Aiwa DX-1500 (1986)

A front-loading CD player from 1986 with automatic drawer closure and 16-track programming.

Overview

The Aiwa DX-1500 is a compact disc player released in 1986. Aiwa sold it on simplicity and called it "hassle-free playback" - drop in a CD, press play, and the front-loading drawer closes by itself and starts the disc. High-Fidelity magazine advertised it in the November 1986 issue at an original price of $239.95. A brochure exists for the model, and it stresses the easy operation and the sound quality.

Specifications

Disc format	CD
Frequency response	2 Hz to 20 kHz
Dynamic range	90 dB
Track programming	16-track
DAC chip	CX20017
Laser pickup	KSS-121A

Design

The DX-1500 has a front-loading drawer that closes automatically when you press the play button, so playback starts right away. Aiwa promoted it as a "stunningly simple" system, built to be easy to use without giving up audio performance.

Context

The Aiwa DX-1500 shows up in a November 1986 price listing in High-Fidelity magazine, which puts its availability in the 1985-1986 model year. It was part of Aiwa's early wave of consumer CD players aimed at accessible digital audio.

Market

A 1986 Aiwa magazine ad for the DX-1500 is available as a collectible listing. A tested, working unit has been listed on eBay with 12 people watching. One user on Audiokarma forums noted, "it sounds great."