mind the CD400 does not play MP3’s nor is it XM compatible. These two issues are probably the only shortcoming of the CD400. The reason I wrote this review is to let you guys know there are conservative alternatives to the era of disco-ball-style CD head units.

Official Page for the Nakamichi CD 400
http://www.nakamichiusa.com/auto/CD400/

Audio Setup
Nakamichi CD 400 head unit $298
4 x 40 Eclipse Amplifier $200
Diamond Audio M561 (front) $350
Boston Acoustic RX67 (rear) $100
RCA cables $60
*No Subwoofer (needs extra space/adds extra weight)











Modified by itrsport.com at 12:00 PM 8/27/2003

 

looks clean

 

Great review and I was sold until the no MP3 playing capabalities and XM radio disclaimer.

 

Nakamichi is a brand that is associated with "JDM quality."

Head unit looks great...very simple interface.

Thanks for the info...I know I'll definately look into this down the road.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itrsport.com &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So the search began. I visited every major audio place in town for a replacement head unit in the $200 - $350 price range. Each visit concluded with me being extremely frustrated with the products on display. With the issue of sound quality aside – every head unit had multicolor flashing lights, too many pointless features, small flimsy buttons, and cheapo detachable face plates. Who really wants to see low resolution displays of dolphins swimming in circles?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Excellent !
I couldn’t agree with your head unit opinions more (in-dash circuses). And finding amber nowadays is not the easiest thing either.
Which is why I have the Makamichi 45z (old) Clean, simple, perfect. Nakamichi decks have the best sound quality hands down, not that I can enjoy this with no sound deadening material.

I saw the 400 at CES last year but they had no idea when they would be available. I will look into buying one now.

Nice write up.
Nice set up.
Nakamichi

 

Thanks for the review. I will consider this unit if I decide to upgrade the factory unit. I like the simple look to the unit.

 

its looks so OG. I like the look of it. It looks the first head units that came out. Do all antennas go down (DC2) with a aftermarket cd player? TIA, great review josh, (as usual)

 

Good review as always Josh! does the unit play CDRs?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR0863 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its looks so OG.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It does look very nice.

But could someone PLEASE explain to me what "OG" stands for?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kengs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

It does look very nice.

But could someone PLEASE explain to me what "OG" stands for?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Same here? WTF is OG?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kengs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">But could someone PLEASE explain to me what "OG" stands for?</TD></TR></TABLE>Original GangstaR.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Same here? WTF is OG?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Original. Some people use it instead of old school. Like "Those chuck taylors are so OG."

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Original GangstaR.</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL, are u serious?

Sorry for the thread jack.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Original GangstaR.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yea, that CD player is so original gangsta. I know that is what OG means, but it makes no damned sense.

Kids these days.
Sorry for the thread jack.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Same here? WTF is OG?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Substitute for "old school". Literally..."original gangsta".

 

Um, back on topic:

Josh, is this Nak headunit made in Japan?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR0863 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do all antennas go down (DC2) with a aftermarket cd player?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe so - it does with this one. So if you are playing CD's the antenna will stay down. However, I did leave the manul antenna switch installed for one situation. Let’s say you are on the CD mode and eject the CD to change discs - while there is no CD present, the mode will automatically switch to the tuner and the antenna will go up. Then it will go back down after you slide in the new CD. Doh!

The manual antenna switch in the down position prevents this from occuring.

 

how did you get the head unit to sit flush against the dash? what kind of kit are you using?

 

nice josh...what else do u install over this summer???

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WalkmanX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Good review as always Josh! does the unit play CDRs?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yep, plays CDR's just fine. I think Nak would have a really hard time selling them if that was not the case.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kengs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Josh, is this Nak headunit made in Japan?</TD></TR></TABLE>

JDM BABY! Um, yeah Nakamichi is a Japanese company. They know what's up over there.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TopNotchR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how did you get the head unit to sit flush against the dash? what kind of kit are you using?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe it came with all the necessary hardware - nothing special. An audio shop did the install so I can't give you the details.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by xanctus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">nice josh...what else do u install over this summer???
</TD></TR></TABLE>

What's up Marco. Are you trying to give me attitude with that comment? I just talked with you a couple days ago on the phone!


Modified by itrsport.com at 12:47 PM 8/27/2003

 

Nice looking deck you got there!

Too bad it doesnt play mp3's.

 

I feel the same way about my Nakamichi CD-45z, awesome quality, no frills style, and amber.

How did you fit your amp under your seat? I have a very small amp it appears to be hangung up on the bottom of the seat a little bit.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ninety2SiR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How did you fit your amp under your seat? I have a very small amp it appears to be hangung up on the bottom of the seat a little bit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The audio shop installed that too so I can't give you specific details. The Eclipse amp is very thin so that's probably the reason it has clearance to fit under the seat.

 

Looks good

And another for being such a critical shopper.


BUT.... who REALLY CARES about sound quality in a cabin that lacks sound deadening. The ITR cabin is by far one of the worst cabins in terms of sound purity, why even bother trying to attain audiophile quality sound? I personally would not spend a dollar on the car's stereo system.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AamirCWITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">BUT.... who REALLY CARES about sound quality in a cabin that lacks sound deadening. The ITR cabin is by far one of the worst cabins in terms of sound purity, why even bother trying to attain audiophile quality sound?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hehe, Because I like listening to music and it sounds way better than stock. Even without sound deadening the car is really not that much louder. Integra's are pretty good cars for music. Nice small cabin/hatch design - great for a sub in the back if that's what you are into.

If you want to talk about bad cars for music try the S2k or convertibles in general. They are 10 times worse.