| The Sony CDP-CX230 200-CD mega-changer delivers a lot of features in an easy-to-use format. And with the feature-packed remote control, you can sit back and let the CDP-CX230 do the work for about a week, making this a dream machine for dedicated couch potatoes. The CX230 is at its best when you use its various playback modes or memory functions. You can easily program the player to serve up a single disc or groups of discs in either continuous, repeat, or random order. You can also set all programming functions with either the remote control or with the jog dial in conjunction with a series of buttons on the control panel. Another handy feature is the CD-Text display. When you play a disc enabled with CD-Text (most new CDs), the unit scrolls information such as the title, artist, and sometimes the names of the tracks across the display. You can also label your own text information (up to 13 characters) by utilizing the jog dial or remote control, but this is a slow, laborious process. The CDP-CX230's memory functions are practical and easy to use. The unit contains three custom files that enable you to creatively program your listening--disc memo, delete bank, and group file. Disc memo allows you to access by name the discs you've given text descriptions to. Delete bank lets you skip unwanted tracks on individual discs. With the group file, you can store discs (or tracks) in eight separate files for easy access, grouping your files by artist or genre (or you can simply make eight long party programs). In the Sony tradition, this unit is sturdy, sleek, and black. The control panel is laid out in logical fashion, and the display is big and bright. Most important, the CDP-CX230 produces clean, natural sound. Practical features and reputable craftsmanship make this a very appealing unit. Pros: Easily programmable Flexible playback modes CD-Text display Custom file features Cons: Awkward to load and unload discs when carousel is filled Slow disc-change times Text label programming is slow and laborious | 
