Panasonic SC-EN17 CD Micro System

I've only experienced one other satisfactory radio (the Boston Acoustics Recepter) but that one has nothing other than the bare necessities (no headphone or remote control options) and cost me $60 more.

I was happily surprised to discover that this Panasonic System picked up my favorite (and usually next to impossible decent reception) radio station crystal clear! There are not many small stereo systems to pick from which play MP3 files on CD, so now I pray this baby will last. It's never fun to search for specific features that you are not going to know how well they work until it's in your possession.

I'm guessing that this Panasonic Stereo isn't going to be as pleasing for the younger crowd who prefer higher volumes. For those who like soft classical music and/or clear audible voices on radio or CD, then this system does the job beautifully.

The only feature lacking which would make this setup perfect for those who use it to listen to reading would be if it had the ability to continue on a CD from where it left off when the power is turned off.

Ending on a positive note, another wonderful feature this has is a timer so it turns off after it has lulled you to sleep.

For $90 though, it definitely gives back its value!

I was really excited to get this, it is small, looks fantastic, has an input for my Sirius and is only $100. However, at least to my ears, the sound is awful and actually hurts my ears. There's no true equalizer, you can choose from a few presets but none of them sound good. I'm not an audiophile so I can't put my finger on it but I get a headache listening to it, I think it's something with the base or trebble. I'm sort of stuck because I need to return this one but I don't know of another boombox or micro system that is good that I should replace it with....but I can't keep this one it's too bad.

I read all the reviews on this and a number of other systems in the immediate price range and decided that I would give it a try, in spite of some of the negative comments. I listened to about a dozen different >$100 systems and this was the best.
I use this in my office - about 130 sf - and keep it very soft. I play mostly classical music.
For my application it is a perfect unit, not too deep so it fits in a bookshelf, and it looks great. Both the AM and FM reception are good though there is a little hiss on the FM side. I pull in all the local stations without a problem. For the price the sound quality is just fine, though I wish there were more variety in the preset EQ settings - 5 seems not to be enough. I do not have the problem so many have written about with the remote. I sit about 7' from the unit and, so long as I point it in the general direction it works fine. I do wish the remote had a mute button - this would help when someone comes in to talk or the phone rings.
Overall I feel it is a good buy. Perhaps those who feel the sound quality is not up to par are used to more expensive systems. I would not compare it to my Sansui/Bose system at home, but neither would I compare an XJS to a Tercel - they have different purposes and meet different needs.

I was disappointed by this system.

First off, the radio reception is poor. Many of the stations that I listened to regular were barely picked up - and with lots of statics.

Secondly, the remote control only works when it is pointed directly at the front. It cannot be off by a few degrees so it is almost useless from across the room.

This is my second Panasonic Micro System, and it surpasses all other manufacturers systems. The sound is excellent, and it has enough features to keep everyone happy. Never had a problem with my two year old Panasonic, and this is why I bought the second one for another area. Would buy it again.