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
