Panasonic launches two micro hi-fi systems, including a cheaper mini-me for smaller rooms

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What Hi-Fi reports that Panasonic has launched two new micro hi-fi systems, and it is nice to see someone still making proper all in one stereos. The bigger model is the SC-PMX112 at £270, and the smaller one is the SC-PM302 at £120. Both are due to ship this month. They are aimed at people who want a complete system without piecing together separates

The SC-PMX112 is the more capable of the two. It puts out 180W through 13cm full range drivers with dedicated tweeters and bass reflex ports, which Panasonic says deliver clear vocals, detailed high frequencies and powerful bass. It has dual band Wi-Fi with Spotify Connect and internet radio, plus Bluetooth, DAB+ and FM. There is still a CD player, along with USB playback, an optical input and a 3.5mm line in

It also has a subwoofer output and a headphone socket, wooden speaker cabinets, a 2.8 inch colour display and five EQ presets. That is a lot of features for £270. The Wi-Fi streaming is the big upgrade, since Spotify Connect lets you control it straight from your phone without the quality loss of Bluetooth. Few rivals at this price offer both a CD drive and proper streaming

The SC-PM302 is the budget option. It has 60W RMS through 10cm full range speakers, Bluetooth, DAB+ and FM, plus CD, USB, optical and line inputs, with a smaller 2.4 inch display. It loses the Wi-Fi, the subwoofer output and the headphone socket. Both come with a remote and wooden cabinets. For a bedroom or kitchen, that may not matter much

An optical input on both is a smart touch, since it means you can plug in a TV and use them as a basic soundbar alternative. I like that CD players are still included, with plenty of people holding on to their collections. Is a micro system like this still worth buying in 2026? Or would you rather have a pair of active speakers or a smart speaker?

Little or large? Panasonic launches two new micro hi-fi systems, including a mini-me for smaller spaces and budgetswww.whathifi.com