Panasonic has launched Panasonic SC-PMX802 & RX-D500 series. The traditional manufacturer Panasonic is introducing four new devices: In addition to a complete system or an all-in-one system with network player, CD playback and suitable speakers, Panasonic is producing a series of three stereo CD radios with different functionalities – in the retro Design that is reminiscent of the good old “ghetto blaster” from the 1980s.
Panasonic SC-PMX802 all-in-one system
This system consists of a receiver (2 x 60 watt amplifier power) and a pair of three-way boxes. The receiver comes with a receiver for FM and DAB +, a CD player as well as a full network player and Bluetooth receiver. But that’s not all: The device uses the Chromecast and AirPlay 2 wireless standards, thus allowing music content to be streamed from any app.
Panasonic SC-PMX802 compact system – on the left with a view of the three drivers of the associated loudspeakers without cover
On the front there is a USB input for connecting storage media. Here, high-resolution files (e.g. FLAC) up to 192 kHz / 24 bit can be read in and played back as appropriate. MP3 files with lower resolution become Like inserted CDs, it is subjected to its own “remastering” process in order to achieve the best possible sound quality from them. An auxiliary input allows the connection of a further high-level source, an optical digital input is also on board. The supplied three-way speakers come in a real wooden housing and should play cleanly up to 50 kHz thanks to their high-quality dome tweeter.
The compact system will be available in black and silver from the end of July 2021.
Panasonic RX-D500 series
Three new “ghetto blasters” in retro design expand the Panasonic portfolio. All three are equipped with two 8 cm broadband speakers and an amplifier with 2 x 10 watts of power. A sound booster function allows either a bass boost or a focus on the frequency range of human speech – ideal for podcasts or audio books.
The simplest model – the Panasonic RX-D500 – comes with an FM radio and CD player. The RX-D550 also has a Bluetooth receiver and a USB port for playing storage media. The top model is called Panasonic RX-D552 and offers a receiver for DAB + on top. The radios will be available from April (RX-D552) and May 2021.
Prices of Panasonic SC-PMX802 & RX-D500 series:
- Panasonic SC-PMX802 compact system: 549 euros
- Panasonic RX-D500 stereo CD radio: 129 euros
- Panasonic RX-D550 stereo CD radio (with remote control): 159 euros
- Panasonic RX-D552 stereo CD radio (with remote control): 179 euros