Additionally, we needed more handsets, so I decided to get a DECT 6.0 phone with multiple handsets. Since I have always had good luck with Panasonic phones in terms of sound quality, durability, ease of use and ergonomics, I went with the Panasonic KX-TG7623B phone.
I tried the 2-handset version before that: Panasonic KX-TG7622B 1.9 GHz DECT 6.0 2-Handset Cordless Phone With Answering Machine And Bluetooth
The Panasonic KX-TG7623B is a DECT 6.0 1.9 GHz cordless phone with a digital answering machine, 3 handsets, caller ID, call waiting and call-waiting caller ID, built-in handset speakerphones, Bluetooth, lit buttons.
The base unit has Bluetooth connectivity that allows it both to use Bluetooth headsets and to place/receive cell phone calls using the phone. The phone has a 3050-place phone book, 18-minute digital answering machine. Each handset can have individually-set ring tone and volume and have individually-set “silent mode” that prevents the handset from ringing during certain hours. Each of the handsets also has an alarm clock functionality. The list goes on.
In Operation
Each handset uses included 2 NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries that require about 7 hours of initial charge (even though they were not completely discharged when I inserted them into handsets). The use of standard-size NiMH batteries takes care of the need to look for the specific battery for your phone model and also reduces the cost of replacement, even though I expect the batteries to last a very long time.
The phone was easy to connect (to AC power and the phone line). The initial setup was easy and required no manual reading.
The phone is very easy to use. It uses three soft keys, not unlike modern cell phones, as well as clearly marked Menu and Up/Down/Left/Right buttons. You can see your choices on the backlit LCD screen, which is well-legible. You can adjust the LCD contrast. The buttons are also backlit, which is convenient in the dark. Unlike the yesteryear, the handsets have no protruding antennas and are convenient to hold and light, without being flimsy.
The phone lets you select among various ring tones, varying from subtle to loudly-annoying or you can choose from several polyphonic melodies. You can also select several degrees of the ring volume and speaker volume, all of which are set per handset.
The handset is well-balanced and the button have good tactile feel. You can easily scroll through the five last dialed numbers and redial them. The phone also stores last caller ID entries and lets you dial them with ease.
The handset features a 3050-entry phone book with manual entry and has a feature that lets you import you cell phone contacts.
One issue I found was the inability to quickly change the ring volume while the phone is not in use. You have to go through several layers of menus to do that. But the “silent mode” helps here: I set 2 of the 3 handsets not to ring between 10pm and 6am,
Range
I did not test the outright range, but whereas my 2.4 GigaRange would produce poor reception at anywhere over 3 feet from the base (due to interference), this phone has no problem or any issues with sound quality at 30 feet range through several concrete walls.
The base unit is located in one of the bedrooms, at one end of the apartment and I can easily use the handset at the other end of the apartment with no noise at all.
Sound Quality
The sound clarity is improved and is pretty close to the corded phone-like. Previously, I liked the sound quality of my mother's analog 900 MHz Panasonic phone (Panasonic KX-TC1731B). My digital 900 MHz phone of the approximately same vintage sounded noticeably (but not excessively) worse (slight static and fuzziness). The 6.5-year old 2.4 GHz model provided excellent clarity, which was as close as I have heard to the corded phones and this new DECT 6.0 model did even better.
Answering Machine
The built-in digital answering machine can store up to 18 minutes of messages and greetings. You can use the default greeting or record your own. I found the sound quality of the answering machine to be good.
You can also listen to your messages using the handset or even remotely, by dialing your own number and then entering a passcode.
Handset Bases
The handsets other than the one that is placed on the main base come with compact charging stations and AC adapters. You can sprinkle them around the house (we put ours in each room).
Durability
The phone seems to be well built and replacement handsets can be bought for it in case of damage (or if you want more handsets for more rooms, up to 6 handsets total).
The use of AAA NiMH batteries makes for easy battery replacement if needed. I have been using it for about 15 months so far and everything works like new.
Hands-Free Operation
I synched one of my Bluetooth headsets to the base unit and can use it for conference calls and such with ease.
Intercom
There is a built-in intercom. You can call any handset from another handset - the feature we frequently use.
Private Mode
You can enable “private mode” in which when one handset is used, the other handsets cannot be used to listen in. Or you can use a couple of handsets simultaneously to have a 3-way call.
Pros: Excellent clarity and range, no interference with WiFi, Bluetooth, 3 Handsets, esy to use, features.
Cons: No easy way to quickly change ring volume of handsets.
Bottom Line
The Panasonic KX-TG7623B is an excellent phone/answering machine. With clear sound, good range and features like caller ID, Bluetooth, handset speakerphone, combined with its ease of use, it is an excellent choice.
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