Memorex MD6450 Personal CD Player+Car Kit +12 CD case

In addition to the basic operations (play/pause, stop, forward, reverse), the MD6450CP includes a button that overrides the antishock memory in order to save battery life when stationary. It also has an excellent LCD display and a mode selector that enables 24-track programming, disc and track repeat, and an intro option that plays the first 30 seconds of each song. The left side of this sleek machine features a Bass Boost switch that provides the lightweight, flimsy headphones with welcome low-frequency augmentation. Volume, power, headphone, and line-out facilities are on the MD6450CP's right.

The key to the MD6450's versatility is its generous 40-second antishock protection. How does it work? As the disc plays, the upcoming 40 seconds of music are continually stored in a "buffer memory." If a bump, fall, or other impact causes the player to skip, the player immediately defaults to this memory storage, giving you uninterrupted playback.

During a series of torture tests, which included hiking, biking, jogging, and off-road driving in an SUV, this player delivered a steady stream of music without interruption. The ability to add CD capability to a cassette-only car stereo is a particularly attractive option. Plug the power adapter into the vehicle's cigarette lighter and the player's power socket, pop the adapter into the cassette deck, connect it to the headphone output, and you'll be treated to a first-class audio experience.

Connecting this unit to your home stereo is equally simple. The supplied patch cords run between the player's line-out socket and any stereo input (except phono) on your receiver. Connect the AC adapter and start spinning discs! Compared to more expensive home units, the Memorex lacks subtle musical details and can't achieve the airy, three-dimensional presentation of the best high-end machines. Thanks to its 1-bit digital-to-analog converter, it offers consistently pleasant and fatigue-free sound.

The included headphones are a minor disappointment; they're merely adequate. Needless to say, using the MD6450 with a better set will yield noticeably improved audio.

Whether you're shopping for a personal CD player, a new car stereo, or even a new home system, the Memorex MD6450 should be near the top of your "must hear" list. --Anthony Chiarella

Pros:

• Included car- and home-stereo adapters offer versatility
• 40-second antishock memory delivers skip-free music
• Features and ergonomics are first rate