Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic SC-HC3 Ultra-Slim iPod Docking Speaker System with CD player, AM/FM Radio, Clock, Alarm, and Remote (Black)

My husband bought me this system for my birthday a little while back. I wanted something to play my ipod on that had decent sound quality, but I did not want an alarm clock type system, which was pretty much the only thing I could find where I live (small town). While the description says that this has an alarm clock, thankfully it is not the main function (I'm sure it works fine, but I haven't even bothered to set the time as it usually doesn't show on the screen anyway).

First off, the SC-HC3 has a very small footprint. It is extremely thin for a system and could easily fit on a bookshelf or mantle which was important to me; I didn't want something large and bulky since I wanted to put it in the dining room and kitchen area of my house.

It has an ipod dock and CD player which both are covered by a sliding panel, another plus since I have pets and did not want the fur to get into the ipod docking area when not in use. The ipod can play while the panel is open, so you can scroll back and forth manually or you can use the remote control that comes with the system. And the part that covers the ipod is a dark plastic, but see through when the ipod is on, so you can see what song is playing. The part of the panel that covers the CD is metalic silver and not see-through. There are system buttons on the top so the front of the stereo looks very clean and not cluttered and they're simple and straightforward to use.

Now, I'm not one of those people who can tell you if the music comes across pure or crisp or robust or is highly superior to another system. But I do think that for the most part, it does sound good, not hollow or too much bass and it does sound clear.

The only complaint that I really have with it has to do with the ipod dock, though. It has a pivoting dock connector that pops forward to help you put the ipod in. I have an ipod touch and with it being so thin, it is sometimes hard to get it to connect on the first (or tenth) try. There is definitely plenty of room in there for larger ipods which might fit better. And then (this might be just the system I got) every once in a while the connection didn't fit right and when the music plays, there is sometimes static during the song. At first I thought it was that the song had been corrupted at some point, but the static would happen between songs and when I paused it. And since I sounded like radio static, I thought that something was wrong and the radio was playing through the system while I had the ipod on. Then I realized that it was the dock. When I pulled the ipod out and placed it back in, the static disappeared. Not a huge deal since I try to remember to make sure it is firmly on and I've only had that problem a few times and it's now been a while, and like I said, it could just be the one I got. If it continues, I'll probably exchange it. UPDATE: It's been a few months and it hasn't happened since.

But overall it is a nice system that doesn't take up much room and is mainly for music, not an alarm clock.

I have purchased hundreds of items over the years, for me and others through Amazon-and been pleased with many of them-but I think this is my first review (maybe second). I felt compelled because I want others to know that, if you are looking for a compact (but not tiny, cheaply made and squeaky)stereo--this is a great buy. I actually picked mine up when I ran across it at the local club store--but Amazon's price is similar. There are tons of no-name, new, smaller companies out there with iPod alarm clocks and speakers for the iPod, but I wanted something from a solid company. Honestly--I don't work for Panasonic, and I used to only want Pioneer and Technics electronics, but I have been very happy with my Panasonic plazma TV, purchased 18 months ago, and my Panasonic blu-ray player and Panasonic XM portable receiver--so this item caught my eye. I have only owned it for one week, but I have used the CD player, FM (on a sleep timer), and the iPod connection for my 120GB classic. Love it! The sound is rich and clear. The bass is deep without being fuzzy or buzzy. The treble and bass can be controlled manually or you can use the 4 pre-set equalizer settings (which are pretty good by themselves). The remote control of the iPod menu through the tinted panel is sweet! Sometimes I just sit down on the livingroom floor and flip from song to song on the iPod--and crank up the volume. I do have the 2nd gen. Bose music system (wave cd/radio) in the bedroom--with an external iPod dock--and it sounds good there too, but that was much more expensive. And actually, I like the "surround" setting on the Panasonic SC-HC3--for many songs. It gives the song that live feeling or as if the speakers are set out wider. Anyway--I don't want to sound like a salesman here, but--for it's size and price--I could not have designed anything better for great sound, multiple functions without being too "busy", and sharp appearance.

I love this Panasonic SC-HC3 radio/iPod/CD player!

I was concerned that the sliding doors might break after using them a lot, but so far so good. I have used the player for about a month and am completely happy with it. The controls are very obvious, the remote is very useful, and allows you to go through the iPod menu so that you don't have to fiddle with the little iPod wheel or open the door.

But best of all, I think the sound quality is excellent for such a compact player. Of course, it is great that it looks good, and is so slim.

While we mulled over the BOSE systems for many weeks, in the end, we just couldn't justify the cost of one of those for each of our bedrooms. This unit was the perfect size and with all the functionalities needed to fill bedrooms 15x15 with great clear sound, and the simple but usable alarm functions are just enough. It comes with a remote, so you can put it on a far dresser with ease. All in all, a great value for money.

I just recieved my Panasonic SC-HC3 today, and to say the least, very surprised. My wife wanted a Bose, but because of the price and features, I decided to hunt down the best alternative at a lower price. I found it today with the SC-HC3. It sounds excellent, is built very solid, and has a very pleasing appearance.
Loved it so far, and hopefully it lasts as long as I think it will.

Thanks Panasonic