PD-M40 was PIONEER's entry-level 6-disc CD changer model for 1987. that was the first year PIONEER introduced their "HONEYCOMB CHASSIS" methodology
for pressing their sheet metal chassis panels. PIONEER claimed it was an anti-resonant, rigidity-enhancing feature,
but in my experience, it leaves the impression of a lighter, thinner grade of sheet metal being used,
with the honeycomb pressing lending the lighter body an acceptable degree of rigidity.
the 1986 PD-M6, PIONEER's very first CD changer model, lacks any implementation of the Honeycomb Chassis design,
and yet it somehow actually feels heavier and more rigid/solid than the 1987 ELITE PD-M90X,
the first PIONEER CD changer to employ the Honeycomb Chassis design, and, AFAIK, PIONEER's first ever product incorporating it.
finally, BTW, the PD-M90X, as well as the PD-M70 and -M60,
all use the same reliable and beautifully built 1st-gen changer mechanism/laser pick-up that the PD-M6 employs.
1987's PD-M40/PD-M50 were the first models to employ the lighter built, but still well-made 2nd-gen mechanism,
and the infamous laser pickup whose lens adhesive so often fails, resulting in a dead but easily reparable player with a lens rattling around inside...
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