Does anyone here prefer a KSU based phone system over the Panasonic 624 for residential use?

Although not technically "KSU" based, the Siemens 8825 Gigaset has better ergonomics, easy integrated voicemail (4 boxes), feels more "residential" than the Panasonic, has station to station intercomm (not sure if you can intercomm between wired base stations), maximum of 2 corded phones, maximum of 2 lines, maximum of 8 wireless handsets, and must say that the quality and range of the wireless is the best that I have seen, other than high end units from the likes of Cisco, Panasonic (IP), and Avaya.

Does not have DISA, some ring tone adjustment, but not to the extent of the Pansonic, no day/night/lunch options, no auto attendant, NOT expandable beyond the 2 base / 8 handset limit, so would not seem to fit in for larger residential installations, but great for small houses / apartments.

If you don't like the advanced hybrid from Panasonic, I would recommend that you step up to the full digital, super digital, and IP based solutions from Panasonic.

Another advantage for the digital Panasonic, Toshiba and Norstar products over the Panasonic you mention is they operate on one pair of wires which is helpfull in a retro situation. A big plus is the Panasonic wireless handset which operates as a "square keysystem handset" for a significantly cheaper price than most other manufacturers.

First, there is no perfect product.

Now that I've got that out of the way, remember several things about multiple handset systems. They operate on a wireless frequency that is getting more crowded, and tends to be adversely effected by microwaves, metal in structures, and competing frequencies. That you have a finite number of CO's, and a finite number or extensions. That doorphone intercom capability is limited to aftermarket products, and in some cases, those don't always play nicely with some multiphone handset systems. That the products are at slim margins (gasp! the profit motive!). That anytime you have a battery operated product, the performance will tend to fall off over time as the battery starts to fail.

Compare with the Panasonic system: expandable up to 6 co's, 24 extensions. four door stations. hands free talk back. competition, yes, but not as much as with consumer products.

I like the Panasonic system, and would encourage you to explore learning more about it at CEDIA, EHEXPO, or other opportunities. There are companies that provide superb support and training on this product at no charge, and you would do well to explore it.

The Panasonic 624 is a great system for residential use. Call the guys at Capitol Sales to get the FULL story. Their tech support is second to none.

The 624 is great for residential use. Call the guys at Capitol Sales to get the FULL story. Their tech support is second to none!

Thanks much everyone. I've installed dozens of 624's. I was just curious if there were other products that people were liking better.

Lucent Partner ACS system beats the Panasonic hands down. Better phones, easier vioce mail, 2 line caller ID, and most of all - programming can be done with a computer and uploaded either on site or remotely!