[net.consumers] car stereo rfi

js3471@hou2g.UUCP (J.SCRIPTUNAS) (02/20/85)

I recently purchased a Jensen ATZ-100 car tuner/tape deck for $179
plus tax - twice.
The first time the left channel didn't seem to put out any signal to
drive the left channel speakers.
I returned the unit to the store, got my credit card credited, went
to another store (store 1 had no more in stock), bought the same
model for the same price, and installed that one.
The unit worked fine for about 3 days, then wouldn't eject the tape
it was playing. I tryed prying it out - no luck. It is supposed to
pop out when the eject button is touched or when the car is turned
off. Seems like the problem is mechanical. I tried pulling the
switched and unswitched power fuses but the mechanism still did not
release the tape. Looks like I lose a tape?

Anyway, I called Jensen and they acknowledged that they have been
having complaints about the tape eject problem.  They suggested
mailing them the unit for replacement or returning to the store for
yet another replacement. It seems that their whole model line is
probably vulnerable to the above problems. I think I'll ask for my
money back and shop for a new unit.

Question 1:
Has the ATZ-100 model been discontinued? Stores are having
clearances.  I thought I was getting a good deal.
Would the tape eject mechanism be a problem in the ATZ-300 or ATZ-500?
(Maybe it doesn't matter since they are too expensive.)
Seems like they have the same eject system.

Qustion 2:
I'd like to get a new unit in within the next few weeks.
I'd like to stay <=$200.  Any suggestions?
I am not an audiophile. I would like a synthesized tuner, seek/scan,
autoreverse.  My home cassette deck has dolby B & C.
Will a car system without dolby sound lousy if I reocrd tapes with
dolby NR?

Thanks,
Jerome Scriptunas ihnp4!hou2g!js3471

mjg@aplvax.UUCP (Mars J. Gralia) (03/07/85)

> I recently purchased a Jensen ATZ-100 car tuner/tape deck for $179
> plus tax - twice.
> The first time the left channel didn't seem to put out any signal to
>   .... etc.

	You'll be glad to know that the most recent Consumers' Report
recommends this unit!

					Mars Gralia
					Johns Hopkins