STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Panasonic SC-BMAX10 offers two advantages over the smaller SC-BMAX5: an even deeper, crisper bass and, above all, longer battery life. Otherwise, it shares its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Very natural sound tuning for a party speaker
- Deep, differentiated and dry kick bass
- Microphone and instrument inputs
- Rechargeable battery and integrated power supply unit
Cons
- Battery not replaceable
- No app, no tripod mount
- Volume control not synchronized with cell phone via Bluetooth
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Tonal balance / transparency8.4
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Bass / Dynamics9.4
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Usability / Connectivity8.9
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Price/Performance9.5
With the Panasonic SC-BMAX10, the Japanese electronics company is simultaneously launching a larger version of its portable Bluetooth party speaker SC-BMAX5, which was recently reviewed by STEREO GUIDE – and, with the same basic concept and range of features, it has gone one better in terms of performance, sound and endurance. The SC-BMAX10 is the ideal speaker for garden parties, street festivals or spontaneous music sessions – especially when mobility and sufficiently long battery life are required. The review shows that this party speaker is not only loud, but also has a surprisingly balanced sound.
More powerful output stage, longer breath
Compared to the smaller SC-BMAX5, the SC-BMAX10 scores points with its more powerful Class D two-channel power amplifier. According to the manufacturer, it delivers a full 150 watts RMS in mains operation, which is distributed across two 14 cm woofers and two 5.7 cm tweeters. In battery mode, the output is reduced to 50 watts, which is still more than sufficient for typical outdoor use. A big trump card over the small SC-BAX5: with a runtime of up to 15 hours at medium volume without light effects, the BMAX10 plays almost twice as long as its little brother. No wonder, its 7.2-volt battery is also twice as large with a capacity of 4,950 mAh.
Equipment: Everything you need
The SC-BMAX10 also offers a wide range of connection options. MP3 files can be played directly from a memory stick in FAT16, FAT32 or exFAT format with 16 bit and 32 kHz, 44.1 or 48 kHz via the USB-A port on the rear. You can also charge a mobile device via USB, just like with a power bank. There are also two 3.5 mm jack sockets – one as an input and one as an output to link several speakers together. You can then use the “Speaker Mode” button to switch between stereo mode (only useful with two identical speakers) or a party mode with wire connection, in which each speaker receives the same signal.
An additional optical digital input (Toslink) also allows it to be used as a soundbar replacement for televisions or projectors. The box supports linear PCM sound with a range of sampling frequencies: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz. 48 kHz, 88 kHz and 96 kHz.
However, the Panasonic SC-BMAX10 is somewhat conservative when it comes to Bluetooth: it only supports the standard SBC codec, but not AAC or aptX. For a party speaker in this price range, however, this is easily bearable.
Full control on the top
The device is operated using generously dimensioned and clearly labeled controls and buttons on the top of the device. In addition to a display, there are rotary controls for volume, microphone and guitar volume and echo effect. Additional buttons can be used to adjust the sound with effects such as rock, jazz, samba or pop. A Bluetooth pairing button makes pairing easier. The speaker can also handle a multipoint connection with two devices simultaneously – ideal if there are several DJs at a party. However, Panasonic has bucked the general trend by not including an app with the SC-BMAX10.
Easy to transport, but without weather protection
Despite its weight of just under 9 kilograms, the SC-BMAX10 is easy to carry with its integrated handle. The plastic bass reflex enclosure with metal grille is robustly built and can even be used horizontally thanks to additional rubber feet – practical for situations with limited space. One fly in the ointment: The speaker has no protection against water or dust (no IP certification). If you want to be on the safe side, it is better to keep it dry in the rain and protect it from sand.
Sound quality: powerful, differentiated, dynamic
The Panasonic SC-BMAX10 impresses in the review with a voluminous sound with a strong bass foundation. One particularly positive aspect is that the bass boost function doesn’t overdo it – even at high volumes, the sound remains controlled and precise. Whether acoustic drums on “Urgent” by Foreigner or synthetic beats à la Hedegaard – the speaker delivers a clean punch without distorting. The bass is exceptionally fast and dry for a party speaker. It really kicks and is very differentiated.
Another highlight: even when placed close to a wall, there are no booming effects. The level reserves are considerable and the DSP only intervenes late. Voices are balanced and reproduced with a certain charm, even if not in hi-fi reference quality – which is absolutely fine in the context of a party speaker.
The Panasonic SC-BMAX10 delivers an astonishing dynamic range, especially when plugged into a wall socket, and does not become aggressive even at remarkably high volumes. The neighbors’ pain threshold is guaranteed to be reached before the speaker is pushed to its limits at home. However, Panasonic’s larger party speaker offers significantly more depth and punch at high levels than the SC-BMX5, especially in battery mode. If your focus is on open-air parties, the SC-BMAX10 is clearly the better choice.
Small drawback: lack of volume synchronization
In everyday use, it is noticeable that Panasonic has not synchronized the volume between the smartphone and speaker on the SC-BMAX10. Depending on the usage scenario, however, you can work around this: For parties, it is advisable to turn up the volume on the player and adjust it using the control on the speaker. At home, on the other hand, you can live with small compromises and control it via your smartphone.
Comparison with the SC-BMAX5: More power, better bass
In direct comparison to the smaller SC-BMAX5, the additional price of around 70 euros is money well spent – especially when using the battery. While the BMAX5 tends to run out of breath on the move (which is not only due to the limited battery life), the SC-BMAX10 remains significantly more powerful in the bass range and performs more confidently. Even in mains operation, it is audibly ahead in terms of sound.
Panasonic SC-BMAX10: Conclusion and alternatives
The Panasonic SC-BMAX10 offers powerful sound performance in the truest sense of the word, decent battery life and versatile connection options – ideal for outdoor parties, garden parties or spontaneous jam sessions. Although it lacks weather protection, it scores points for its rich sound, good features and simple operation. In its price range, it is currently one of the most attractive overall packages for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on a party feeling and powerful bass when out and about.
In terms of size, the SC-BMAX10 competes with the JBL PartyBox Club 120 or the Sharp XParty Street Beat PS-949, but the former sounds less natural and the latter also has to contend with overload problems in the bass. As far as practicality is concerned, however, the Club 120 has no equal in this class. From the rechargeable battery, the stand mount in the base and a DJ-compatible app to the IPX4 protection class, it outperforms the powerful-sounding Panasonic in practice. It’s also important to remember that most people don’t care about natural sound at parties.
Technical specifications Panasonic SC-BMAX10
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 350 Euro
- Dimensions: 28 x 39.7 x 29.3 cm
- Weight: 8.7 kg
- Playback time with battery: up to 15 hours, charging time 4 hours
- Special features: Light organ, stroboscope, integrated power supply unit, power bank function, one microphone and one guitar input each
- More at: www.panasonic.com
