Rating: 
Summary: has several shortcommings
Review: 1. manual says not to play any cd's with paper labels or with writing on the cds. If you could see the trays you would no why. They are very shallow. If you create a cd on your computer, how are you suppose to label it?
2. AM radio is pathetic. Does not pick up any stations at all. Rate a 0. FM radio is fine
3. auxillery input is poor. It provides no volume.
4. the speakers use non standard wiring and the manual says do not use any speakers but the ones provided.
Rating:
Summary: Don't do it
Review: I almost bought this system until I walked into a store and tried it out with my own tapes and CD. I'd strongly recommend you do the same. Problem: the speakers [are not good], and because they're bi-amped, you're stuck with them. If you put in regular speakers, both speakers and amp would get messed up. Instead I chose the Sony CMT-HP7, despite my worries about its slot-loading CD mechanism. I have another compact stereo system which I use in my living room, an older Sony, and its sound went from mediocre to superb as soon as I upgraded it with ... bookshelf speakers. Dear Panasonic: stop using such cheesy paper-cone speakers, you've got everything else right! Two and a half stars.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful design, mediocre sound
Review: I almost bought this system until I walked into a store and tried it out with my own tapes and CD. I'd strongly recommend you do the same. Problem: the speakers [are not good], and because they're bi-amped, you're stuck with them. If you put in regular speakers, both speakers and amp would get messed up. Instead I chose the Sony CMT-HP7, despite my worries about its slot-loading CD mechanism. I have another compact stereo system which I use in my living room, an older Sony, and its sound went from mediocre to superb as soon as I upgraded it with ... bookshelf speakers. Dear Panasonic: stop using such cheesy paper-cone speakers, you've got everything else right! Two and a half stars.
Rating: 
Summary: A Platinum Masterpiece of Engineering
Review: I am listening to classical music on this awesome little stereo as I write this. This system plays as fantastic as it looks. I live in a studio and wanted a compact system that had great sound but that would not blast me out of my apartment or disturb my neighbors. I am truly amazed at how far the technology has come in such a short time. I can play this quite loud and not be bothersome to others. The bass is very rich and the highs are not distorted. The music comes across very dimensional. I had a wall full of stereo before (my dad's older 80s/early
90s unit) and my new micro sounds almost as good as my dad's!
The only difference would be the size of the speakers and
resulting output which was really too big for my space. This is a feature rich player that looks as good as it sounds. I
have played classical, frank sinatra, rock, classical guitar --
all sound great on this system. The platinum casing is very
attractive as are the walnut speakers. Easy to put together. Well
written instructions. And of course, compact! I originally listened to this at walmart where the reception
was not so good and then again at Costco where the reception
was great and I was amazed at the range of sound. Comments
about cheesy speakers apply to the black casing not the walnut.
I saw both. I got it for $128 plus tax at costco and look
forward to enjoying a full range of sounds again. A great brand -- I still have my Panasonic boombox from 1986
and kept it because the radio sound is so great -- even though
the revolving cassette broke long ago. The only micro
at this price offering 5 CDs and a cassette for playing or recording music plus great looks & sound. what more could you want?
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste the cash on BOSE
Review: I did much shopping around for a microsystem to replace the Kenwood home unit. Just too big, but we didn't want to miss the sound. We decided on this 120 Watt system. It sounds great, costs about 150 bucks (spring the extra 30 for a 3 year replacement) The JVC's, BOSE and other "higher end" systems we listened to and compared didn't have the same quality sound and cost 4 times as much! The more pricey ones also had lower CD capacity 1-3 usually, where this one has 5. It even has a handy AUX input which was a nice surprise. Unless you want something to playback MP3's (Panasonic has a cousin to this one that'll do that, a few dollars more) or burn CD's this won't set your wallet back and will give you a great sound.
Rating:
Summary: Great Audio System
Review: I just bought this stereo 2 days ago and I love it, the sound quality is amazing and it's got so much power, I haven't turned it up all the way but even when it's on low it sounds powerful and clear. You can choose between the equalizer settings from clear to heavy depending on what you are listening to. It also has a timer that will wake you up in the morning. Setting up the unit is simple and brainless. The only complaint is that the main unit is rather long from the front to the end and it didn't quite fit snuggly in my bookcase but it still looks good though. Very nice stero with a great contemporary look and it's a great price.
Rating: 
Summary: happy in my little room
Review: I read the reviews on amazon before deciding to buy this stereo and I'm happy with my purchase. I moved into a tiny apt and tossed my old Philips component system. I wanted a hassle-free, handsome, good-sounding stereo that would fit on a shelf. That's what I got. I bought mine at a retail store for $150. Consider what you really want to do before you buy this unit. By it's nature as a "mini-system" it has limitations. For example, I bought high bias audiotape before reading the manual. It only works with normal bias tapes. Making a mix tape from CDs is not as simple as I wish it were b/c you have to program a song or songs before you can record. I don't think you can hook up a DVD player to this unit. Under "External unit connections" the manual reads: "Only an analog player with a built-in phono equalizer can be connected." Comparatively, it seems the best blend of sound quality, style and features for the money. It has a cool remote that works quite well. The screen reads, "HELLO" when you turn the unit on and, "GOODBYE" when you turn it off. I listen to rock CDs mostly and they sound good to me in my little apartment.
Rating:
Summary: It rocks.
Review: I spent a lot of time looking for a system suitable for my eclectic tastes and found it in this one. This system provides the budget audiophile with 120 watts of rich sound as suitable for Sepultura as it is for Chopin. For real: go for the higher wattage when selecting a small stereo; it is important even at the lowest volume settings, which becomes even more obvious when you have it cranked up on Friday night. Along with the high-quality speakers, there are a few other things make this stereo a standout. First, the tuner and preset features are both flawless. The unit will detect and assign presets automatically; you can always pick new ones later. Reception is good in either band. Second, the CD changer is of the modern, one-tray-for-one-CD type that is simple in operation and won't interrupt your listening. CD-R playback is no problem. The cassette player is still there, for those who use one
Rating:
Summary: Don't do it
Review: Like the other reviewer, I wanted to buy this unit for the looks, but after listening to it in the store, I couldn't do it. I took in my favorite CDs, but they sounded thin and flat, kind of "tinny." I bought the Sharp XLHP500 instead, which is just as attractive and has wonderful, full, rich sound too. It holds only 3 CDs, and I would have preferred 5, but it was worth it to get better sound quality. And 3 is really pretty adequate. I also looked at the Sony CMT HP7, but discovered it does not have play exchange, which I really wanted. And the Sharp was a good bit less expensive.
Rating:
Summary: Want more? Spend more!
Review: The Panasonic SC-PM18 is a marvel ... for its price. If you're looking for something more showy or with enough power to fill a ballroom, look elsewhere. This is a well-designed, well-priced mini system with a big sound. I already like the little fella. The buttons are all in the right place, the looks are sleek and attractive; the remote is simple and straightforward. Set up will take you -- tops -- 15 minutes. If you are looking to fill an average room with rich, clear sound ... look no further. For a more sophisticated version (one which includes MP3 and a slightly more responsive wattage) then go with the PM28. I challenge anyone to find a better value than this one.
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