justin_barbier

Well, my guess is that no one really buys a MD player b/c of the ATRAC format. I feel that ATRAC is merely a technicality that we have to deal with with MD. Don't get me wrong, it does sound *good*, but there are countless other technologies that Sony could have used instead. To a lot of ppl, size is definately a factor to be considered. Also, the recording capabilites. However, if all you want to do is listen to MP3s, I wouldn't suggest a MD player. As for cost: Sony pretty much sets the price. While MP3 is universally "accepted," MD is at the mercy of Sony.

For me, the reasons are simple: sound quality, size, better compression than MP3 (IMO,) smaller media, and the ability to make high-quality recordings. Also, I like the ability to physically HOLD my collection. Call me old-fashioned, but I think I missed the bus by just a few years when it comes to MP3. All these kids today are really into MP3 and Ipods, etc. I'm making myself sound older than I am, I'm only 20, but those are my reasons.. lol

Yea man, I see what you are saying. I just wasnt sure if you were familiar with the technology... but I feel that the people on this board are a lot more knowledgeable than the reviewers on cnet. Research the units here, because the info REALLY helped me. gl

If I could add something... most of the people reviewing the nh600d (or other MD players) are either looking for an MP3 player, or are not really keen to the advantages of such a device (md.) Not bashing the 600D, but there are far better units. You just need to shop around and do your homework... But make sure you are into MD for the right reasons. MD players can be manipulated into playing MP3 (and other formats,) but if you are looking SOLELY for mp3, there is better out there. Sorry if I am making the wrong assumption of your situations, but the general case with MD players is that a lot of ppl label (and market) the units as MP3 players, which basically, they are not. gl

i will, thx

well, initially the idea of recording was very high on my list of "needs" in a MD player. But like i said, if the second gen units are better, and if sony allows Sharp to license through them, I would feel better waiting until then.... but, I realize this could be years of waiting. The 800 for $199 is hard to pass up, but THEN I could get the 900 for only $40 more...and then the NH1 for a little more, etc etc. Maybe I am being too picky about giving in and buying top of the line first gen units?

Hi, thanks... it's not that I HAVE a budget, per se... it's more of the fact that this will be a christmas gift, and I hate asking for too much. I was looking at the higher end MDs (800 and 900 hi-md models, respectfully,) but it doesn't seem, to me, like I'd be getting too much more than what I would get with the 600. Keyword here: to ME. Which is why I came to this board. For simplicity's sake, I wouldn't want to spend much more than what an mz-nh800 would cost. Although Im really waiting for the next generation players to come out (i.e. SHARP!!!) But, again, thanks! Oh yes, and I almost forgot to mention that... since I AM new to MD technology, I wanted something I could learn on. However, I hardly EVER buy new technology the first year it comes out. The thing is though, I've been wanting MD for some time now, and older technology (netMd, etc) is getting obsolete... I can get a 600D for much less than 150 brand new. (local best buy has like 5 or 6 opened/damaged/returned boxed units for like 110.00) So is the extra hundred dollars or so I'd spend on the higher models really worth it? Well, I am sure it IS worth it... so, yall can just highlight the benefits for me. lol. :laugh:

Hi, *I'm sure this post will end up being long, so if you just want to see my question, scroll down towards the end* As stated, I'm new to the world of MD. Really, I'm new to any form of portable digital media. I've ripped my entire CD collection to MP3 format to save space, and also, to have a viable backup of my collection. The problem I'm faced with now, is taking my collection on the road. I've spent countless hours reading up on all the MD formats and progs, i.e. SoundStage, NetMD, ATRAC, OGG, etc etc etc. I was almost sold on MD technology until the IPOD craze started, in which case I began to research those. Then, my research led to other 'fixed drive' based hardware... and with these came higher prices and less features than MD. So, fast forward a year, and now Hi-MD devices are finally here. Originally, I was sold on the idea that I could make high quality recordings (being a musician as well as a journalism student.) The strongest selling point, for me, for fixed drive devices, is the fact that my cd collection is already ripped to decent quality 192kbps MP3. All I would have to do is upload my collection to IPOD, (or other,) whereas with MD, I'd have to convert to ATRAC (not a big problem for me.) Finally, on to my main question: I need a unit with high, to superb sound quality (I have Shure E3Cs btw.) Smaller size is a pretty big factor for me, as is battery life. MD is superior in the size and battery life factor, but I'm not sure of the SQ. I know that the higher end MD players/recorders have superb SQ, however, I'm looking to spend the least amount of money possible. Recording is not a big deal for me, because I feel that once other companies start producing Hi-MD (Panasonic, Sharp, etc,) the prices on machines capable of recording will come down astronomically. I've been looking at the MZ-NH600D unit, but since it is bottom-line, I feel as the SQ might be severly compromised. However, since I am new to the format, I was thinking that IF the SQ is good on this unit, I would get the NH600 and learn on it. When the next generation players come out, I'll buy a more advanced model. Sorry for the long, unorganized post, but I want to make sure I make the right decision, because ultimatley, my entire music collection is going to rest on my choice on whether to go with MD or fixed drive based media. So based on my ramblings, do you think the MZ-NH600d would be a good choice? Thanks!