The Eclipse CD3100 is a car stereo for drivers interested in fine-tuning their in-cabin acoustics. Its digital-audio playback- and navigation features are intuitive and user friendly. Its turn-by-turn navigation feature is not.
The Eclipse CD3100 is a stylish, standard-size car stereo with a useful control interface, a unique navigation function, and some advanced audio customization features.
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Rather than using separate controls for volume and track selection, the rotary volume knob doubles as a four-way push-button selector. This is a very economical design and enables users to perform a range of selection and navigation controls using the same interface.
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The single DIN-size faceplate of the Eclipse CD3100 features a unique layout. To maximize space for controls and display space, the system's single-disc slot is hidden behind the motorized faceplate, which drops away in a smooth downward motion at a touch of the Eject button.
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For track and folder information during MP3 disc playback, it shows only nine characters, but it scrolls ID3 tags through at a quick pace, helping drivers to navigate libraries easily.
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The CD3100 offers a wealth of EQ customization options. In addition to the preset EQ configurations (defeat, power, sharp, vocal), there are plenty of ways in which users can tweak the audio output to their own tastes. The simplest way to do this is by adjusting the basic band settings for bass, treble, and midrange by using the control knob.
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The most unique feature of the Eclipse 3100 is its Area Shot navigation function, which provides turn-by-turn text directions to a preprogrammed destination. To use the Area Shot function, users must go through a laborious preparation process, including burning a file from a computer to a CD.
