Features:
- Water-resistant with locking cabinet
- 40-second antiskip protection and 24-track programmable memory
- 1-bit MASH digital-to-analog converter
- Includes Panasonic's Super Extra Bass System (S-XBS)
- Double-band, over-the-head stereo headphones offer secure fit
Description:
Although manufacturers of portable CD players often ignore build quality in favor of pretty colors, Panasonic's SL-SW505 offers an attractive design as well as excellent construction. The durable SL-SW505 Shock Wave sports bright colors and is made of extremely rigid plastic that isn't prone to breaking. We were impressed with the use of aluminum hinges for the lid, metal springs for the clamps, and metal screws throughout, as well as a plastic gasket for sealing the CD enclosure. The battery compartment is located under the lid, as are the resume play, random play, and antishock switches. Panasonic touts the SL-SW505 as a water-resistant CD player, but cautions that it's not intended to be submerged in water. Nevertheless, the player is designed to keep moisture out, with a locking lid and rubber plugs for the input and output jacks. The silver, plastic locking clamps are easy to open and close and won't inadvertently jar open. Ergonomically, we found the SL-SW505 to be a bit wanting, with awkward orange, plastic switches for the extra bass (XBS) and hold functions, and a rotary volume dial inconveniently located underneath the player. In order to adjust the volume we had to lift the player. Considering the SL-SW505's superb build quality, these minor inconveniences are forgivable, particularly since they're part of the water-resistant design. Less forgivable is the LCD display, which rests beneath a tinted, plastic window and is nearly impossible to read indoors. The play, pause, stop, and track-skip buttons are simple to access, with a nice feel. The SL-SW27C enables users to program up to 24 tracks in any order. Thanks to Panasonic's plainly written, well-illustrated instructions and intuitive user interface, programming is simple. The matching black-and-yellow headphones are lightweight and durable, if a little uncomfortable. The sound quality is only average, as the SL-SX271C lacks the bass output present in other Panasonic portable CD models we've tested. As the SL-SW505 includes "Shock Wave" as part of its official name, we'd be remiss not to comment on the 40-second antishock protection (ASP), which is superb. Thanks to Panasonic's proprietary multistage noise-shaping (MASH) 1-bit digital-to-analog converter, as well as the solid construction, the SL-SW505 held up to demanding tests. We pounded on the lid, twisted the player in the air, and dropped it on a hard surface from six inches. None of these actions caused the music to skip. This portable CD player is well designed for rugged outdoor use. --Eric Gill Pros:
- Superb build quality
- Impressive 40-second antishock protection
- Audio outputs for hooking up to a standalone system
Cons:
- Display is difficult to read
- Sound quality is just average
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