Panasonic SL-SX290 Portable CD Player

Panasonic SL-SX290 Portable CD Player Review

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This is a basic portable CD player that features CD-R/RW playability, 35-hour playback on 2 AA batteries (even cheap ones!), 40-second anti-skip system (cannot be turned off, unlike previous basic models from Panasonic), and three-phase equalizer (normal, bass boost, "train"). Of course, you can program the playlist as well as disable accidental button presses. It can play MP3s that are burned into audio CDs on CD-R/RW discs, but not MP3 files directly. No big deal since it's real easy to burn audio CDs anyway. The lid color is blue, and many people think it looks cute, but not overly so.pSolid build quality, excellent sound quality (esp. on good headphones), long battery life, and ease of use make this the best basic CD player out there today. Made in Japan with a great price tag.

Panasonic SL-SX290 Portable CD Player Feature

• 40-second antiskip buffer and 24-track programmable CD memory
• CD-R and CD-RW compatibility, 1-bit MASH digital-to-analog converter
• Panasonic S-XBS bass boost
• "Pop-up" disc eject, hold switch, and multiple playback modes
• Heat-resistant polycarbonate body; up to 35 hours playback on 2 AA batteries (not included)

The Panasonic SL-SX290 portable CD player was made for active use, incorporating Panasonic's "No Skip" anti-skip system. "No Skip" construction was designed with rubber bushings to absorb the shock, while a thin and light anti-skip mechanism and anti-skip digital servo system add to the defense. It also boasts a digital-servo recovery system that can detect even a fractional difference in the CD's tracking and quickly recovers before it has a chance to "derail."P The system is bolstered by an improved set of error correction chips together with a 40-second backup memory buffer. When a vertical shock (along the axis of the disc) causes a tracking error, the system plays back music from the memory buffer until correct tracking resumes.P Since the SL-SX290 enables playback of CD-R and CD-RW discs, you can enjoy listening to CDs that you make in addition to conventional audio CDs. This unit also features programmable playback (up to 24 tracks, in your chosen sequence), random play, repeat play (either one song or an entire disc), as well as S-XBS bass boost and Train mode (which cuts high frequencies for less externally audible or less fatiguing sound). The player includes a "pop-up" disc eject mechanism for easy disc removal.P The CD player uses two AA batteries (not included), which last up to 35 hours. You can also power the unit with an optional 4.5V AC/DC adapter, which lets you plug your portable CD player into an outlet.P With a heat-resistant polycarbonate body, the SL-SX290 can be used in most outdoor settings without worry of damage. However, the unit should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.PbWhat's in the Box/bbr CD player, stereo headphones, and a user's manual. Panasonic brings a beautiful design and a wealth of features to this portable CD player with No-Skip system. The SL-SX290 is round and only slightly larger than a CD - it's thin, lightweight, and easy to take on the go. You can enjoy listening to CDs that you make, since this portable CD player enables playback of CD-R and CD-RW disks. Program this portable CD player to play a CD at random, in a specified order, or to repeat one song or the whole disk, letting you enjoy your favorite tunes without interruption. Extra Bass System (XBS) gives your music an added bass boost for fuller sound. The CD player can be used outdoors because of a heat-resistant body design. In order to load a CD, the top of the player fully opens, and a slide lock closes it back up once your CD is placed inside, making sure your player won't open during playback. An included pair of stereo headphones lets you enjoy your music to the fullest.

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Customer Reviews

Very disappointing, and it all started out so well! - - New York
I was very impressed with this player at first. It was a bargain, and nice and lightweight. I was thrilled to find that even scratched CDs didn't skip and played well. However, I noticed after about two months (without having used it excessively), the CDs, even new ones, did not read as well as they had done at the start. 4 months later, it will play about 40 seconds of a song, and then the CD will just keep spinning with no sound, and no reading on the display save for the "Sorry" message. I was careful handling the product, and certainly didn't use it 24/7, so I can't understand why it doesn't function properly anymore. Now I have to search for another walkman!

Unexpected Features make this Player a Loser - - Forest Park, IL USA
I've had this CD player for over a year now, and it works OK, but I am pretty sick of a few of its unexpected "features", namely: (1) You have the volume on 3 while you listen to a CD. Then, you turn the player off. Then, you turn the player back on, but when it plays again, it plays at volume 13 for no apparent reason. Meanwhile, your ears get an unexpected blast. (2) You insert a new CD into the player and hit the play button. For no apparent reason, the player starts playing track #7 instead of track #1. (3) You play a CD with the bass-boost "off". Then, you turn the player off. Then, you turn the player back on again. You guessed it -- for no apparent reason, the bass-boost is now on.


Apr 23, 2010 03:20:04