- Compact stereo with 5-CD changer, dual cassette decks, and digitally synthesized AM/FM tuner
- 50 watts per channel
- 1-bit MASH digital-to-analog converter
- Clock/timer
- Remote control
Technical Details
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
With its striking metallic-silver finish, Panasonic's SC-AK18 minisystem makes quite an impression, even before you power it up. As an affordable compact stereo, the SC-AK18 is destined to impress with its sonic performance as well, even if it won't win any awards for grand-scale features or ergonomics.
This serious little three-piece system consists of a five-CD changer, dual auto-reverse cassette decks for effortless dubbing, an AM/FM tuner with a total of 24 presets, and a six-mode equalizer that, in contrast to most, is actually useful.
Once fired up, the SC-AK18 has a pretty wild graphic display. Some may find it too glitzy, while others will think it's loads of fun. Either way, it makes a statement (and if you don't like it you can select a more standard, information-only display).
Operation is fairly easy, whether you're playing the radio, dubbing a cassette, or programming a CD selection. But the front panel is crowded and takes some getting used to. Additionally, though loading CDs into the tray is simple enough, the mechanism is slow and rather noisy.
The SC-AK18's best feature is its straight-ahead audio performance. It sounds very fine in the "flat" mode (equalization off), with a relatively uncolored vocal presentation, detailed and airy high frequencies, and an impressive bottom end. And, to our surprise and pleasure, its six equalizer settings--disco, hall, live, heavy, clear, and soft--add subtle sonic enhancements without destroying the midrange or overall timbral balance.
Keep in mind, however, there's no digital output (so digital recording to minidisc or CD is out), and the only input is an auxiliary pair for stereo RCA plugs.
Panasonic's SC-AK18 may lack flexibility, but its overall sound is way above average, making it a solid value if not an outright best buy for music lovers. --Wayne Garcia
Pros:
- Clean, open sound
- Effective equalization
- Multiple playback formats
- Solid value
Cons:
- No digital output
- Overly busy front panel
- CD mechanism slow and noisy
Amazon.com Product Description
Equipped with a five-CD changer, Panasonic's SC-AK18 compact stereo lets you enjoy hours of continuous music. The five direct open/play keys make playing and changing discs easy. Simply press the open key for the desired disc and the tray opens. After changing the disc, press the adjacent disc key. The tray closes, and the newly loaded disc starts to play.
Outfitted with dual feather-touch cassette decks and an AM/FM digitally synthesized tuner, the SC-AK18 has all the conveniences of a full-size stereo system. Two other features are the CD manager, which simplifies CD-to-tape editing, and tape program search for quick tape-track access.
The 3D space equalizer displays a wide range of images and patterns. A ship flies in space, enters black holes--even time warps--as your selections play. And six preset equalization modes (disco, hall, live, heavy, clear, and soft) are a touch away.
The AK-18 standard features include a wireless remote control, a programmable timer with sleep mode, 24 tuner presets, and a fluorescent display.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It answers all my musical questions,
By A Customer
This review is from: Panasonic SC-AK18 CD Compact Stereo System (Electronics)
I was looking for a compact system to replace my JVC that broke, taking 6 of my CDs hostage (had to unscrew cover and manually remove them!). This Panasonic cost about 1/2 as much as the JVC, and it sounds ten times better. Much clearer, more subtleties, even at lower volumes (I live in an apartment). The equalizer adjustments I made actually 'tailored' the sound to my musical tastes in a meaningful way. The system was very easy to set up and operate manually & with the remote. The control panel is flashier than I usually like (early Pac man in space), but it does display useful info about settings/modes in readable type and it's endeared itself to me by signing off with a 'GOODBYE' that runs off to one side. The only drawback: the CD mechanism clanks around inside when it accesses a disk, a bit of a nuisance if you're in all-disc random play. But all in all, I'm delighted with the system, its sound quality and the price--plus free shipping. For the price, I consider it a 5-star buy.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent,
By
This review is from: Panasonic SC-AK18 CD Compact Stereo System (Electronics)
Having been a fan of sony, it was not my idea to get into panasonic, but after testing various mini hi-fi systems in stores I decided to buy the SC-AK18 system, and now I can tell you that this is the best system for this range of prices($150-$200), the remote control is excellent, the sound is amazing for only being using a two way speaker system, I cannot find any weakness on the system if sound quality and a excellent price is your priority. I did read a review here in amazon telling that a sharp mini-system was better than the panasonic just because the sharp uses three way speakers. I did hear them both in a store playing the same cd's and always the panasonic has better sound.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compact quality with good looks and excellent cost.,
By
This review is from: Panasonic SC-AK18 CD Compact Stereo System (Electronics)
The name Panasonic comes through with an excellent product and good looks to boot. After having purchased another product which failed miserably, I was very pleased with this model. It's specifications are very pleasing when compared with other models in this same class. The remote is easy to use and functions well. Set up is easy and is rewarded with good sound without even making adjustments to various settings. The only difficulty with it is attempting to use its MULTITUDE of electronic features, adjustments, and uses. Overall value for price is excellent.
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