Panasonic HC-X1600E Camcorder

I bought an X1600 with the expensive add on WU1 handle that features "Professional grade" XLR preamps only to find it sounds absolutely terrible to the point where the camera is useless. The problem existed on the previous models and it's carried over to the X1200/1600/2100 models. The camera is going back to the store for a full refund and if you're considering one of these, might I suggest something else if the audio is of any sort of importance to you. A quick search and you'll find many others reporting the same issue... too bad I didn't see that before purchasing.