Pioneer CLD-M301 Multi-Play 5-Disc Laserdisc CD Player

The Pioneer CLD-M301, released in 1992, is a unique "multi-play" machine that combines a LaserDisc player with a 5-disc CD changer. It’s a mechanically fascinating device often nicknamed "the player with a robot inside" due to the way its internal arm moves between the CD carousel and the LaserDisc spindle.

1. Multi-Disc Capabilities

• Format Support: Plays 12-inch and 8-inch LaserDiscs (NTSC), standard Audio CDs, and CDV (Compact Disc Video).

• 5-Disc CD Carousel: The tray has five indentations around the main spindle. You can load 5 CDs and use it as a standard jukebox, with features like Random Play and Hi-Lite Scan across all discs.

• CDV Playback: It can play the gold-colored CDV discs, which feature about 20 minutes of audio and 5 minutes of analog video.

2. Audio Performance

• D/A Converter: Uses the Pioneer PD2026A PulseFlow internal DAC for high-quality stereo sound.

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: $102$ dB (very clean for the era).

• Dynamic Range: $96$ dB.

• Total Harmonic Distortion: $0.003\%$.

• Frequency Response: $4$ Hz to $20$ kHz.

• Digital Level Controller: Automatically balances the output levels between different discs to prevent volume jumps.

3. Video Performance

• Horizontal Resolution: Approximately 425 lines for LaserDisc playback.

• NTSC Standard: Designed for North American and Japanese market discs.

• Compatibility: Plays both CAV (Standard Play) and CLV (Extended Play) LaserDiscs.

4. Connectivity & Technical Specs

• Outputs: * RCA Stereo Audio (L/R)

• Composite Video Output (RCA)

• RF Output (for older TVs without A/V jacks)

• Control: Pioneer SR (System Remote) In/Out for syncing with other Pioneer components like receivers or tape decks.

• Power Consumption: 39W.

• Weight: ~20.4 lbs (9.3 kg).

• Dimensions: 16.5" \times 17.3" \times 5.6" (420 \times 440 \times 142 mm).