# TLDR Review: Onkyo DX-C390 CD Changer

*Published: 2026-05-27 | Updated: 2026-05-27 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/onkyo-dx-c390-cd-changer*

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## Product: Onkyo DX-C390 CD Changer
**Brand:** Onkyo

## Pros
- Easy to load multiple CDs and enjoy hours of playback without interruption.
- Supports a convenient random play mode, offering a varied listening experience.
- Quick and silent tray operation makes changing discs hassle-free.
- Produces honest, rich sound quality, enhancing your listening enjoyment.
- Includes multiple outputs (two RCA jacks and one optical out) for versatile audio connections.
- Simple setup, with most users able to start using it within 15 minutes.
- Features adjustable display brightness and customizable track timing options.
- Built with a reliable carousel mechanism, ensuring smooth disc changing.
- Compatible with various test CDs, including homemade MP3 discs, without issues.
- Enhances control over playback, giving a distinct advantage over streaming services.

## Cons
- Frequent issues with loud, scratchy noises and severe skipping, often due to improper CD seating.
- Skipping and noise problems are inconsistent and often caused by a design or manufacturing flaw.
- Troubleshooting indicates the damages may be due to sensitivity to vibrations or improper leveling.
- Overall performance can be unpredictable, making long-term reliability questionable.
- Does not support all functions without a remote, which may inconvenience some users.
- Buttons on the unit can be difficult to read, especially for those with poor eyesight.
- Large footprint (over 17 inches deep), requiring ample space behind a cabinet.
- Known timing issues with certain recordings, like live albums, causing cut-offs and delays.
- Problems can often be temporarily fixed by repositioning CDs but tend to recur.
- Not ideal if you value consistently smooth playback without manual intervention.

## Bottom Line

The Onkyo DX-C390-B offers a solid 6-disc carousel experience, great sound quality, and handy features like random mode and multiple outputs. However, its reputation is marred by inconsistent skipping and noise issues, which seem rooted in design flaws rather than user error. If you're willing to withstand occasional troubleshooting, this unit can be a reliable addition to your home audio. For a more reliable alternative with fewer persistent issues, you might want to consider a model with proven durability and user-friendly features, such as the <component-button-product identifierProduct="12345-67890...">.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Easy to load multiple CDs and enjoy hours of playback without interruption. | Frequent issues with loud, scratchy noises and severe skipping, often due to improper CD seating. |
| Supports a convenient random play mode, offering a varied listening experience. | Skipping and noise problems are inconsistent and often caused by a design or manufacturing flaw. |
| Quick and silent tray operation makes changing discs hassle-free. | Troubleshooting indicates the damages may be due to sensitivity to vibrations or improper leveling. |
| Produces honest, rich sound quality, enhancing your listening enjoyment. | Overall performance can be unpredictable, making long-term reliability questionable. |
| Includes multiple outputs (two RCA jacks and one optical out) for versatile audio connections. | Does not support all functions without a remote, which may inconvenience some users. |
| Simple setup, with most users able to start using it within 15 minutes. | Buttons on the unit can be difficult to read, especially for those with poor eyesight. |
| Features adjustable display brightness and customizable track timing options. | Large footprint (over 17 inches deep), requiring ample space behind a cabinet. |
| Built with a reliable carousel mechanism, ensuring smooth disc changing. | Known timing issues with certain recordings, like live albums, causing cut-offs and delays. |
| Compatible with various test CDs, including homemade MP3 discs, without issues. | Problems can often be temporarily fixed by repositioning CDs but tend to recur. |
| Enhances control over playback, giving a distinct advantage over streaming services. | Not ideal if you value consistently smooth playback without manual intervention. |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*