[upperguy]

A random find from ebay and wow I had no idea they made these!! linkage and info:

Rare Panasonic CQ-TX5500W Vacuum Tube CD Player MP3 - eBay (item 330367757474 end time Nov-10-09 22:08:07 PST)

That thing literally rocks my socks and I had to pass it on!

 

[TREETOP]

There was one here tonight for $550 shipped:
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/classifieds/68115-panasonic-bottlehead-90-minute-sale.html

 

[upperguy]

wow what are the chances of that? it was more, crazy find then hot deal though on my part

 

[ghostmechanic]

I guess I just don't get it. I've seen a few threads here & there about this since I got back into car audio but I just don't get the appeal. I think it's hideous & I've never once had a good experience with a Panasonic product. BTW if you look, the one that was up for sale on here is the version that the radio stations won't work here in the U.S. That could be the reason for the higher price on ebay.

 

[JAX]

these are on ebay frequently btw

 

[spork]

Do you even get any benefit of the tubes if you run an external amp??

 

[Mooble]

II've never once had a good experience with a Panasonic product. BTW if you look, the one that was up for sale on here is the version that the radio stations won't work here in the U.S. That could be the reason for the higher price on ebay.

When Panasonic goes all out, their products are better than just about anything you will find on the market. Case in point is the DVD-H1000. It was a spare-no-expense 40 lbs DVD player that retailed for $3,000. The Bottlehead was another such product. There is Panasonic and then there is PANASONIC. This is PANASONIC. If you own one, you know the difference. My DVD-H1000 is still going 100% and I still use it as my reference CD player after all these years.

 

[PPI_GUY]

I sorta like it. The VU meters are a bit over the top in trying to evoke an 'old school' look and feel but, at the same time unique. Not terribly impressed with the tube mounting 'pod' in that it juts outward instead of simply being flush mounted into the chassis. However, this is an aesthetic complaint that may have been entirely necessary to incorporate the tube into the unit. Overall layout looks good too although I prefer the volume and track/tuner controls on the left side. Controls appear simple and straight-forward without alot of 'doubling' of functions on the same buttons.
Having never heard this model, I have to go by what was written in the comparison article referenced in the Ebay auction. It certainly sounds like it is impressive, especially considering the company it is in. Not surprised at all that having the tube in the pre-amp section contributes clarity and accuracy.
Not sure what these go for normally. Accepting US based tuning is a definate plus.

 

[DAT]

the guy in MECA forgot his name.. has one in his Dodge Magnum?? Either way he got his modified for his Zapco amps and does really well with it.. In fact he bought a second one if I remember right.

Steve ???





.

 

[thehatedguy]

McIntyre

 

[ghostmechanic]

When Panasonic goes all out, their products are better than just about anything you will find on the market. Case in point is the DVD-H1000. It was a spare-no-expense 40 lbs DVD player that retailed for $3,000. The Bottlehead was another such product. There is Panasonic and then there is PANASONIC. This is PANASONIC. If you own one, you know the difference. My DVD-H1000 is still going 100% and I still use it as my reference CD player after all these years.

I'll take your word for it. I had one of their high end DVD players several years back. I forget the model # & I know it wasn't $3k but it was over a grand & it was a POS. In fact, I vowed after it & 2 other "high end" DVD players that I'd never spend more than $50 on a DVD player again. All the expensive ones I've owned have been picky about discs & slow to recover from skips. All the cheap ones I've had experience with will play anything you stick in there

But on to this thing again. I still say it's ugly I never cared for the whole silver thing when it was a "new style". I guess we all get accustomed to the trends we like as we grow up. And to me the whole '70s silver audio equipment thing just looks cheesy.

 

[Velozity]

It's actually more of a champagne color and is the SH!T. Period. I honestly can't think of another deck I'd want in my dash right now, and I've owned some goodies (DRZ, 9835, Denford). I would like to try one of the Macs though, just to compare.

 

[williamsmith]

Its sounds good to me

 

[pwlabrat]

Wish they were a little more in my price range, would love to try one!

 

[Torquem]

These are just too cool.

 

[Torquem]

Oh dangit... I cant believe you tricked me into posting to an old thread :laugh:

 

[DAT]

These are just too cool.

I love the sound of mine, but then it got even better with the $100 Tube upgrade.

But right now it's sitting in my closet as I have the DRZ9255 installed...

 

[AdamTaylor]

I love the sound of mine, but then it got even better with the $100 Tube upgrade.

But right now it's sitting in my closet as I have the DRZ9255 installed...

want to donate to a good cause? my 350z?

 

[pwlabrat]

I love the sound of mine, but then it got even better with the $100 Tube upgrade.

But right now it's sitting in my closet as I have the DRZ9255 installed...

Wow, wish I had the problem of not installing a bottlehead because I already have a DRZ9255, shake it off!

 

[DAT]

want to donate to a good cause? my 350z?

Actually that 350Z would be a great place for my Bottlehead wanna let me borrow it?

Might try the Bottlehead out after I get a MS-8 to play around with. The Bit one wasn't my favorite

Wow, wish I had the problem of not installing a bottlehead because I already have a DRZ9255, shake it off!

Thanks, not bad for a broke guy that loves car audio