I didn't like the Panasonic--it was harsh and fatiguing when turned up. But then again, the HK was a bit fatiguing as well *without* the built in room EQ. It was a major factor for me b/c I have an odd shaped room with huge openings and the HK was able to EQ the sound perfectly. The Panasonic does not have any EQ circuit...you get what it puts out, thats it. If you've got 4 walls and a rectangular room, I would try the Panasonic, otherwise, I would look for a used HK 435/635/445/645.