Panasonic RQ-A220 Cassette Player / Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)I was afraid Panasonic would phase this item out. Like their SL-PH270, a portable CD player with built-in speakers, this is a pocket-sized device for musicians and listeners on the go who don't carry an MP-3 library and prefer not to be tied to headphones (as a result I use it frequently and ubiquitously). Moreover, it's the only model of its type that features stereo recording and reproduction, making it suitable for recording live music. Granted, the playback has little separation or bass, but the sound is still superior to comparable monophonic models, whose use is primarily for dictation.
For this latest model, Panasonic has sacrificed a bit of compactness to sound quality (there's an extra speaker). I preferred the lighter, smaller model, though the thing still easily fits in a jacket pocket.
Be forewarned that, though the machine will record radio broadcasts, the tuner's poor selectivity and sensitivity limit such use unless the headphones, which serve double-duty as an antenna, are plugged in. Also, contrary to Amazon's description, this machine doe not have auto-reverse. Finally, it's curious that Panasonic would produce a miniature cassette recorder capable of recording in stereo (through the stereo input) but then offer no microphone, even as an optional accessory (the on-board mic is strictly for mono recording). I solved that problem by purchasing the mini-stereo mic made by Sony (expect to spend more than the cost of the machine).

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Dust off those cassettes and let this compact, feature-packed portable cassette player/recorder breathe new life into old tunes. The RQ-A220 offers a built-in condenser microphone, and 3x recording for maximizing tape duration during meetings, classes, and other taping opportunities where length is a bigger concern than recording quality.A built-in AM/FM tuner gives you access to your favorite radio stations, so you don't even have to grab cassettes on your way out the door. Tired of headphones? Listen through the unit's integrated three-speaker playback system. Extra Bass System (XBS) heightens bass response during headphone playback.The unit runs for about 24 hours on playback (20 hours recording) on two AA batteries (not included). A three-LED indicator keeps you apprised of battery status.
What's in the Box Cassette recorder, stereo headphones, hand strap, and a user's manual.

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