Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic SL-SX277J 40-Second Anti-Shock CD Player with Jogger Belt and In-Line Remote Control

After about a year of daily use, I have to say this product has far exceeded my expectations. When I was considering the purchase, I wondered if it could justify the high price relative to other portable CD players...I think it does.

As advertised, the 40 second anti-shock mechanism is all you'll need to keep your CD's from skipping as you move. I've put it to the test, trying manuevers that I thought would surely make it skip - it performs well in all but the most prolonged and vigorous pavement pounding. For some reason there is a small button on the side that activates and deactivates the anti-skip feature, it's not easy to hit the button by mistake, so it shouldn't be a problem.

The other outstanding feature on this player is the very long battery life. I use mine about an hour every day, and two AA batteries last about a month.

The jogging belt is nice. It's soft, comfortable, adjustable, easy to get off and on. There is a nylon mesh net on the outside where I keep a couple of extra batteries (just in case), and there's a small secondary pouch for keys or change. The CD player drops down into the main pouch which closes with velcro fastened flap. You have to tear open the velco flap to adjust the controls, which can be somewhat awkward while you're moving but it's a reasonable trade off knowing the player is secure.

The Panasonic SL-SX277J exceeded most of my demands when buying a new CD player. I just recently bought this and so far have given it a tough test.

Some of the best points of the Panasonic is that it's 3rd generation anti-skip technology works perfectly. With a CD playing, I threw the player in the air, dropped it on the floor from 3 feet, hit it, threw it against the wall, etc... and it never skipped. This is a testiment to both the durability of the player and the anti-skip technology.

Another excellent function is the remote control. Although it is listed as a 4-button remote, it actually includes a hold button, volume dial, and a radio-on button along with play/stop, next track, and previous track buttons. It is extremely useful and also makes an extension for the headphones(The headphones plug into the remote which plugs into the headphone space). The volume control is interesting, as it seems to go to the maximum of each volume number setting(1,2,5,etc...). Also, the volume seems to be at a higher level than my previous Sony, so that level ten could cause a pretty bad headache.

However, there are also functions that are less than adequate for the player. One: Without the anti-skip on, the slightest movement could cause it to skip. This means that the 25 hour battery life is really a joke unless you are standing still. It's more like 18 hours.

Two: The buttons on the player stick out a bit too far, and when I first put it in the jogger case the anti-skip turned off causing me some madness.

Three: The player is fairly heavy and bulky.

Here is a wrap-up of my review:

Pros: *Excellent anti-skip technology. *Durable design *Well designed remote *Good headphones *Good bass boost

Cons:*Without anti-skip on, it will skip at the slightest movement. *Short battery life *Bulky and heavy

I am an avid runner and have "tried them all" I thought that technology may have come a little further along when I read some of AMAZON's reviews and the product description, however I was sadly dissapointed. I followed ALL directions and it skipped right after the 40 second memory buffer. I tried it numerous times and with different time memories; each time it failed miserably. I am not a heavy runner not was I on rough terrain. Actually, paved asphalt runners path. I would highly recommend AGAINST purchasing this product. ... .

I have recently baught this item and at first i thought of it as a very good cd player but it [isn't]!! the volume is not even loud enough the so called tuner doesn't even get my stations and it skips all the time, also the remote broke the first time i used it . At first i thought panasonic was a good brand but not anymore they just lost a customer and please do not buy this product!!.

If any of you have seen my previous reviews, you will see that I gave this an overall good review. However, after less than one year the thing is already broken. I will give you the latest on this CD player-

The bad news-
1) after normal use, the remote buttons get stuck and break. I threw out my remote about 3 months ago [thats after having the cd player for about 7 months].
2) the skip protection isn't as good as anything Sony can make. The new Sony I got for ... bucks [with a car kit] barely skips when i punch the thing, and that's with the skip protection off! check out my review for it- i think its the D266CK or something like that
3) the player isnt durable. Sure, in a year I dropped it mabye 5 times, but I have punched my Sony more in a month than that and it takes it with no trouble. Also, with the ESP off the panasonic skips like there is no tomorrow.
4) It isn't worth the money. Pay ... bucks for a year old CD player that will break? no thanks, my ... dollar sony works a lot better.
5) Radio. This is basically true with every CD player- the radio is extremely weak. If you are listening to stuff that has explicit content warnings all over it don't pay for a radio. I never used mine.

Basically my advice is- dont buy it. it isnt worth it at all. If you want a CD player for your birthday I'd suggest going for the high-end Sonys [the most expensive one is ... bucks but looks awesome] or just get one of the cheaper Sonys. My advice is that Sony is the best CD player makers around.

Any questions? email me ...