Panasonic SC-PM31 Mini Audio System
Out of stock |
Similar in Audio Shelf Systems
- Playable Disk Types: CD (Audio) CD-R CD-RW
- Number of Discs: 5
- Sound Type: Stereo
- Functions: CD Player Radio Tuner Cassette Deck
- Output Power: 160 Watt
- Overview
-
Reviews
-
Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
1583
Ah... the sounds of the season!
Pros
Small, inexpensive system, sounds good, offers a lot of features.
Cons
I don't like the antennas. CD changer is noisy.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a small stereo system that is jam packed with features, consider the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System.
If you were to take a look at my CD collection, you'd see that I spend gobs on money on music. I own about 500 CDs; I've been collecting them for fifteen years. In fact, I'm running out of room for all of my music. Ironicly enough, though I've spent thousands on compact discs, I haven't been so quick to spend money on stereo equipment. For the past twelve years, I played my CDs on a Sanyo boom box that my parents got me for Christmas when I was still in college. That boom box wasn't so terrible, except for the fact that in order to get the top loading CD player to function, I had to place a heavy object on the lid! When that boom box finally showed signs of dying last month, I decided it was time to buy myself a new stereo as an early Christmas present.
Unfortunately, I am not made of money, despite my penchant for buying compact discs. Because I had to find a stereo that was somewhat cheap, I went to Overstock.com first, and that's where I first laid eyes on the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System. It was priced at about $130 and I could buy it through MyPoints.com and earn points toward gift cards. But then I decided that I should see if anyone on Epinions.com had reviewed this machine. I found two reviews that rated this system at five stars. Then I spotted the price at Amazon.com... less than $100! I immediately clicked on Amazon and found out the reason for the low price. I had found the link for refurbished models. I'm proud to announce that I actually made my first Epinions.com click through purchase when I bought my new stereo.
What's in the box
I got my new Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System just two days after I ordered it. It arrived in a single box, weighing about 20 pounds. I pulled out my new stereo and was pleased to see that it looked great, even if it was "refurbished". The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System comes with a unit, two speakers, a remote control, an FM indoor antenna, two batteries for the remote control, an AC power supply cord, and an AM loop antenna. The instruction manual is written only in English. I found the instructions easy to follow and had my new stereo ready to go in less than half an hour.
Features
One of the main things that I was looking for in my new stereo was a CD changer. My husband Bill and I are planning to have our very first Christmas party this weekend and I wanted to be able to mingle with our guests without constantly having to switch out CDs. The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System has a somewhat noisy 5 CD disc changer tucked into the bottom of the machine. It comes with a remote control that makes it easy to program the machine. With the press of a button, I can program my disc changer to play a prescribed program or random tracks. Or I can just play one CD. It's great to finally have a choice.
Those of you who have joined the MP3 revolution will also be pleased to know that the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System is MP3 compatible. I have yet to really join the MP3 generation, so I haven't yet had the chance to fully check out this feature. But it makes me glad to know that should I want to expand my musical horizons, I will be able to do so with my new stereo. The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System also plays CD-R and CD-RW discs with no problem.
The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System also has a single tape player. I own many cassette tapes from the days of my youth and every once in awhile, I pull one out for a listen. The tape player is located on top of the stereo unit. The tape player features a Tape Program Sensor or TPS. This function allows users to search the beginning of a track up to a maximum of 9. I have not yet used this feature. In fact, I've never heard of it before, but I'm sure it will come in handy someday. The few tapes I've played on this stereo have sounded good and I found the tape function easy to use.
Although I don't listen to the radio so much anymore, I was happy to see that the my Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System offers the option of programming up to fifteen AM or fifteen FM radio stations. The antennas that come with the stereo supposedly make it easier for users to get their favorite stations. I will comment that I don't really like the way the antennas are set up on this system. The AM antenna reminds me of a miniature set of the rabbit ears that my parents used to put on their TV back in the 1970s. The FM antenna is just a simple wire. I take special care to keep it out of the way of my dogs, who might mistake it for a toy. I've had no trouble getting radio stations on my stereo. The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System includes an auxiliary output so that I could hook up satellite radio or a phonographic turntable if I was so inclined. There's also an easy to set clock on the display, a dimmer switch that allows users to dim the display, and a jack for headphones.
How it looks
The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System is compact, so it can fit in small spaces. I appreciate this feature because I ended up rearranging my living room when I got new furniture. As I mentioned before, I have a LOT of CDs and not a lot of space for them. I was able to tuck the stereo unit between two rows of CDs without sacrificing too much space. The speakers are a bit larger than average sized computer speakers. They measure just 6 by 10 by 9.41 inches (W x H x D), so it's easy to find a spot for them, too. The cables that connect the two speakers are not very long, so your speakers will probably have to be set relatively close to each other. The display itself is sleek and modern looking, except for the volume knob which reminds me a little bit of the stereos that were around in the 1970s. The speaker grilles are detachable, if you prefer the look of naked woofers.
How it sounds
I'm pleased to report that my experiences with the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System have been positive so far. The sound is quite good, especially considering the fact that this is a small, inexpensive system. I use the Surround Sound function to deepen the bass and treble on some of my more raucous discs. Our living room has pretty good acoustics anyway, so even my crappy Sanyo boom box sounded good in there. I have noticed, however, that there's a lot less vibration and distortion with my new Panasonic stereo. The music comes through with richness and clarity, even when I play cassette tapes.
This system comes with four preset equalizer settings. You can adjust the settings (heavy, soft, clear, and vocal) to suit your personal tastes.
In conclusion
I think the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System would be perfect for people with small apartments or college students living in a dorm. I also like it for our small house, although I don't think I'll keep it as my main stereo for as long as I did the Sanyo boom box. I think that eventually, this system will get moved to the master bedroom or the guest room and I'll get a larger system for the living room. For right now, though, this system has been a great addition to our home. I'm glad I bought it.
Product Specifications
Total output power of 160W 40W/ch (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD) + 40W/ch (8kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
Purchased new, this unit comes with a 1 year warranty. Purchased refurbished, there is a 90 day warranty
5-CD changer and cassette player
MP3 functions from remote control include: ID3 Tag, Album Skip, Title Search, Marker and Intro Scan
High quality sound with bi-amp and 2-way sophisticated speaker box
Easy to use remote control
Clock
Sleep function
Detachable speaker grilles
Auxiliary and headphones jack
Dimmer switch for the display
Unfortunately, I am not made of money, despite my penchant for buying compact discs. Because I had to find a stereo that was somewhat cheap, I went to Overstock.com first, and that's where I first laid eyes on the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System. It was priced at about $130 and I could buy it through MyPoints.com and earn points toward gift cards. But then I decided that I should see if anyone on Epinions.com had reviewed this machine. I found two reviews that rated this system at five stars. Then I spotted the price at Amazon.com... less than $100! I immediately clicked on Amazon and found out the reason for the low price. I had found the link for refurbished models. I'm proud to announce that I actually made my first Epinions.com click through purchase when I bought my new stereo.
What's in the box
I got my new Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System just two days after I ordered it. It arrived in a single box, weighing about 20 pounds. I pulled out my new stereo and was pleased to see that it looked great, even if it was "refurbished". The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System comes with a unit, two speakers, a remote control, an FM indoor antenna, two batteries for the remote control, an AC power supply cord, and an AM loop antenna. The instruction manual is written only in English. I found the instructions easy to follow and had my new stereo ready to go in less than half an hour.
Features
One of the main things that I was looking for in my new stereo was a CD changer. My husband Bill and I are planning to have our very first Christmas party this weekend and I wanted to be able to mingle with our guests without constantly having to switch out CDs. The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System has a somewhat noisy 5 CD disc changer tucked into the bottom of the machine. It comes with a remote control that makes it easy to program the machine. With the press of a button, I can program my disc changer to play a prescribed program or random tracks. Or I can just play one CD. It's great to finally have a choice.
Those of you who have joined the MP3 revolution will also be pleased to know that the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System is MP3 compatible. I have yet to really join the MP3 generation, so I haven't yet had the chance to fully check out this feature. But it makes me glad to know that should I want to expand my musical horizons, I will be able to do so with my new stereo. The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System also plays CD-R and CD-RW discs with no problem.
The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System also has a single tape player. I own many cassette tapes from the days of my youth and every once in awhile, I pull one out for a listen. The tape player is located on top of the stereo unit. The tape player features a Tape Program Sensor or TPS. This function allows users to search the beginning of a track up to a maximum of 9. I have not yet used this feature. In fact, I've never heard of it before, but I'm sure it will come in handy someday. The few tapes I've played on this stereo have sounded good and I found the tape function easy to use.
Although I don't listen to the radio so much anymore, I was happy to see that the my Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System offers the option of programming up to fifteen AM or fifteen FM radio stations. The antennas that come with the stereo supposedly make it easier for users to get their favorite stations. I will comment that I don't really like the way the antennas are set up on this system. The AM antenna reminds me of a miniature set of the rabbit ears that my parents used to put on their TV back in the 1970s. The FM antenna is just a simple wire. I take special care to keep it out of the way of my dogs, who might mistake it for a toy. I've had no trouble getting radio stations on my stereo. The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System includes an auxiliary output so that I could hook up satellite radio or a phonographic turntable if I was so inclined. There's also an easy to set clock on the display, a dimmer switch that allows users to dim the display, and a jack for headphones.
How it looks
The Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System is compact, so it can fit in small spaces. I appreciate this feature because I ended up rearranging my living room when I got new furniture. As I mentioned before, I have a LOT of CDs and not a lot of space for them. I was able to tuck the stereo unit between two rows of CDs without sacrificing too much space. The speakers are a bit larger than average sized computer speakers. They measure just 6 by 10 by 9.41 inches (W x H x D), so it's easy to find a spot for them, too. The cables that connect the two speakers are not very long, so your speakers will probably have to be set relatively close to each other. The display itself is sleek and modern looking, except for the volume knob which reminds me a little bit of the stereos that were around in the 1970s. The speaker grilles are detachable, if you prefer the look of naked woofers.
How it sounds
I'm pleased to report that my experiences with the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System have been positive so far. The sound is quite good, especially considering the fact that this is a small, inexpensive system. I use the Surround Sound function to deepen the bass and treble on some of my more raucous discs. Our living room has pretty good acoustics anyway, so even my crappy Sanyo boom box sounded good in there. I have noticed, however, that there's a lot less vibration and distortion with my new Panasonic stereo. The music comes through with richness and clarity, even when I play cassette tapes.
This system comes with four preset equalizer settings. You can adjust the settings (heavy, soft, clear, and vocal) to suit your personal tastes.
In conclusion
I think the Panasonic SC-PM31 Shelf System would be perfect for people with small apartments or college students living in a dorm. I also like it for our small house, although I don't think I'll keep it as my main stereo for as long as I did the Sanyo boom box. I think that eventually, this system will get moved to the master bedroom or the guest room and I'll get a larger system for the living room. For right now, though, this system has been a great addition to our home. I'm glad I bought it.
Product Specifications
Total output power of 160W 40W/ch (1kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD) + 40W/ch (8kHz, 6 ohms, 10% THD)
Purchased new, this unit comes with a 1 year warranty. Purchased refurbished, there is a 90 day warranty
5-CD changer and cassette player
MP3 functions from remote control include: ID3 Tag, Album Skip, Title Search, Marker and Intro Scan
High quality sound with bi-amp and 2-way sophisticated speaker box
Easy to use remote control
Clock
Sleep function
Detachable speaker grilles
Auxiliary and headphones jack
Dimmer switch for the display
