Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic SC-PM03 Executive Microsystem

When looking for a second music system to put in my bedroom, I knew I wanted something that would be small and discrete, but also classy-looking and (most importantly) capable of delivering rich, full sound. This automatically ruled out most so-called "mini systems" with their seizure-inducing flashing lights and graphics and sci-fi designs. I decided upon the Panasonic SC-PM03. I liked the clean brushed aluminum look of the main unit, and the light colored wood finish on the speakers is classical yet modern at the same time. The finish and constuction isn't quite as nice as some of JVC's "executive systems". For example, the Panasonic substitutes plastic for glass, and vinyl-covered particleboard for cherrywood, but it's still quite attractive and will match almost any decor. It's a fairly low powered unit, but it makes good use of it's 15 watts per channel. Don't expect concert-level volumes, but it's more than adequate for a bedroom or dormroom. One feature I really like is the speed sensitive volume control. The faster you turn the knob, the faster volume adjustments are made. This is very handy when the phone rings, and you don't want to stand there turning the knob 45 times just to cut the volume down. The first thing I usually do with a new system is to upgrade the speaker cables. This is not an option with the SC-PM03. The tiny cables are built into the speakers and come out of a small hole in the back. A bad policy in my opinion, but obviously a cost saving measure. Also, I would strongly suggest investing in a pair of stands for the speakers and placing them as closly as possible to the wall. The imaging and bass response will be VASTLY improved. The unit includes one set of RCA inputs for adding another component such as a TV, or cassette deck, and a set of RCA outputs which can be used to add a subwoofer. And lets face it, it might not be such a bad idea to add some apmlified bass, as a 4" driver only goes so far. The unit features a small backlit LCD panel that, while not flashy, displays all necessary information over a cool field of blue. While the display is very clear from most angles, it becomes nearly illegible in bright sunlight or when veiwing it from below, like when you're lying in bed. Rounding out the unit is a remote control which handles most of the system's functions. It's small and fits nicely into your hand, but unfortunatly, it is saddled with 34 tiny buttons that, with the exception of the volume control, are all shaped exactly alike. This can be somewhat frustrating when trying to operate the unit in the dark. Aside from some minor complaints that are to be expected from such a reasonably priced system, the SC-PM03 is a very solid performer and good looking to boot.

...I can't believe the sound they're getting out of these tiny little boxes now days! I was able to compare the sound side-by-side with the similarly priced Aiwa (cheap speakers really colored the Aiwa's sound). Now it is a small unit, so you won't wake the neighbors, and there is no tape mechanism, but who does tape anymore anyway? It has a nice remote, and you can see how cool it looks on this website and many others. Overall I could not be happier. The CD loader is totally cool - it's a top loader that opens & raises a platter to accept your choice of discs. Now for the "flexibility" part. This thing has BOTH "line out" and "line in" RCA plugs. That means that you could connect a cassette player if you can't break that nasty habit (or perhaps one of those new portable CD players that read MP-3 files directly, hmm...how many hours would you get - 10?) Finally, the line-out plugs mean you could ditch the supplied speakers, set the center unit by itself on your desk or coffee table, run a set of RCA's out to your concealed 200WPC amp, wire your big time speakers to that and, shock the out of your friends AND neighbors. Or, you could keep the tiny speakers and run a line out to a concealed sub-woofer for perhaps an even greater effect.

I bought and returned three other systems by Pioneer, Sony, and Aiwa before this one made me the happiest, and it was the least expensive !

The CD player raises as the powered lid opens, making it easy and safe to set a CD on the spindle without risk of scratches. It has the normal RCA type in and out jacks for connecting tape decks, etc. You can access CD tracks directly by number on the remote. It will program up to 24 tracks, with random and repeat play too. It does sleep and alarm functions.

Panasonic only rates this as 15 watts per channel, but it sounds equal to another system that claimed 25 per channel. Bass and treble each adjust + or - 5, and I get adequate bass with it set to zero !

I only have three minor kicks. The volume indication goes from -84 db to 0db (loudest). Very unusual, but okay. The speaker wires are permanently attached at the speaker, but 6 ft. on each should be plenty. And the speakers appear to have the old tech paper cones. This type of system deserves at least basic poly cones.

If you can accept that these tiny systems won't rattle your windows, this one is a good choice. Great sound for the size, high quality construction, and a full list of functions for less money than many systems that have fewer features.