Panasonic SC-AK25 Mini Audio System

This is definitely my best audio purchase ever. While it retails for $279, I managed to get mine for $209. Here are a list of the features, followed by an overall review:

* 5 CD tray - Unlike most systems, the CD's are stored in seperate trays, which are a little noisy when they change.. it can startle people who aren't used to it. You also can't change CD's while another one is playing. This is a very minor problem and I'd much rather have this CD changer system than a normal 3 tray system.

* Visualization - The system is simply BEAUTIFUL. There are 4 modes in beautiful multi colors on the front of the system. It's somewhat like an EQ but there are much more graphical and 3D. It's hard to describe without seeing it, but the radio station, CD track number, and status of whatever you're playing are shown on the display. It's easy to read, because of the fairly large display and multiple colors. The important information is light bluish, the "background" text and graphics are orangish red, and the 3D display (which you can turn off) is a nice bluish purple. The buttons also all light up in a pretty green when they're active. This is definitely the most attractive audio system I've ever seen.

* Volume and Super Woofers - This system is clear and LOUD. The bass turns huge for such an affordable system, and always remains clear. While they're not 'true' subwoofers, the speakers put out more bass than any subwoofer mini system I've ever seen. The only problem here is that even on the lowest super woofer mode (there are 3 levels of bass) there's still a considerable amount of bass, but it doesn't detract much, if at all, unless you're listening to a poorly made song where the bass is very annoying. The system also can be VERY loud for such a small system, and is clear even on the quietest setting. There's also an EQ that you can set yourself or use 6 preprogrammed settings: Heavy, Clear, Soft, Disco, Live, and Hall. They really make a big difference unlike some audio systems I've used, and I use them often. There's also an 'AI EQ' that automatically adjusts for your CD, although I haven't used it much.

* Remote Control - A very useful feature, but a couple of the buttons do nothing for me! The 'repeat' button doesn't seem to work but I might be missing something. There's also a 'program' button that might be used for higher end models. There's also a sleep button, mute, as well as a very easy to use number pad to switch tracks or recorded stations. This is the best remote control I've seen.

* User-friendly Interface - The interface is fantastic. There aren't a million buttons, but it's ergonomic enough to let you do whatever you want. The buttons are large and clear, and the volume knob is large and very easy to control.

All in all, I highly recommend this system. It's the best system I've used, and plays beautiful clear music. I only have three real problems with this system:

1) I can't figure out the Repeat button, and I don't think it works. I lost my manual, but it seems like you can't make a song or CD auto-repeat.
2) I can't figure out a way to show the time when you're playing a radio station unless you turn the system off.
3) The antenna that comes with the system is kind of poor, although it picks up major stations very well. My roommate has an old radio that picks up one station well here that doesn't play at all on my Panasonic. I'm not sure if this is just the short antenna that comes with the system or something wrong with the system itself.

Overall, these problems don't make much difference, and I highly recommend this system.