On the audio front, while it lacks simulated surround sound, the DV-C503 does a good job with MP3 CDs. Selecting a disc with MP3 files brings up a menu showing the first eight characters of the filenames both on your TV and the player's LCD. You can use the menu to easily jump from songs to file folders as well as program playlists. However, you can't listen to MP3s in random order within a single disc. Another small gripe: With standard CDs, the random function works with only one disc, not across the whole tray, which can be a real bummer at parties.
With a $299 list price, the DV-C503 is on a par with other entry-level DVD changers--such as Panasonic's --which can often be had at a steep discount. Aside from the decent MP3 CD support, this deck doesn't have a distinct competitive advantage over any others, so price will certainly be the deciding factor. If you can find this Onkyo for less than its list price, it's definitely worth considering. If you see it for more, you're probably better off moving on to another changer.
What You'll Pay
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