Yamaha bets on CD comeback with new changer, CD-C603

Yamaha’s new CD-C603 multi-disc CD changer offers a welcome blast from the past for music fans missing the rituals of physical album listening. The design recalls the heyday of tangible music collections while meeting today’s expectations for convenience and reliability.

At the heart of the CD-C603 is a focus on audio performance. Short internal signal paths and sophisticated circuitry aim to produce dynamic, clear sound across discs. The unit also employs an intelligent digital servo system and laser pickup floating mechanism for accurate readouts from CDs.

For the purest sound, the changer offers a Pure Direct mode that shuts off the digital audio output and front display. This minimizes electronic noise and interference, letting users hear the clear analog audio output.

Image credits: Yamaha

Convenience Features

The CD-C603 brings useful amenities for organizing a multi-disc music collection. Its disc tray fully opens to provide access to all five slots, enabling swift replacement of multiple albums at once. Yamaha’s proprietary PlayXchange system takes convenience further. It allows switching out of four discs during continuous playback of a fifth disc, delivering uninterrupted tunes.

In addition, front-panel USB connectivity can play back MP3s, WMAs, AACs, WAVs, and FLAC music files from USB storage devices. This expands the unit’s functionality beyond CDs.

Connectivity and Control

Audio outputs on the rear panel include unbalanced RCA left/right channels alongside an optical digital output. These allow connection to amplifiers or other downstream gear. Remote in/out ports on the back can integrate the unit with multi-room control systems.

The included remote control assist with various playback functions, including repeat and random modes. Owners can also program playlists covering songs across discs.

By focusing on sound quality, intelligent operation, and ease of use, the CD-C603 aims to enhance Yamaha customers’ ongoing CD listening experience. By transporting users back to the times of flipping through CD wallets, Yamaha hopes to revive the enduring musical magic first discovered decades ago.

Price

The Yamaha CD-C603 is currently priced at $549.95. To know more about the product, click here.

Read Next: Life by XLN Audio: Generate Beats from Field Recordings