Customer Reviews

Panasonic SC-PM71SD MP3 SD Micro System with 5-CD to SD Recording

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At first I was delighted with this unit's easy set-up, smart appearance, intelligent design and functionality, and high-quality sound. However, I soon discovered that it won't perform the main function for which I bought it: converting old personal analog cassette recordings into digital format(s).

To be fair, the unit does in fact "rip" (convert) a cassette recording and saves it as a digital file on the SD memory card. But the resulting recording is formatted as a proprietary ".SA1" type file, which apparently is .AAC plus a layer of Panasonic's DRM security. The main problem is that .SA1 files are NOT recognized by typical audio software (iTunes, MediaPlayer, etc.), and a web search for conversion utilities turned up nothing. Panasonic includes their own "Jukebox" software, which doesn't help. This set-up works well if all one wants is to transfer audio files to and from the included tiny, stylish and cool Panasonic SD-SV90 player (noting the lack of ID3 tagging). But the inability to move audio files from the SD card to one's PC, and convert them to .aac or .mp3 formats for easy playback on other media (i.e. CDs, iPods or MP3 players), etc.) is a fatal flaw for my needs.

For the extra cost of this unit, I expected a lot more flexibility with the SD recording function, but it seems like DRM (Digital Rights Management) limitations won out over user functionality. For the record, all my cassettes are personal recordings, not commercial music -- so there's no reason for DRM to limit my digital conversion. The other functions all seem very good, but sadly this system is going back for a refund, to be replaced by a less-costly stero without the crippled SD-recording function.

Great idea, poor execution.

We purchased this system for our disabled teen aged daughter. She loves to listen to music, but has trouble managing CDs. This system has great sound and with the ability to put all her music on a memory stick the CD management problem is solved. She can run everything by remote!
System arrived quickly and was in great condition. Great shopping experience and well worth the price.

I just received the above unit from Etronics and the Audio player & SD card was not included, despite the fact that the Amazon page says that it's part of the sytem and the unit packaging said it was also.
Etronics are claiming that on THEIR site it's not listed so I'm not entitled to one.
This is very frustrating as I can't seem to find anybody to take responsibility.
I will probably return the item, even though it seems like a very good unit as I simply cannot abide false advertising (regardless of whether Amazon or Etronics are at fault).
Customer service at Amazon really sucks.

I have been well pleased with this system. It fits in my office very well and gets played daily.

speakers-small and loud!. My headphones rock with this stereo. My son made his own sd mix the mp3 player is tiny a nd cute. it is smaller than I thought. GREEEEEEEEAAATT. and this 209 is the best price out there.