Kenwood's KDC-MP145 CD receiver sets the bar high for value in a CD receiver. The well-designed control panel features a large jog dial that gives you instant access to all major functions, while a bright 11-digit display makes it easy to read song and system information. The stereo's built-in amplifier delivers plenty of clean power, and you can mold the sound with a 3-band equalizer, six preset tone curves, and a potent bass boost.

The KDC-MP145 plays your prerecorded and recordable CDs, even discs filled with music files. The jog dial combines with "Search" and "Return" keys to blaze through your MP3 and WMA files, so you can find the song you want in a flash. If you're bringing a portable music player along for the ride, this receiver features an illuminated auxiliary input that you can find in the dark without fumbling around.

A set of preamp outputs allows easy connection to an outboard amplifier. If you're adding a subwoofer, you can switch the outputs to sub mode, activating a low-pass filter and level adjustment for hands-on control over your bass.