md user

Right, I understand. But would you use the B5 if it did record digitally? Or would the portable still be preferred? mdmad.

1. Had a look at the manual, as well. This model is a clever beast! However, what surprised me is that the inputs are rated at 100dB or less (see below). Now, this is not at all bad, but, if most mid-to-high MD decks exceed 104dB on their analogue inputs, then they really are purpose-built. (Having said that, I doubt whether any of my analogue sources exceed 80dB SNR output anyway!) Personally, I'm not bothered, but if some pay so much for a JA compared to a JB or even JE, then going above 16bit[96dB] resolution IS important? 2. Yes, agreed, but I already have a [DVB-DVD-VCR-FM-PC]->amplifier 'mock-up' (via RCAs). Terrible statistics compared to the above (~60-80dB transfers), being two old stereo-systems, but with 6-speakers and ~350W distributed (no sub-woofer), it's enough. Rough, I know, but it's kinda grown ... What does look good, though, for future growth, is the ability to HDMI, play SACD &c., the 100kHz bandwidth, and generally tidy up quite a mess. And, as you say, on ebay they are good value 2nd-hand. [Concerning the conversion restriction, I could not fathom the manual either, and this is probably a question to put to an AV-forum- to those who actually use these devices.] All in all, though, I'm just plain enjoying MDs for the kind of virtues that stereos had in the 70s/80s - switch on, press record ... pop in the Walkman. I think an MD deck will suit for a while (until the shine wears off). I'm actually listening to MUSIC again - thanks to MDs! Regards to you both, mdmad. ==== REFS ================================================================= Inputs (Digital) ------------------------------------------------ DVD, TAPE/CD-R, SA- Impedance: 75ohms CD/CD (Coaxial) S/N: 96dB (A, 20 kHz LPF) ------------------------------------------------ VIDEO 1/2/3, TV/SAT, S/N: 96 dB MD/DAT (Optical) (A, 20 kHz LPF) ------------------------------------------------ MULTI CHANNEL Sensitivity: 150mV INPUT, SA-CD/CD, Impedance: 50kohms TAPE/CD-R, MD/DAT, S/N: 100dB (A, 20 kHz LPF) TV/SAT VIDEO1/2/3 ---------------------------------------------------------

[1] Thanks, this is leading me to the conclusions that an md-deck is preferred for analogue recordings; digital recordings can continue on my R410s. (I shall stop using them for [critical] analogue inputs.) [2] I like the idea of the Sony receiver to do the A->D, especially if I integrate with TV set &c. [one for the future], but, for the cost of these - I might as well use an MD-deck in the short-term? Seems like the same conclusion that you came to. ... Unless you notice that receivers do a better job? If so, I'll PM you for advice on selection. Thanks to you both , I now seem to have I basic idea of how to handle both analogue and digital recordings, and am really enjoying this 'MD-thing' (albeit years after their hey-day). Your advice has gotten me 'up-to-speed' in double-time! Thanks. mdmad.

An older thread, I know, but since I'm new to the forum, and going thru' to get knowledge ... -> You comment on adjusting the record level to avoid rounding errors/distortion: what criteria are you using to know when rounding errors occur? I mean, as long as it doesn't clip, isn't that good enough? Or do I need to think about 'proportioning' i.e. signal level chosen divided by the original signal level ... [ if I ever understood what all that meant ] Thanks. mdmad

1-> Wow! I am really encouraged that I may be able to get my C90s that good! I'm looking forward to brushing them up! 2-> This is interesting; I notice that my R410s specify 20Hz to 20kHz - but is this the output (analogue) headphone-amplifier only? If atrac-R is spec'd at 5-20kHz does this mean that the input A-D is limiting the range? Also, is the input digital connection on the R410 still going to process 5-20kHz(+/-0dB) since it is just a data stream, irrespective of model or portable vs. deck? I see here, that you are using portables for recording (in digital). This suggests that there is no difference portable vs. deck (in spdif). mdmad.

Thanks sfbp and Philippe, I am getting the idea - the value of the highest end is in the analogue input. If I stick to digital connections, I will get good quality recordings. Presumably the ATRAC version is then far more important. I suppose these JA's will only matter for LP and FM recordings - but then the quality requirments are not so tight (where scratches and interference are more of a problem), to reach my expectations. Thanks again, this will save me unnecessary expense, particularly as my budget is not high at the moment

For those arriving late to MDs, and from experience, what can you distinguish from the original? e.g. the odd cymbal squeek?, shortened decays?, distorted attacks? I ask, because I'm rather new to MDs, and those CDs that I have recorded so far (digital on sony 4.0 atrac), I haven't noticed anything yet. Tell me, after a lot of listening of JA's recordings, do you start to notice differences? (I understand that JA's were the best decks, so should get the closest, and your experience will therefore be most welcome.) I may even consider a second-hand JA ... Thanks! mdmad.

Having recently gotten into Minidisc [], and looking through mindisc.org, I notice the good reviews in the early days for the Sony JA* range of decks. Are they really THAT good, compared to the later (and now cheaper) Type R decks? Yes, I guess this was a well-trodden question, but now, with hindsight, is it worth me spending A LOT more for a second-hand one? For example, an early JA3ES may be within budget, but is it any better than a late type R JE* range for half-the-money? Does anybody have some real experience comparing them? JA's seem to still command higher prices - is this because of collectors acquiring ranges, or are they noticeably the best? Thanks. Keep enjoying MDs! mdmad.

Hi, Just had a thought! If most are now giving up their MDs for iPods, doesn't that mean we'll see loads of used disks on ebay? If we don't have to buy new, and MDs can be used many times, won't there be constant drip feed for the foreseeable future? Just my 2cents worth.

----------------------------------------------------------------- Hello all! (This is my first post.) I JUST discovered minidisc earlier this year! Maybe my humble story adds a little to understanding why MD didn't last ... You see, I was wow'd by the Walkman in the 80's, and like many others copied vinyl to cassette, for portable and car use - all from a 'budget' Hi-Fi stack. Then, time flew, and CD players came out. And was wow'd by digital sound! So, I bought a CD-deck, a personal CD-player, and a car-CD stereo. (Spot the pattern?) Then (time flew) and flash-players came out. And was wow'd by their compactness! (Although having only a few albums at 320kbps on the stick made it less attractive as time went on.) Then, time flew, and I seemed to lose interest in music - the original 'sparkle' had all the while be waning compared to the start. Now, you may ask, why didn't I buy an MD-recorder in the 90's? Simple, I didn't know that they existed! I mean, did I see them in Currys? in John Lewis? in Tescos? used by Cliff Richard? :-} by ANYONE in the street (over 25 y/o)? Now, come to think about it, I probably did see them in a Sony store, once ... and I seem to remember that those 'small-square-player-things' COST A LOT ... especially as I could still get a good tape player at Argos for