Mega power!
Written: Dec 19 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good sound quality, versatile
Cons: Better MD/CD system available?
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| ccn158's Full Review: Panasonic SC-AK27 Shelf System |
The Panasonic 'SCAK' series have not really changed over the last four years or so. What you see is what you pay for; big chunky systems with big chunky sound.
And that's what we have got here; I live in the UK, so I've got the SCAK-28, which is not available for review here, but is similar in every respect apart from that it's slightly more powerful: a meaty 280 watt RMS.
Here are the best features available on this system:
5 CD-changer:: Panasonic were one of the first companies to introduce the 5-CD changer onto their systems, as opposed to the 3-CD formation adopted by Aiwa and Sony in particular. The two extra CD's do really make a difference, and it also means you can listen to more music without getting up to go to your CD's. There's a superb continous play mode, meaning that if you've got a lot of songs on 5 CD's, this system could be useful for parties or discos.
Decent tuner: The tuner on the system is decent, and the reception is very good. There's a variety of pre-sets you can have on different bands. However the tuner could have done with some more audio controls, for example the 'Karoke' mode on some Aiwa systems (which cuts off the words on the songs, leaving just the music so you can sing over it!). This is just a minor point, and could be attributed to many systems; it's about time some manufacturers make a couple of new additions, some innnovations.
Sound quality: The '3 way bi-wired' speakers as the packaging boasts, are suprisingly powerful. The effects are quite good, with the speakers actually deflecting the sound waves out in more directions, creating a sort of virtual surround sound. However if it's this you are after, I highly recommend that you buy a proper surround sound kit (I'll be reviewing some when I get them), as the effect will be far more professional. These speakers will do in the meantime though. You've got the option of putting the Panasonic mesh over the cones, but I find it's best to take it off, as it looks rather mean. The sound hold up pretty well at the extremes of bass and treble and it's good quality; I've got no complaints.
Twin cassette deck: An essential, if you ask me. I dislike systems with just single decks because the double deck is much more versatile. This deck is very good and allows copying of tapes, and good logic recording. (Remember the days where you had to manually turn a tape over to record on the other side?) You've got a digital counter, so you'll always know where a certain bit of the tape is, should you need to. A simple feature, but a very good one. Also good is the fact that you can control the decks straight from your remote control. This has it's certain advantages, such as being able to wake up in the morning to the sound of your very own tape.
Optical out: Perhaps a very important feature, as this allows you to connect up your Minidisc for recording. I've found that this is very useful should you want to run any good tapes off onto MD. Also at the back of the machine are more sockets to allow you to connect you turntables up, and also more speakers!
All in all, a very good machine. At the price it's a very good deal. However I would be tempted to wait, as with Panasonic due to concentrate on it's Minidisc hi-fis, the price of this machine could fall by another $50 over the next six months.
Just if you're interested, here's the measurements:
Unit: Height: 33cms Width: 27cms Depth: 33.5cms
Speakers (each): Height: 33cms Width: 22cms Depth: 30.2cms
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ccn158
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Member: Simon Liau
Location: London, UK
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 87 members
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