Just as the CD market is beginning to recover, Panasonic has announced that it will stop selling CD mini stereo systems in Japan.
TLC (The Listening Chair) reports via Facebook that Panasonic has announced plans to discontinue its CD mini stereo systems in Japan. According to the manufacturer, the decision is due to declining consumer demand, with customers nowadays primarily interested in streaming audio and active speakers. However, it remains unclear whether the announcement applies exclusively to Japan or whether the company intends to discontinue these products worldwide.
Admittedly, Panasonic isn’t exactly the biggest supplier of this type of equipment, particularly within the EU. Nevertheless, if you’ve been considering buying one of these convenient compact stereo systems from the brand, now might be a good time to take action.
It’s rather surprising that Panasonic has chosen this particular moment to say goodbye to the CD player in its compact audio systems. After all, we’re increasingly seeing CD players make a comeback in all-in-one audio systems. The market for those shiny silver discs is enjoying something of a revival, while many music lovers still have extensive CD collections at home.
Meanwhile, frustration over constantly rising subscription prices charged by music streaming services, combined with albums and tracks disappearing from their catalogues due to licensing issues, is also contributing to renewed demand for physical media.