Very Decent Mini-Stereo: Very, Very Decent.
Written: Jan 12 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound quality, holds 5 CD's, nice equalizer features
Cons: Klutzy AM radio, limited to CD audio (no MP3's, etc.)
The Bottom Line: Though there are certainly better-quality, louder, and less limiting stereos out there, this is probably the most bang for the buck. An excellent mini-stereo.
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| Python's Full Review: Panasonic SC-AK100 CD Shelf System |
A very important note: this is a mini-stereo. It is probably best-suited to a bedroom or a gameroom, but it would probably not be sufficient for a living room or a party room.
To be honest, I looked at this stereo only once before glancing at the price and then quickly buying it. Perhaps that was a rash decision. I certainly don't regret it--this is an absolutely perfect stereo system for my purposes. I currently have mine sitting on a bookcase next to my bed, and I listen to it virtually 24/7 (it's on when I'm sleeping).
These are the features:
--Two identical speakers and a module (together, 2 feet long, 1 foot tall, 1 foot deep)
--Holds 5 CDs
--Two tape decks, one that records
--AM radio
--FM radio
--Remote control
-Equalizer settings
-Random track/disc feature
-Sleep feature
-Super Sound Equalizer setting
This review need not be very long, so I will keep it as brief as I can without sacrificing details. First of all, this stereo is big for a mini-stereo. Panasonic has produced a wonderful series of these, though I believe that this particular model has the greatest value. It is the cheapest model, and for the purposes of a mini-stereo, is as loud as it needs to be. You would be able to throw a small party with it. Now, I will say that for those who feel a need to play MP3's through a stereo, by all means purchase the 300-Watt version. I personally find that playing MP3's through a stereo defeats the entire purpose of a good sound system, which this stereo certainly is.
This stereo has excellent sound quality. I believe that the dual speakers come with small subwoofers; if they don't, it certainly feels like it. If you aren't satisfied with the sound quality of its normal playing mode, there is an additional "Super-Sound Equalizer" feature. In laypeople's terms, it's a mode for a richer sound that accentuates every aspect of the sound (as opposed to just the bass, or just the treble, or just the vocals). For the individual sound changes, the typical selection of equalizer settings is also available. And after all, it's the sound that you buy your stereo for--keep this in mind.
Some issues: the radios, and the limiting factors. The AM radio is klutzy. Panasonic has kindly designed a nifty gadget for holding the cord for the reception device; however, they have not provided any simple way of attaching it to the stereo. The FM radio is manageable in that it is a small cord, attached simply with a piece of tape (any kind) to the back of your stereo. I wish I knew whether all stereo radios come with such manual set up, but for now, all I can do is to criticize the one that I own. Secondly, this stereo is somewhat limiting, in that it will play only cassettes and CD audio (not MP3, not MIDI, not WAV, not WMA). If you truly want the ability to play those types of files, there are cords you can buy that will connect your computer or your MP3 player to the stereo.
Finally, the price, once again, makes this stereo quite tempting. I fell for it, and I don't regret a thing--I love this stereo. Yes, it is only a decent stereo, in that of the mini-stereos, there are others much louder and with more features. However, its decency is unrivaled and quite exceptional. I would highly recommend this product to anyone.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Python
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Member: Monty Python
Reviews written: 34
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