Damage

A simple guide to ATRAC CD players, I'll break them down by generation to generation: NOTE: The recently released D-EJXXX series, most notably D-EJ005, will not be included in this guide, as they do not offer any ATRAC file playback functionality. D-EJ005 provides MP3 playback however. First Generation D-NE players: Flagship Model: D-NE1 Other Models: D-NE9 (Others Unconfirmed) D-NE1 and D-NE9 First generation of ATRAC CD players (I believe the D-NEs are the first ATRAC3plus devices). Supported bitrates of 132kbps (ATRAC3), 105kbps (ATRAC3), 66kbps (ATRAC3), 64kbps (ATRAC3plus), and 48kbps (ATRAC3plus) along with full MP3 support (44kHz only), and REDBOOK CD. Supports CD-TEXT, ID3 tags. Nothing fancy SoundEQ wise, you get Digital MegaBass 1 and Digital MegaBass 2. Notes: While undocumented, all first generation models can play back 256kbps ATRAC3plus files. SimpleBurner 1.0 only facilitates transfer of ATRAC3/plus bitrates listed above. Seamless or Gapless playback of ATRAC files are not available for these units! D-NE1 boasts battery life of 135 hours (48kbps) when using 2x Gumstick batteries and 2x AA via Battery Pack Attachement. Certain number of the 2x AA Battery cases were recalled for overheating. Second Generation D-NE players: Flagship Model: D-NE10 Other models: D-NE900, 800 (Japan-only model?)500, 300, various S2 models (plus various PSYC and LIV models). D-NE10, D-NE900, D-NE800 [Japan only] Second generation of ATRAC CD players features smaller and lighter players, this partially due to re-designing of the players from the classic puck to a design reminiscient of UFOs. These units are the first to incorporate official support for 256kbps ATRAC3plus files, along with legacy ATRAC3/plus modes, MP3, and REDBOOK CD Support. Additionally, the 2nd Gen ATRAC CD players have the ability to play ATRAC files gaplessly like its MD Cousin. This, along with player size (high end) and ergonomics, makes this a viable alternative to MD players (should one be not easily accessible, or as it was during its release, outclassed MD in capacity). Also, all second generation units feature Parametric Equalizer, which allows users to shape the sound output to their preference. This works equally well for all audio files (MP3, ATRAC3Plus, REDBOOK). Comes with SonicStage 2.0, which allows for burning ATRAC3plus CDs, MP3 CDs, and Audio CDs. Another addition to 2nd generation units is the auto-ranking playback. The unit keeps track of how many times a certain track is played on a CD, and can perform a top-10 countdown of sorts, or shuffle those top 10 tracks. A unique twist on auto DJ feature. Notes: D-NE900 features a 5 line LCD for navigation, but lacks the backlighting to be useful. Likewise, D-NE500 also features LCD and Jog-Wheel for navigation as well. Third Generation D-NE players Flagship Model: D-NE20 Other Models: D-NE920, 520, 320, etc. (plus various PSYC, LIV models). D-NE20 and D-NE920 Third and current generation of ATRAC CD Players. Higher-end models (510 and greater) offers much of the same features as the 2nd generation players, but with DIGITAL AMP. Sound Quality isn't dramatically changed by this Digital Amp, but the omni-present noise associated with other models seems to be less apparent for units with Digital Amp. Also, all of thse units feature the return of Digital Megabass, now dubbed ClearBass. ClearBass can be applied in conjunction with the Parametric Equalizer, a boon to bassheads everywhere. There are three levels of ClearBass vs two levels of Digital MegaBass on the first generation of ATRAC CD players. The LCD navigation has been improved dramatically with the addition of backlight. Higher resolution LCD allows for multilingual use, including Italian, Spanish, and Russian out of the box. (D-NE520, 920) Notes: Sony claims D-NE20 as the smallest and the lightest CD Player produced. Sony's World Tourist Model overview The D-NE20 is the 20th CD Walkman (aka Discman) Anniversary model! They also feature completely redesigned remotes. Until now, all ATRAC CD Players have been bundled with either Non-LCD remotes, or the now discontinued RM-MC33EL/K. These units are the first to have the ATRAC CD logo. Until this changes, this guide will refer to all ATRAC3/plus capable CD Players as ATRAC CD players, and such discs as ATRAC CDs. Some of the 3rd generation units (D-NE329SP) and its LIV variant comes with a speaker dock. It is unknown at the moment whether or not the dock can accomodate other ATRAC CD units, though it is unlikely that other units will support the speaker dock. Sony has started to offer the D-NE320 and possibly other PCDPs along with the Puck styled Network Walkman and accessories in pink. They are brick and mortar items only, as they are not featured on either Target.com nor Sony Style's Online store. However, they are featured prominently on endcaps of electronics section. It is unknown whether or not other large brick and mortar chains such as K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Sears are offering such similar exclusives. Conjecture: While this function has not been enabled in the current SonicStage (3.3), one can easily assume that the D-NE units are certainly capable of playing the new ATRAC3plus bitrates. However, until this is verified one way or another, we'll go with the standard "Time Will Tell" / "We'll see" answer on this. "4th" Generation PCDP Models Flagship Model: D-NE30 (Presumed to be at the moment, unreleased) Other Models: D-NE830, 730 (Japan Exclusive at the moment), 330/330liv, D-NF430 (includes Digital AM/FM/TV/Weather tuner) (Released in the US) Pictured:D-NE830, D-NE730. These look to be the "4th" generation of AtracCD player released. Features include the usual AtracCD/MP3/Redbook CD Playback, Digital Amp, Parametric Equalizer, ClearBass, etc. Additions include a third clearbass level, Clearbass 3. The D-NE730 uses the Walkman Bean pack-in Ear-buds whereas the D-NE830 uses the E931 Earbuds that are usually included in highend/flagship models. D-NE330 and D-NF430, the lowest end of the 4th generation model, has a claimed output of 15mW+15mW. It is currently unknown if all 4th generation models (x30 series) will support the same. It is available now at your local Target (of all places) for $49.99 plus your local sales tax if any. This unit also lacks any software bundles, and poses an interesting question (was Connect supposed to be bundled with this unit but as axed at the last minute?). -Thanks to Pata2001 for the links on these units. Remotes Not all of the units have a remote port. For instance, some D-NE3XX Models lack a remote port, and all D-NE5XX (and D-NE3XX with remote ports, such as some PSYC unit and Car Ready units) units do not work properly with LCD remotes, in that the LCD display displays nothing. Of those units that work with LCD units (D-NE1,9,10,900,20,910 amongst others), there are some limitations. RM-MC33EL/K works without problems. RM-MC40ELK works, but with the jog-scroll replacing group +/- button, you only have the ability to step backwards through a group/directory. The Jog Scroll function does not work with any of the models. RM-MC53EL and RM-MC55ELK works with all units. Search Button function only works with 3rd Generation units (D-NE20/910). Furthermore, the search button function does not work with any Hi-MD or other remote capable units. All remote capable units should work fine with non-LCD remote units. Tips and hints D-NE series are notoriously finicky about media, but the first gen units aren't as finicky as 2nd or 3rd gen. To achieve maximum compatibility, make sure to burn at 24X or lower speed. Also, keep those grimy fingers off the CD Surface! When burning MP3 cds with other burning utilities, burn the CD in CD-MODE 2 (XA-MODE) for slightly faster boot-up/read time associated with initial read. Gapless playback of MP3 files are not available for any ATRAC CD players. Hi-MD units with MP3 playback is probably your best option for unadulterated "gapless" mp3 playback. If you want your unit to be anything but silver/platnium white or black, and you're unfortunately stuck in the US, then your only option is to import it from Japan. Missing: More information on the S2 units and the boomboxes are required. Added 7/26 - Gapless ATRAC playback, thanks Pata. Added pictures of flagship models of all three gen. Added 7/27 - ATRAC CD terminology. Added 7/30 - Digital Megabass, Clearbass. Added 8/5 - D-NE20's small tidbits, including its 20th anniversary status. Added 10/29 - Brief blurb about "4th Gen" items. Added 11/06 - Target exclusive Pink Players added Added 2/5 - D-NE330 information added. Added 5/25 - Slight update info on D-NE330liv/430. Clearbass stepping 3 added

Nuts, none of the extra ATRAC3plus bitrates are availble for non-HD/Flash devices. This includes burning to ATRAC CD Players. History would suggest, however, that the Atrac CD players are probably capable of playing all of the new bitrates (I'm going by, of course, D-NE series. The first generation D-NEs were able to play the HiSP tracks before the HiMDs were out, and there by giving a sneak peak at HiSP, so to speak).

It isn't the media, per se, but it's the wide acceptance of media. And for a media to be widely accepted, it needs... content. A well known ancedote of how VHS gained its huge market over Betamax (this is probably aprophycal, but it gets the point across) is due the the adult film industry. Apparently, Sony wouldn't allow pre-recorded pornography to be sold on Betamax. And that, as innocuous as it may sound, doomed Betamax into the realm of videophiles, geeks, collectors, and the remaining professional use. This could possibly explain why Sony Entertainment (over the objection of Sony Computer Entertaiment division) allows adult material to be published on UMD/PSP Media. One could probably say similar things about LaserDisc, though I suspect the size of the media had to do much with its demise than anything else. And then, there's the whole marketing issue, which probably doomed MD as a viable media here in the US.

No, no, and another no. Not unless you like your music bassy and flabby with nothing else. If you want KOSS phones, look for any of the clip-ons, traditional over the head, behind the neck with impedance rating of 60-ohms (traditionally called the 60-ohm series). They range in price from $20-$50 (or, in other words, the cheapest of these go for the same price as the plugs), and are quite worth the money. Some of these include the Koss KSC-75, 35, and the venerable PortaPro line.

Look for them at your local Fry's. The Fry's in City of Industry, CA has tons of these (about 20ish), of which I now have two. I'll need to go get some more tomorrow.

A little historical correction: Simple Burner was the only way to get ATRAC3plus music on the D-NE1 and other first generation ATRAC3plus CD line of walkman. Needless to say, it wasn't a great way to transfer music. MP3 files were transcoded all at once, which took several hours. You could rip CD to Atrac3plus HiLP or HiLP48kbps mode, but that also took time. Finally, to add insult to injury, the program was quite crashprone. Needless to say, the SonicStage 2.0 is quite an improvement from the SimpleBurner of yore.

Surprise, you can buy one of her albums at your local Towers record. I forget the album's name however. You can also purchase a Puffy album ("Nice" is the title, IIRC). Or you can just go play Kingdom Hearts or something.

More comparisons with similarly priced products from Sony, notably the CD580s and the venerable V6. ---- These are bare basics of my impressions of putting the two side by side. I've been using until recently, the CD580s as my main home-lounging cans. They serve that purpose well, but compared to XD400s, I think the 580s are outclassed by the 400s. In certain areas, the 580s does a better job (most notably the vocals, where the XD400s butcher things I think). Unless otherwise noted, my samples are tested in the following config: MZ-RH910 (both MP3 and ATRAC3plus Files) -> Monster Cable iSplitter -> XD400 & CD580 or V6. For the testing purposes (quick and dirty), XD400s remain in MUSIC mode. XD400 vs. CD580 Having a splitter means that I can go back and forth and come to a conclusion on phones rather quickly, spot differences and such. I'll note the usual, with SQ being the last: Comfort: Both are rather comfortable, each having its own way of auto-adjusting the headband. While both are light and comfortable, the XD400s are noticably lighter. The CD580 takes the cake here because of its cloth/faux-velour padding vs. XD400s odd angled drivers and pleather padding. Should be noted that both 580s and 400s have angled drivers, but the CD580's padding makes the whole affair much more comfortable than 400. Handling: XD400s are by far easier to drive and will not require any sort of amp for even the wimpiest portables. CD580s on the other hand, are noticably hard to drive, and may require an amp for best results. SQ: Overall: I think I like the overall presentation from XD400s, though the CD580s are a good set, with better vocals on the CD580s over the XD400s. On the other hand, the XD400s does pretty much everything else better, and does more to envelop users in a more musical experience vs. the CD580s. Bass: The bass impact on the XD400s are much more cleaner and tighter on the XD400s vs the CD580s. CD580s bass is less impactful, less detailed, less controlled, and possibly flabbier... Hard to put it in words, but XD400s does a better job, I think. Vocals/midrange: Vocals do suffer greatly vs. the CD580s. I did get used to the nasalness of the XD400s vocals, but switching one from another, I noticed that it's still there. Instrument details are better presented in the XD400s, whereas I think the CD580s are fudging things just a little bit... Trebles: Again, the XD400s present more detail here, to a point where some may consider them overly bright. Feels like there's more detail to the 400s, whereas the 580s are presenting things on a bit of a darker (maybe colder is better word for it) basis, with some of the "details" masked. Soundstaging: XD400s sounds much more wide open, but there's some problems with certain instruments. Cymbols and such present themselves right above my head, which becomes at times, very disconcerting. Vocals are slightly more forward on the CD580s vs. the XD400s, where it's presented slightly behind the head of the listener. Despite these odd soundstaging, XD400s does a better job enveloping the listener in the overall music presentation. ---- So, here's part two of the cage match, the XD400 has thus far performed very well vs. the CD580s in most areas. To recap, the CD580s has more natural, less nasal vocals whereas the XD400 has that twinge or touch of the nasal vocals. However, the XD400s has better bass impact, mroe detailed (brighter) trebles, and wider soundstage. That said, the XD400s has some trouble presenting certain instruments in odd places. Overall, I thought that the CD580s has been supplanted by the XD400s in teh same price range. Couple of notes and pieces. The XD200s reminds me a lot of CD580s. I wonder if the drivers used in the XD200s are similar to those of CD580s in a cheaper packaging? If so, you got a great bargain on your hands, or Sony's got a stockpile of those CD580 drivers. Either way, the XD200s are a great sub $30. Now, then, here's the venerable V6s, some people like (me to a point a while back) swore by these as one of the best sub $100. Quite a few professional places uses these as monitors during vocal recording (see my avatar). And they do double duty as a pretty decent set of home cans. Now, let's see how these two match up. Since you know what I think of XD400s by now, I'll focus on V6s and their major differences vs. the V6s. The setup remains the same as the last time: MZ-RH910->Monster iSplitter->V6/XD400. I know the splitter changes things ultimately, but for these kinds of compare and contrast, they are very handy. No Equalizer applied, XD400 remains in MUSIC mode. Various MP3s have been used, ranging from Japanese Pop to Movie Soundtracks. Like last time, SQ comparison comes last, after we cover the basics, such as Comfort, seal and isolation. Unamped, so the V6s are probably at a disadvantage here. Ah, regarding isolation, both XD400 and CD580s don't provide a great deal of isolation. However, the V6s offer a great deal more. The cups do clamp against your ears, so a quite a bit of noise gets blocked out. However, I can still hear my keyboard clicking and clacking. TV background noise, PC fan noise, etc are blocked out well enough. V6s work well when you need some moment of silence, but they're no IEMs or NC phones. By Contrast, the XD400s uses more of a "nuclear option" to noise blocking with volume. At a loud volume, most noises will be blocked by the sound from the drivers. At same volume levels, the XD400s do worse job in letting in noise from the background, somuch so that it almost sounds like a set of open cans... Which they're not. V6 wins in isolation. Comfort Both uses the same pleather padding, so it attracts sweat, oil, dirt like a magnet. V6s has a bit of a grip or clamping action against your ears, and will probably hurt those of us with larger lobes. Thankfully, mine fits inside perfectly. The biggest things about V6s though, you're aware that they are there all the time, the headband does force down on your scalp more so than the XD400s or even the cheaper XD200s. V6s are much heavier than XD400s, from the cord to the cans itself. And the twisted cords on the V6s can not be easily managed vs. straight cord on the XD400s. Both trap heat, so they're not good for summer usage or those of us with hot ears. Overall, the XD400s are much better on comfort. Handling Like a broken record, the XD400s win on this level. Sound Quality Bass: Both represent bass in the recording well. Having said that, the V6's bass does lack the visceral impact on the XD400s, but may represent bass more tighter and cleaner vs. the XD400s. In fact, I think the XD400s has less control on the bass here compared to the V6. Looser and more impactful vs. Controlled and tighter, but lacking quite a bit of the impact. Fun vs. Techinical if you want me to boil it down. It's a push here. Vocals: V6s are much more forward on the vocals, more proper, and correct on its representation. Much less nasal, but grainier in some places, and as some have noted, easy to pick out poor recording or recording errors. Again, I think it boils down to Fun vs. Techinical. Vocals are much more forward soundstage and presentation wise. However, the XD's are at their weakest in vocal presentation (nasaly, odd placement). I can live with that, but I do prefer the V6s or CD580s' vocal abilities. Trebles: V6s has been accused of being bassy, boomy, one-note wonder, and bright and shrilly. The first three accusations may have some leg to stand on, but my V6s (well into several hundreds of hours of use now) are not bright. The XD400s are brighter than my V6s, that much I'm sure of. That said, there's less separation of instrumentation, and slight less detail, but now that I've had the chance to sample different cans vs. the XD400s, I think it boils down to something entirely different. I'll repeat the theme here, the V6s are your workman phones compared to the XD400. I think it's a push, but XD400 sounds lush and detailed vs. the matter of fact like presentation of the V6. Soundstaging: Again, like the last time, XD400s are much more open in its presentation than the two dimensional V6. I think that has more to do with XD400s being more enjoyable to listen to vs. the other cans. V6s sound fairly linear (like Techincs RP-DJ1200, it sounds like everything is presented on a 2D plane or a line right thorough your ear whereas the XD400s sounds wide open as if on a stage. Not sure if I'd consider that natural, but it's closer to what you'd expect on a actual performance. XD400s are very sublime on live performances pieces, especially classical or instrumental pieces. V6s loses out terribly here, and makes everything sound flat and dull. Overall, the V6s are the workman, matter-of-fact phones vs. the more open and laid back XD400s. Both has their place, and are worthy of your time. However, I think most would prefer the open and detailed presentation of XD400s--especially on classical, instrumental, and live pieces. Sony's definitely headed in the right direction. The next obvious comparison are the SA1000s vs. XD400. I'd be interested in how the two sounds against one another.

The XD-400s, Read about them here: --- Big thumbs up here, post 24 hour burn-in: Procedurals For the burn-ins, I run a various high-bitrate MP3s on a random CD, connect the cans of choice to either D-NE1 or D-NE900 (I find the two sound fairly interchangable), and chuck the entire setup for couple of days or so in a drawer. About couple of days later, you have a well burned in phone. For this quickie, the equipment are as follows: D-NE1 -> RM-MC33EL -> MDR-XD400 (Remotes are necessary to control this unit more or less). MZ-NH1 -> MDR-XD300 (for some hours, no more than 5 to 10 hours burn in) No Digital Megabass applied. MP3s include: Outrun2 soundtrack (Jazz vocals, Easy Rock instrumental) Cowboy Bebop soundtrack, vols 1-3 (Jazz vocals, jazz tracks, world tracks) FLCL OST 1 (J-Rock) Random assortments of JPOP, Hard Rock instrumentals, and Electronica. Bass They can drive a quite a bit of bass if necessary. Even with the Digital MegaBass setting at 2, i tpumps out all the bass and retains quite a bit of bass details without being flabby or messy. At these high bass boost levels, it becomes almost as if you're strapping a very small subwoofer on your ears, and I can almost feel the bass through my body. Amazing. Not to say that these are total bass-head set of cans, the bass isn't overwhelming at default (no EQ) settings under MUSIC mode, it might be infact somewhat muted for bass lovers. MOVIE mode adds a bit of mid-bass to the sound, somewhat similar to the CD580s, but nothing too overpowering. I left mine on at MUSIC setting. Vocals Other than its staging slightly towards behind (maybe recessed is a better word?) and initial nasalness, there's nothing to really complain about. The nasalness that I really didn't like with XD300 is still somewhat present with the XD400, but I'm uncertain at this point whether it's truly nasal or just bright at the female vocal tracks. As for XD300, the vocals (male and female) suffers from a bout of sinal infection, or Barbara Streisanditis. Perhaps my unit was a dud, but even with a bit of burn-in (about 5-6 odd hours or so) didn't clear it up, not one bit. I didn't like it. You might, however. Trebles XD300 sounds like there's a veil over the entire treble range, and be it sibilance, brightness, or detail, but quite a bit of that brightness is lost. It makes everything sound a bit dull. XD400, on the other hand, lifts the vail right out, and rounds out the entire package. It could be contrived as bright, almost sibilant to some, but I find the touch of that brightness adds to the overall SQ of the XD400. The final sound of the 400s sounds energetic and overall complete vs. the XD300s. Ergonomics Very light and comfortable, but traps heat much like some other closed cans. The Pleather pad also picks up sweat and oil like there's no business though (the CD580's cloth padding was very comfy vs. the pleathers). It's essentially designed for extended listening for Music or Movie, though if you're on the sweaty side, something to consider. So far Great cans, but the nasal vocals I need to investigate more, i.e. more burn-in time. I wonder if the mids' are far brighter than I first thought (thus the nasalness of the vocals in the 300 and perhaps in the 400)? I'll listen to more sources in the next few upcoming days to round out my opinion, but chances are, they won't change much, I think. Having said that, I'd totally avoid the XD300s, considering that the XD200s are half the price, and the 400s can be had for $20-40 extra vs. the XD300s depending on the retailer. -- Afterwards, I noted this in the same thread: The bass on these cans are amazing!! You can set the XD400 to give you what is probably a great listening experience no matter the device or the situation (as well as a $100 set of can give). Considering the audience, I'd suspect a lot of us would be happy with these as a final set of headphones. My later impressions on these, including the huge bass these can offer: Very Equalizable. Finally: Initially, I was underwhelmed with these as a Gaming phone, but that I'd suspect is more due to the onboard sound vs. anything else (Nforce2 SoundStorm for the curious). There was a lot of clipping and noise, but at the same time, the environmental effects and the spacial abilites of these phones were quite satisfactory. On console gaming, set at MOVIE mode, it works fairly well and is rather enjoyable. As for TV and Movie/DVD watching? I still need to work on these, as I got these primairly for music purposes. They are very versatile however in anything you throw at it. I'll no doubt have more to write on this, the initial nasalness of the vocals will turn off some people. Size is rather too big for portable use, and the upper-mids/vocals seems brighter than most phones, though not harsh. Trebles will probably seem harsh to some people who prefer more mellow, darker sounds, but I have no problems with it. Finally, all plastic construction makes this fragile feeling, though the two steel bars will help with its durability. As it stands, this seems like a $100 set of phones that could be easily charged more and still be satisfactory to most listeners. The MOVIE mode is somewhat of a gimmick (and a dud to me), but the option is nice for those who like bigger bass. Finally, because the XD400s are so easily driven and equalizable, I'm retracting my harsh stance on the XD300s for the moment. Properly equalized, I think the XD300s could very well be perfect for those of us who can't shell out the $100 MSRP but still have a quality set of headphones. --- I have to say that the XD200s are not cheaper version of XD400s. Read on! Vocals are not as sinus nor nasal as the XD300s, but as much as XD400s before burn-in. Out of the blisterpack, the mid-range sounds slightly more balanced than 400s, but that's out of the blisterpack. The vocals did resolve much nicely for the most part after about 50 odd hours of burn in for the XD400, so I'd expect the same for XD200s. These cans are much harder to drive than the XD400s. These may perform admirably with a stronger source than a Walkman or an amp. I don't have one in my collection, so I can't say for certain. XD200s have a bit of a smaller soundstage vs. XD400s, but I've noticed that the XD400s has a strange presentation in their soundstaging, especially with regards to cymbols and the like (they sound as if they're being played right over my head!). Overall, not too bad in this regard. I'd say they sound softer and maybe darker than XD400s, with a touch of sibilience for the time being (guitars, cymbols, the like). I hope with a bit of burning in, that gets taken care of. Movie-Music mode has more impact with these vs. the XD400s. They also share the same visceral, head-shaking bass impact(!!!), but I think they are more flabbier and sloppier with extra super duper bass applied. On that note, they are easily equalized to whatever flavor you like. Well worth the $30, but at the moment, I wish I still had the XD300s to do a bit of testing with those. These will serve as a backup unit, computer unit, or wherever where critical listening isn't required. Much like the XD400s, I say these performs best of Jazz, Classical, and Acoustic sets vs. Rock or Hip Hop. XD200 vs. Philips SBC HS900 Both retail for about $30 in many a brick and mortar, these are more portable and smaller than the XD200. HS900 has less bass, but is sibilant with its trebles. Not detailed mind you, but the hissy, shrilly sibilant. Mids sounds really recessed on the HS900, but XD200s sounds nasal, especially with female tracks, so it's a give and take. XD200s has more controlled bass vs. HS900 with super duper mega ultra bass applied. With no bass, it's about same I'd wager. XD200s has more visceral impact with its bass. By visceral, I mean head shaking, feel it through your body type. Comfort, it's a give and take. Both the HS900 and the XD200's plastic headband end up touching my crown, so you're aware that you've got headphones on. The HS900, with its narrower padding, feels like a pair of vice though. XD200 may lack padding on the front (rather, the sloped driver makes it feel as if it has less padding on the front), but it's more comfortable other than the earmuff effect. XD200 is probably better in most aspects over HS900 save size, maybe trebles, maybe comfort, and lack of nasal vocals. (Testing was done with D-NE520->iSpitter->XD200/400 and XD200/HS900. Spiderman just killed the Hobgoblin on my TV.)

Ishi's got a good list going. Though, if you like the bubblegum rock and roll, you could try adding on Puffy (AmiYumi). BoA is also a good addition, though she is Korean her library has quite a bit of Japanese tracks. Me, I personally prefer these artists: Yonekura Chihiro Horie Yui (she's got one hella high shirlly voice, and for some reason, I dig that). The Pillows Shonen Knife Every Little Thing, AKA ELT There are plenty of voice actors going into the whole singing business. I won't recommend many, but the one I'll recommend (other than Horie Yui) is Sakamoto Ma'aya (Maaya/Maya... whatever). Along those lines, track down Yoko Kanno's works. Good stuff. Honestly, I think my library is stuck somewhere in the mid to late 90s personally.

Some have reported some amount of success with Brasso Brass Polisher, especially for a white HD DAP that shall not be named here. I personally had the best success using this: Weiman's Metal Polish. Use the same method as outlined above, but avoid any brushed metal or silkscreened plastics, as it'll rub it right out. It works beautifully on cell phone screens, scratched CDs and DVDs (rescued a very scuffed and scratched CD several times with this), and on metal, I'd assume. :-p Very deep scratches and scuffs can be removed somewhat with repeated applications. Available everywhere, a bottle of the stuff goes for $3 or less, and makes your electronics happy. Smells minty too!

Couple of Reviews I'll post here to celebrate the opening of ALC, since I don't think I quite did a formal review of these: KOSS PortaPro D-NE1-Notable since this is the first flagship unit for Atrac3 CD units, and the last to use the disc/puck design D-NE900-Second Gen unit, first to support all ATRAC3/plus mode officially. D-NE20-Second and a half gen. If you have any requests, and if I have said unit in stock, I'll get around to it as well. They will be posted here soon. Oh, really real FP

The RH10 can play back MP3, ATRAC3/plus, and OpenMG-PCM (DRM'd uncompressed music file). Anything else will require conversion from its native format to any of the three that RH10 can play back. So, if you want to play OGG files, it'd require that intermediary step to WAV conversion.

HiMD with whatever native format, be hit HiSP or MP3. It works. I have plenty of media to go around (both MD and HiMD), so I don't need any flash based media.

I'll say that the XD400s would be a substantial upgrade from the V700s for most general/casual listening, especially for genres such as Jazz, Acoustic, and Classical. By the by, the XD400s can be obtained from your local/closest Circuit City and/or Best Buy/National Electronics Chain, if you don't mind paying retail. Having said that, if you enjoy genre that offers a nice heavy bass, the V700s might be nice.

1. You can copy your MP3 files like ordinary files using your explorer's drag and drop functionality for all HiMD units, 1st and 2nd gen. The only hitch is that your HiMD won't recognize those mp3 files for playback. However, you can upload back the said drag and dropped file to any computer that supports USB file system/discs, such as Mac, Linux, WinXP. You just won't be able to play those back on the unit, that's the only hitch. By the way, the disc and unit are independent of each other. You can use your Disc and load it up with data and use a different HiMD unit to load it back to another PC. 2. There is a batch MP3->Atrac3plus convertor (check the download section), but they only support Atrac3plus modes, namely HiSP, HiLP, and HiLP48kbps. The mass conversion process for me has been generally a hit and miss proposition. Most files do convert OK, but occassional MP3s will be converted into silence. The only thing I can gather that causes this is maybe id3 tag related, but that's only my guess. (ie. I have no clue why) 3. If you have second generation HiMD player, you can transport your MP3s via SonicStage (and only SonicStage) without any transcoding or conversion. Since it looks as if you haven't gotten your "600" yet (or I am assuming that is what you're looking at), I'd suggest against it. Instead, look towards getting a DH710. It offers same set of functionality of NH600D (in that both has no innate recording ability, US unit only), but has MP3 playback. Finally, you can take your disc full of MP3s, give them to your friend, and should he have a 2nd Gen unit, he can play them back on his unit. He just won't be able to upload them back to his PC. The way around that is of course, offered in this post.

As a note, the USB bus is only supposed to supply 5V across VCC and Ground, not 6V (I forget the current).

A tad simpler option is to use the mini-dock that comes with HD3 walkman. As such, both uses the same proprietary connector and the same DC Connector (6V IIRC). IF you have one, luck you, then cut off the little plastic tab on top, and you should be able to plug in the NH1 with the mini-dock/dongle. Item in question, uses 6V (800mA) DC Connector. As for USB cords and such, there are five colored wires inside a USB cord. IIRC, the Black wire is Ground and Red wire is VCC+, though I might be wrong on this. One fo the cables carry data, and the other is VCC-, but it's hazy ATM. Haven't hacked a USB cable in a while.

Several: 1. My Hawkings Technology Wireless AP/Bridge. Nice to know that I can take my Wireless Access Point and convert that to a bridge as needed. Little things like that makes me appreciate the little guys. 2. My Norelco CoolSkin electric shaver, because it works when I shower without the fear of shocking, and shaves without the 'cuts and knicks of a blade!' 3. The (dead) Sidekick. Best cell-phone/Internet combo. 4. N-Gage (QD). Cellphone, smartphone, MP3 player in a pinch. Sure, it ain't got a camera, but when I had one with my V600, I could count on my left hand the times I actually used the camera (4). The N-Gage, on the other hand, slices (phone), dices (Internet, albeit slowly), chops (plays 3D games), grinds (acts as a simple PDA), and never needs sharpening (MAME: Ms. Pacman, 1942, Kung-Fu Master, Xevious in the palm of my hands). Add that with great battery life (2 days of moderate to heavy cell, browsing, and gaming) you possibly have one of the best gizmo ever created. Pity Nokia castrated the MP3 functionality off of QD... 5. Sega Dreamcast. It's a magnum opus of a console from Sega. But hey, it did Internet gaming, gave me Phantasy Star Online habit, and more. I still wish I had the damn thing with me.

I can tell you off the bat that it won't support anything else other than MP3, WAV files, and Redbook CDs (as much as confirmed by manual). The new firmware adds support for Memory Stick Pros, but I very much doubt that it's added support for any sort of ATRAC related files. ETA: Maybe in about 2 weeks time, I'm still in the process of moving, so I won't be able to purchase it until later in this upcoming week.

If I can find it, some Japanese Cup-Noodles. Sadly, it ain't the King of Ramen, RA-OH!!!!

I'm surprised that you don't have one of these in your arsenal, Ishiyoshi. ;-)

The item in question: MPD-AP20U This is one of the most intriguing portable (not named Walkmen) made period. Ostensibly, this is a USB2.0 CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, buring CD-Rs at (at the time it was released) brisk 24X, Rewriting at 10X, and reading CDs at 24x. Aside from that, and the obvious DVD-ROM capabilities, this also has Memory Stick slot, fully upgradable to MSPro slot with a firmware upgrade. Unplugged from your computer, this unit will playback Redbook CDs, MP3CDs, MP3s on DVDs (Yikes!), and WAV files on both CDs and DVDs (double yikes!). Furthermore, this unit can make good use of that memory stick (pro) slot by allowing playback from the Memory Stick (MP3 and WAV). The only thing that this unit doesn't do, ironically, is Atrac3/plus files. The built-in LiPoly battery gives 10 hours of MP3 playback and about 1.5-2 hours of DVD video playback. Included dock that uses 8 AA batteries (yikes x3!) gives it additional boost, upto 30 (some have reported 50 hours) hours of MP3 playback. By far, the most intriguing and unique portable ever devised by Sony. I've had my eyes on this for quite a while now, but I've found one at a price I can't resist, so I'll have it within the next two weeks or so. Stay tuned, this should be very interesting! Here's the unit and all of its accessories. [attachmentid=390] Yay, another Sony Remote.

Well, IIRC (the XD400s are packed up in anticipation of me moving), the paddings is ala V-series, not the CD-Series. The shape doesn't match up; the XD's a long oval whereas the CD's are more triangular oval. I'd imagine you could put the velour cover over the pleather padding with some effort and that would make the XD's much more comfortable. Once the move is done and my CD580s unpacked, I can try this. It's already comfortable sans velour padding as is, though it traps heat as expected.

Officially, no. But, it certainly doesn't stop anyone from trying. Besides, if I got the XD400 for $16, I'm willing to mangle it up to see what happens. ;-) That is a great deal.