OVERVIEW
Stanton's upgrade to their flagship C.304 CD player, the C.314 now features full mp3 capability, along with expanded browsing and folder displays. The C.314 is Stanton's only tabletop CD player with vinyl simulation and the ability to scratch, and it comes in at an extremely affordable price point - where very few CD players are able to offer true vinyl response. It also comes with a host of basic and advanced CD turntable functions which will satisfy all but the most hardcore CD programmers. As with all of Stanton's redesigned series of equipment, the CD line has improved construction, better engineering and more attention to detail.

FEATURES
The biggest difference between the C.314 and Stanton's C.313 CD player is the ability to control the CDs as you would vinyl. The jog wheel is extremely touch sensitive, and surprisingly responsive, taking no "getting used to" period for scratching and actively DJing. It functions without lagtime, digital burps or any other problems, and the platter feels very sturdy. No shakiness or back and forth wiggle movement. Functions carried over from the C.313 include seamless looping, flexible on board sampling assignable to four trigger pads, 4 assignable cue points, wide range pitch control (+/- 8%, 16%, 25%, 100%) with a very effective master tempo key lock and the pitch bend function, which allows you to further push the tempo plus or minus 8%.

Additional features include an auto or manual bpm counter, reverse play & sampling capability, a sequencer for the samples and more options for the way you use them. The C.304 also has 6 different on- board effects including filter, phase, echo, flanger, pan & trans, all of which are auto beat synched and depth-adjustable. The LCD screen on the C.314 is also improved, with more information shown and a useful visual marker for track position (works like tape on a record label for scratching).

OPINION
Stanton has made a quality CD turntable with the C.314, and captured all the necessities required for DJing; namely true vinyl-like response and control. The C.314 features a good amount of the fun extras you want on a CD player and the overall "feel" of the unit is above average, all while keeping it very affordable. Recommended for home, studio and mobile dj use.

- very affordable table top cd player with vinyl simulation for scratching and beat juggling
- 6 high quality dsp effects (filter, echo, phase, flanger, transform, pan) with auto beat-sync
- adjustable pitch (+/- 8%, 16%, 25%, 100%) with key lock and pitch bend
- onboard sampling with pattern sequencer, plus four trigger buttons and cue memory
- reliable, anti-shock playback (10 seconds) with auto cue and instant playback
- easy-to-read blue LCD display with visual marker for track position
- RCA and S/PDIF digital output
- fader start/relay input allows C.314 to be connected another CD player or compatible mixing board
- 14" x 12.5" x 4.5"

reviewed by mgmnt