Eclipse CD1200

Convient, but it has a glitch or two

I'm hooked on listening to podcasts on my drive to work. When I saw that there were car stereos that played MP3 files on a USB thumb drive, it seems like an ideal solution for me.

The Eclipse CD1200 accomplishes this and more. I can load up a number of podcasts (or music) on a thumb drive and listen on the way to work. I was glad to find that the unit remembers the exact place where it was playing, and I can continue listening on the drive home.

It can play MP3, WMA and AAC (files without copy protection). The same files can be played from a CD-R or CD-RW, but I prefer the larger capacity and more convenient thumb drives. (I'm a bit worried about keeping CDs in a hot car). So far, all but one of my thumb drives are recognized. My 2GB Kingston mini migo is perfect due to its small size. (4GB max supported)

When playing files, it shows the ID3 tag info (Album, Artist, Title). It recognizes ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags, but if a MP3 file has both tags, it displays the ID3V1 tag which seems a bit strange to me.

Other features
It has rear audio input connectors for an AUX-in. It also has audio output jacks. There is an optional iPod control cable that can operate the iPod. I have not tried this since I don't have the cable, and it probably won't work with my old iPod Mini anyway.

Play order:
Files within a directory are played in the order that they are copied to the USB device - they are not sorted by filename or track number. To see the play order use a DOS prompt 'dir' command. If you want to impose an order on files, move the files to another directory one at a time in the order that you want them to play in.

Display:
The display shows time MMSS (minutes and seconds). After 99 minutes and 59 seconds it starts over at 0000
Display can't be read in bright sunlight.

Cons:
-Occasionally 'glitches' in the audio when playing MP3s from thumb drive. This happen on all thumb drives that I own. This is probably a deal breaker for the audio purists.
-I had a problem with the antenna connector during install, I had to open up the unit and bend the contacts so that it would make a proper connection.
-Display can't be read in bright sunlight.

Update: I purchased a second unit for my wife's car. This unit also exhibits the audio 'glitches' on MP3 files. I called tech support, and they claim that they have a unit playing in the office all day and never hear the problem. I think that they are either not listening very closely - or in denial.

Great Radio for the price

I bought this radio specifically for the USB port which works great and the ability to change the display color. This is a great radio for the price and the options. The clock is really hard to see but that's why we wear watches, right? This is the first Eclipse product I have purchased and have had no problems. If you need an inexpensive standard DIN radio with usable features this might be a great deal for you. This radio went into a early model Ranger truck and works perfectly. I originally purchased this radio as a closeout but the one that was delivered should have been thrown away as it was not as advertised. But Sonic Electronic made things right and sent me a brand new one!

Probably one of the best CD players in this price range!

What I liked about it
-3 band eq
-great sound quality
-nice green backlighting that matched the oem green in my car. not that cheap blue backlighting that you see everywhere. That went out of style years ago, someone please notify all the manufacturers.....
-simple styling, not flashy, would likely be overlooked by thieves.
-incredibly easy to use
-usb port on the faceplate

Cons
-not much to say here. buttons and knobs are a little clunky, feel a little cheap but for $130 I really shouldn't be complaining. Everything else is great so it can be overlooked.

After years of shelling out some decent coin on expensive headunits over the years, I grew tired of it. I still have a high end Panasonic in my truck, and to be honest I hate it because I rarely use all the features, much less remember even how to use them.

I liked this eclipse so much, I think when I replace the oem tape deck in my new car I am going to get an eclipse brand headunit.

Glaring flaws make this unit hard to recommend

There is nothing cryptic about the CD1200. Everything about this unit is simplicity and unassuming. The buttons are clearly labeled and menus are in plain English.

It's a nice looking unit with clean lines and a very intuitive interface that makes it a breeze to use.

The audio quality makes efficient use of its onboard amplifier. Overall the sound quality is "almost there", and should not disappoint anyone upgrading from a factory stereo. A faint buzz can be heard at low volumes, something most people wouldn't notice, but I did.

The rear-panel aux input is nice, as I find that front panel, faceplate mounted inputs are cumbersome and sloppy. The USB port on the front is also mounted directly to the unit, which makes removing the faceplate a snap. Speaking of the faceplate, it comes with a nice hard padded plastic case to store it in, a welcome addition that most other manufacturers omit.

Unfortunately, praise for the CD1200 ends there. You do not have the option to view the clock at all times, rather you're stuck with the source name. You must press the DISP button to see the time, then it snaps back to the source a few seconds later...I would like it to be the opposite or selectable.

There is also no option to equalize the volume across the various inputs, so if your MP3 player is quieter than the radio stations in your area, you'll find your ears ringing when you switch sources.

ECLIPSE = QUALITY PRODUCT!

This head unit works very well. It reads USB flash drives very fast, faster than reading an audio CD. Though, it may have trouble recognizing all USB flash drives. At least, it works well with my 2GB Sandisk flash drive. Sound quality is very good. A bit hard to read the LCD screen when it is really sunny. I use it as a preamp for a 3000W RMS sound system and I can say that the sound quality is great. Overall, I would recommend this head unit if you want a simple yet pretty versatile head unit.

Quality Eclipse head unit!!

I've had other Eclipse head units in the past and this is one carries the great quality, usability, display and quirkiness inherent in the Eclipse head units.

It's SIMPLE to use. No fumbling and having to spend hours in the manual.

QUALITY in the construction and materials. Pushing any of the buttons and you can tell that it's quality plastics, rubber and electronics.

ERGONOMICS are typical Eclipse clean. Good lines, nice big rotary volume knob, and face plate are easy to use. The face plate has a good feel and snaps solidly into place. Nothing sloppy here.

INSTALLATION was a snap!!!

SOUND - The one thing about Eclipse over other head units is how clean a CD sounds. It's crystal clear. I disagree with the one review where the user heard a buzz. I have brand new speakers and have really listed for any buzzing - it's not there!

USB port access was a nice touch.

QUIRKINESS / CONS:
- The background display is blue rather than black. Not sure if it's meant to make it easier to read but I would have preferred black to keep it clean.
- "Ricey" display... the display is a bit "busy".. there are cleaner with less lines but it's not distracting.
- You do not have the option to view the clock at all times
- A bit pricey for an equivalent quality head unit
- iPod connection is fed through the rear / no Aux jack in front

Great price, and Good quality product

Good product, nice price, affordable, quality. I am very happy with it.