Panasonic SC-PM38DB DAB Hi-Fi Review

Overall Rating

DAB reception. I received all available DAB stations in my area with 100% signal quality, simply by connecting the supplied wire aerial to my wall. Unlike many other hi-fis, the Panasonic also features separate DAB and FM terminals (jacks). I connected my external FM aerial to the FM coax jack. An external DAB aerial can also be connected if desired, using the F connector jack.

Built-in iPod dock is conveniently situated on the top of the hi-fi. A plastic flap closes over the connector when the iPod isn't connected. The iPod dock is universal and the majority of iPod models are catered for. Just slot in the dock adapter which came with your iPod and you're ready to go! The iPod charges when connected, except when the Panasonic is in stand-by. The Panasonic remote control can also control some of your iPod functions.

Front loading CD tray. The unit supports audio CDs, mp3 CDs and CDR / CDRW discs, which have been finalised.

Useful USB socket

Attractive design, with a solid, good quality remote control. Very similar design to the remote controls which come with Panasonic TVs and DVD Recorders.

Sound quality! Better than I ever thought possible for a micro system of this price. Treble is crisp and clear and bass is punchy, but not overpowering. The speakers are typical 'cheap' audio speakers, with no connections on the back to plug in higher quality speaker cable using banana plugs - yet the speakers sound fantastic and spatial quality is good.

Fan noise. Not unbearably loud, but can be a bit irritating when listening at low volume. Thankfully, the unit is completely silent when in stand-by. No humming!

No RDS display on FM radio. The clock time is always correct, though, as the unit receives RDS time signals.

No display on front of unit when playing iPod.

Speakers light and not great build quality (still sound very good, though).

I specifically wanted a micro hi-fi system with DAB radio and a built-in iPod dock. I don't have a huge amount of space, so I needed the system to be as compact as possible. I had a listen to micro systems by Sony, Teac and Panasonic. The Panasonic ticked all the right boxes, as far as features and sound quality go. It was the cheapest of the three, yet sounded the best. The Sony was also pretty good, but a bit too large and on the pricey side.

I would recommend the Panasonic SC-PM38DB micro system to anyone looking for a well-featured hi-fi with impressive sound quality for an impressively low price. The compact size is also convenient for placing in smaller rooms, such as bedrooms and small offices etc.