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Panasonic SL-CT710 Slim CD / MP3 Player | 
 enlarge | Brand: Panasonic
Category: CE
This item is no longer available
Rating:  23 reviews
Sales Rank: 25904
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 9.3
Dimensions (in): 13 x 11 x 10
MPN: SL-CT710
Model: SL-CT710
UPC: 037988251391
EAN: 0037988251391
ASIN: B0001IXUFS
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| Features:
| • | Ultra-thin (.63-inch) portable CD player with MP3 playback and No Skip protection (CD: 45 seconds backup, 128 kbps MP3: 400 seconds backup) | | • | Up to 117 hours battery life with MP3 CD playback from 2 Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries (supplied) and 2 AA alkaline batteries (not included) | | • | ID3 tag support for MP3 artist/track info | | • | Includes wired remote control with LCD and optional-use external battery case | | • | 5-preset equalizer including S-XBS+ bass boost |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances.PRODUCT FEATURES: D.Sound: Digital Amplifier for high sound quality, Digital Audio Gain Control (DAGC), S-XBS for clear bass;New Stereo Earphones for high quality digital sound;MP3 playback1 (supports ID3 tag);Digital Remaster for High Quality MP3 Playback;CD-R/RW playback2;CD round form design, ultra thin and lightweight;Up to 117-hour3 playback with two Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries (included) and two AA alkaline batteries using the supplied external battery case;Remote control ready for ID3 tag display on dot matrix LCD;No-skip anti-skip system;5-preset equalizer [normal, S-XBS (extra bass system), S-XBS+, train (high cut), live];AC adaptor included.
Amazon.com Product Description
Representing a happy marriage of high style and high convenience, Panasonic's ultra-slim, MP3-friendly SL-CT710 CD player offers the convenience of pocket-slim sizing, remote control operation, and nearly five straight days of MP3 file playback (at 128 kbps). The player's No Skip technology combines rubber, shock-absorbing brushings and an anti-skip digital servo with 45-second CD memory reserve (400 seconds for MP3) for added back up. Panasonic's Power Last system uses a highly efficient motor with low-load circuitry for drastically improved playback time, helping the player derive up to 117 hours of MP3 file playback from two supplied Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries in conjunction with two standard AA batteries in the included, optional-use external battery case (AA batteries not included). Advanced D.sound amplifier technology harnesses four components that work in concert to elevate your listening experience. A digital amplifier reduces distortion and helps deliver crystal-clear sound, even at high listening levels. S-XBS+ and Digital Audio Gain Control improve bass response at higher volume levels, while MP3 Re-master technology (on/off) enhances sound quality from compressed music files. The SL-CT710's digital-to-analog converter is Panasonic's single-bit MASH (multi-stage noise shaping technology) DAC, designed to virtually eliminate distortion and deliver all the subtleties and nuances that make digital recordings so rich. Playback options include 20-track programming, repeat (track or disc), and random play, and a 5-preset equalizer lets you tailor the sound to your preference--including S-XBS (extra bass system), S-XBS+, live, and train (high cut). A hold function prevents unintended interruptions in playback and saves batteries by negating playback when the player is stopped. What's in the Box
CD player, stereo ear bud headphones, wired remote control, 2 Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries, external battery pack, user's manual, AC power adapter.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 Remote control is useless June 26, 2005
2 out of 7 found this review helpful
I have this player for nearly a year, and overall am disappointed in it. It has a rechargeable battery, but I already used rechargeable AA batteries in my old CD player. The remote control is useless because the press/tilt button always does the wrong thing for me, and I don't use any of the other controls on the remote control. I could never figure out where to attach the remote control to my clothing, and recently the clip broke off so I cannot attach it at all. The track and time display is on the remote control, not on the CD player, so I am stuck with this surprisingly heavy and awkward remote control dangling from the headset. Finally, the asymmetrical length cords on the included ear buds are a terrible idea: unless I attached the remote control to my shirt collar, the left ear bud would pull out of my ear when I looked up because the cord was so short, so I've thrown them away.
 medium April 5, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This portable has what you need for listening to music. it soounds good and it looks good and it is priced much better than sony. the thin batteries are great and it lasts longer than i expected. optional dongle included too.
Shortcomings:
Headphone wires are just the annoying length that they are never fitting in any application. Too short and too asymmetrical in an annoying way. sound quality is good but they are not comfortable.
Also the unit looks more solid in the pictures but in reality it is slightly fragile in feel.
overall: for the price, great. if you want to pay more just get an ipod.
 Enjoyable, if you're not too picky... March 21, 2005
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
As far as portable audio goes, I'm a Sony fan through and through, having grown up with the WALKMAN and being accustomed to its distinctive sound (although their reputation has been soiled indefinitely.) I thought I'd return to Panasonic just this once, since they haven't disappointed me too badly in the past, and they can be counted on for reliability.
I bought the SL-CT710 at my local Circuit City because it was the best model they offered in terms of the BS factor---you know that feeling of security you get from purchasing an elegant, expensive piece of hardware? This particular model was penultimate to their "flagship" cd player (the SL-CT810), plus the reviews from all of those satisfied customers both here at Amazon and at circuitcity.com got my hopes up, but not too much. I knew I was fighting a losing battle, trying to satisfy myself with a store-bought item, but hey, I'm lazy and impatient, and let the buyer beware.
The other reason I didn't get my hopes up is because this Panasonic lightweight contender was going toe-to-toe with my three-year old (and suffering) Sony D-EJ2000, which cost twice as much as its would-be successor. Yes, I know I'm stupid for trying. The D-EJ2000 wasn't perfect either (in terms of sound quality), but nothing can beat the build quality of a high-end Sony discman, least of all the Panasonic SL-CT710. The Panny's build quality is good enough (for a Panasonic), but shows some blemishes of mass-production and compromise, almost like its body was de-frocked to make it affordable. (my feelings are, why stop there? Why not either go all the way, or just forget about it?) Sony's high-end cd players, and most of their MD player-recorders are meticulously designed, and it was evident where the other $100 went when I held the Panasonic unit in my hands. The SL-CT710, to me, looks nice from a distance, but feels a bit cheap (save the little metal plate in the center of the lid with the Panasonic logo on it.) The native controls on the player have an interesting gimmick: they light up, but not for function's sake. When a disc is playing or idling, the buttons (one at a time) glow green in a random display, which is disabled (quite logically) by activating the hold switch. While the batteries are charging, the play/pause glows red. Be weary: passersby will stare at it. :)
And now to the sound quality:
And let me remind you that I bought this thing to play CDs, not mp3s, so I won't be reviewing its mp3 playback capabilities. And people, if you're going to be playing mp3s, get an mp3 player.
Now then, my purchase would really have been for nothing if not for the sound quality, which from what I've read is excellent. From what I've actually heard, pretty good. The bass is not as strong, but cleaner here than on my old Sony (a huge plus in my book;) a bit grainy, but not nearly as 'windy' in quieter passages---on the Sony unit the bass noticeably breaks up on low volume, but the Panasonic stays faithful throughout. However, for some reason, it makes me feel farther away from the music. The mids are stronger, but some of the minor details in the highs are less present. That's the WALKMAN sound for you, it brings the music closer (and when Sony does it right, which is rare nowadays, it's more enjoyable and less fatiguing.) I found myself turning up the volume on the SL-CT710 for no apparent reason, other than that I couldn't hear those little details I'm so familiar with. (note: I tested this with a pair of Koss PortaPro2's and a pair of Sennheiser HD-580's.) The aural signature of the Panasonic brought in some new details with it, but not the ones I'm usually used to hearing, and I didn't feel as emotionally involved. Not to say that the Panasonic's sound isn't enjoyable, but the Walkman has spoiled me. T'were the Panasonic my first cd player, I probably would have treasured its aural signature.
I recommend the SL-CT710, if you can find it for less than $100. It's better sounding and better looking than most, if you're restricting yourself to store-bought items. I'm planning on sending this one back, first of all because I need the money, and second of all because I'm lusting after a piece of portable audio that doesn't exist. A conservatively-styled but sexy-looking Sony S2, with a remote, detachable hand strap, line-out jack, 50+ hour battery life, SACD and DVD-A compatibility, tested and developed by music lovers, and that sounds as good as or even better than my home system.
Either that, or I'll just wait for Hi-MD.
 Player March 19, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought this instead of a straight up MP3 player because I like to actually listen to the actual retail albums I buy. The MP3 CD option is great though. Works well for trying out new bands or whatever instead of burning seperate cds for each album.
Unit has great battery life (if you use the additional compartment, that is). The sound quality is EXCELLENT(in box headphones are lousy of course but my music has never sounded better on my good headphones). No hiss at all and full flavoured sound all around on standard CDs. Panasonic really came through in this department. MP3s are a little different of course but it even does a pretty good job of cleaning them up as well with its built-in software. The EQ presets are a nice touch but some of the presets seem kinda useless. If Panasonic wanted to go the extra mile I'm sure they could have included a fully customizable EQ.
The antiskip is very good. You have to really torture the device to make it skip on a normal CD.
The biggest problem I have with this player is that not all the functions are available if you don't have the remote stick. So if you lose or break that remote (which is quite likely because it's kind of ackward to use and the clip that's attached to it is VERY WEAK. I constantly have to keep adjusting it in my jacket pocket and it comes loose all the time) you're stuck with the EQ settings and lose the ability to shuffle songs etc. That's just poor design as they could have included an alternative function button on the main component for back up (or if you just don't want to hassle around with the remote at all).
I'm sure most people will be more than happy with the volume output but personally I like the max setting for volume to hurt. If you have a really high quality pair of headphones you'd probably want the full spectrum of volume available and this player doesn't quite deliver.
I haven't had this player for very long but just from handling it I've become very wary of the construction. It's made in Japan but the case is plastic and the player lid does not seem very sturdy. Plus the surface on both sides of the player is quite slick so I have to be extra careful about handling the player (it's not very fun juggling the external battery case, remote clip and CD Player at once)
In the end, if I take good care of it, and with a bit of luck, I'm sure this player will last me a long time and make me very happy.
Excellent CD/MP3 player January 19, 2005
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I have wanted an Ipod for a while now, since I have all my CDs ripped on my computer. However, the cost has been a deterrent for me. When my last portable CD player stopped working, I decided to get other Panasonic.
There are several reasons that I was already leaning toward getting a Panasonic. They are known for having the best sound quality among the portable CD players...most "audiophiles" that get the crazy amplified headphones buy Panasonic portable CD players. Also, the last one I had was a Panasonic. I mentioned that it stopped working, but that's not Panasonic's fault. I accidentally dropped it when on a roof. It rolled off and fell ten feet, landing on a concrete sidewalk. I was so sad, because I liked it so much. When I gathered it up from the mud and snow, the batteries had fallen out, and the hinge to the lid was cracked. I was surprised it was still in one piece. I was even more surprised when it worked after I put the batteries back in! It worked for a couple more years, but I had to clamp the lid shut with a big paper clip.
Needless to say, I'm impressed with the quality and durability of Panasonic. I love this little cd player. It is remarkably thin and light. The small rechargable batteries have excellent life. They are advertised to last a continuous 20 hours in ideal conditions. (playing mp3s) I have observed mine lasting over 15 hours, better than I expected.
The actual cd player does not have a screen, but the included remote has a good, backlit screen. Some functions are controllable only through the remote, don't lose it. Overall, it is pretty intuitive and easy to use. The EQ is good, it has flat, S-XBS, S-XBS+, train, and live settings.
The sound quality is excellent. I wish my computer sounded as good, but I would need to get a high-end sound card. Now I usually plug this cd player into my high-power THX speakers because it sounds so much better.
The included earbuds are easily the worst part of the package. They're not the worst I have heard, but they're pretty uncomfortable. Get the Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones, even if you don't get this cd player. They are by far the most comfortable in-ear headphones I've ever used, and rival the sound quality of my $100 Kenwood studio headphones. It sounds like you have a sub in your head.
Other reiviewers complained that this cd player does not search through mp3s, which is true. If you hold down the fast-forward or backward buttons when playing mp3s, it skips through folders. (a handy function when you have a folder for each album) It would be nice to have, but I don't search through songs often, so I'm ok with it. (You can search through songs when playing a regular cd)
If you are looking for an alternative to a hard-disk mp3 player, this is a great option. You can fit 700 megs of music on a burnable cd, (more than most flash memory players) for less money, and almost the same size in this cd player. Better battery life, to boot.
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