Re: Pre-purchase questions

First, download CDJ, you don't need to have slink-e connected to see how
it works. Yes there is minimal sample library included. If the software looks like it will work for you then you're pretty much there. I don't know
what the minimum system is, I suppose it would be the minimum system
to run Win95. I currently run in on a Pentium 100 w/ 16MB of RAM.

The default is the fully assembled version. Nothing to solder, nothing
to assemble. Just plug in slink-e to the s-link port on the Sony, plug
the power brick in, attach the serial to the PC and you're done with
the minimal hardware setup.

You don't need a dedicated internet connection. In fact you can take
your library file to another machine that doesn't have a slink-e but
has an internet connection and have it do the querying. Then you
take you library file back to the PC that you have connected to the
slink-e. Alternatively, you can hook the PC to the internet initially to load
the library and when you add albums.

On what to buy, well you have to decide what else you want to do with
the changer. For example, I wanted the option (although these days I don't
use it) to use the changer controlled playlist. A lot of the extras
are not as interesting if you think CDJ/slink-e will do it for you.
I bought a CDP-CX240 because I wanted the option to have some capabilities
even without CDJ/slink-e running. The CX240 also gave a second CD input
that would allow me to daisy chain two of them together so I only use
one input on my receiver.

My second unit that is on order is going to be CX220. It was a toss up
between it and CX210. I decided on the CX220 because it matched my
CX240 better in features, it has a display, delete bank, etc.

There is an excellent comparision on the various Sony units at
http://www.video-direct.com/sony/cdplayers/compare.html
*DISCLAIMER* I have *NOT* done any business with these people. I
simply found their site while I was doing a search.

You should be able to get the CX240 for <$350. The CX220 and CX210
are naturally cheaper. You might try http://www.onecall.com/, I have bought
products from them.

Good luck.

arnold