What is it?
A multi-platform music system for the home. Anyone who began collecting music before the internet took off will understand that not all recordings can be found on services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Compact disc players are still a necessary component for a complete experience so Panasonic has integrated this facility into its latest wireless speaker.
Good points?
The playback source versatility will have mass appeal as you can play music from almost any medium including online streaming services, radio, USB devices and CDs. The ability to rip and save your favourite CDs to the 4GB built-in storage is a surprisingly rare feature among modern media devices.
The ability to link several Panasonic speakers to create a streaming network means you can listen to those favourite tunes no matter where you are within the home. Unlike some speakers the SC-ALL7CD actually looks like a music player yet manages to remain sleek and understated.
Bad points?
The overall sound output is a little wispy and the bass lacks punch when operating at lower volumes. An integrated turntable with digital transfer would have made the SC-ALL7CD a complete sound system and the pinnacle for music consumers.
Best for ...
Traditionalists, retro fans and those who want to play audio from most platforms without succumbing to space restrictions and purchasing multiple devices in a bid to handle it all.
Avoid if ...
You have larger rooms to cover as the sound quality doesn't carry very well without resorting to cranking up the volume which, in turn, causes mild distortion.
Score
8/10.
Panasonic SC-ALL7CD, £379.99 (panasonic.com)
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