Ishiyoshi

For those planning to update non-Japanese PSP, I would like to report that I've applied the Japanese firmware on my US PSP and it works just fine; no playback problems with Region 1 UMD Movie.

This is brilliant, Leon! Many thanks for sharing your impressions with us. I am curious to know how pleasant is web navigation without a keypad?

From China. I reckon East Asia's NE820 series comes bundled with the kanji variant rather than the MC53EL. Nonetheless, I will provide a pictorial upon its delivery.

I assume the difference is only its wrapper. Nonetheless, it's simply beautiful.

As per requested: A frequency analysis between ATRAC3plus 160kbps, 128kbps, 96kbps, 64kbps and 48kbps. Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 160kbps Blue: ATRAC3plus, 128kbps Linear View Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 96kbps Blue: ATRAC3plus, 64kbps Yellow: ATRAC3plus, 48kbps Linear View

Yes, the 55ELK is the kanji variant of 53EL. In addition, it comes in different color schemes. I am currently awaiting delivery for its blue version so I can pair it with my MZ-RH10.

I can do up to four bit rates per graph – will set up the remainder ATRAC3plus bit rates: 160kbps, 128kbps, 96kbps, 64kbps and 48kbps shortly.

We will post the relevant information as soon as it's available.

We don't have the codes for the N710. However, you can definitely obtain its service manual to change the regional settings other than Europe to "uncap" the volume limit.

As per requested: A frequency analysis between ATRAC3plus 192kbps and Mp3 192kbps CBR. Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 192kbps Blue: Mp3, 192kbps Linear View

That's a rather odd occurence, Chris. It works on my Japanese version.

Brilliant guide. You may need to add RM-MC55ELK to the listing of remotes.

@ greenmachine: The new test you have conducted - comparing ATRAC3plus 128kbps and ATRAC3 LP2 - really does gives one a different perspective on the new additional ATRAC3plus bit rates.

Welcome to ALC! Subjectively, ATRAC3plus 256kbps sounds fuller than ATRAC3plus 192kbps and it is technically better as you've already noticed - ATRAC3plus 192kbps have a much lower lowpass frequency than ATRAC3plus 256kbps. To elaborate, the instruments in the test track lacks clarity when compared to ATRAC3plus 256kbps and 320kbps. (For your information, the subjective listening test was done via PC with the MDR-SA3000 headphone) However, it is important to note that the frequency analysis is not the absolute answer to sound quality as there are other variables - notably artifacts. A member from MDCF (greenmachine) conducted a similar test comparing ATRAC3plus 128kbps and ATRAC3 LP2. His result: "ATRAC3plus 128 kbps may have a lower lowpass frequency than LP2, but what you cannot see here is the awful artifacting of LP2." In this case, ATRAC3plus 192kbps does not exhibit any discerning artifacts; however, there could be artifacts (after all, this is a lossy compression) but I just can't hear it. Greenmachine elaborates in the same post that this is because the lower lowpass frequency that ATRAC3+plus 192kbps has cannot be easily detected. It is almost impossible to discern the filter at 16kHz let alone 17kHz and 18kHz. I would suggest you try converting the ATRAC3plus bit rates in question and judge the sound quality for yourself. *I will try and post a frequency analysis of Mp3 192kbps and ATRAC3plus 192kbps shortly.

From Sony; and no new updates for the HD1.

SonicStage 3.2 English version is available for download. (without Connect Music Service) Check within the download section of the forum.

It does not. For those interested: SonicStage 3.2: ATRAC3plus Frequency Analysis

To complement the subjective listening tests done on the new bit rates of ATRAC3plus --> notably 320kbps (in this thread), I have conducted a frequency analysis for your technical curiosity. *Thanks to greenmachine for the concise Adobe Audition guide. Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 320kbps Blue: ATRAC3plus, 256kbps Yellow: ATRAC3plus, 192kbps As greenmachine illustrated in his earlier frequency analysis, there are no significant difference between ATRAC3plus 320kbps and 256kbps. They are almost identical in terms of quality as shown in the graph above. However, one can easily discern ATRAC3plus, 192kbps from 320kbps and 256kbps. In addition, it is important to note that the frequency analysis is not the absolute answer to sound quality as there are other variables - notably artifacts Discuss accordingly.

ATRAC3plus Frequency Analysis To complement the subjective listening tests done on the new bit rates of ATRAC3plus --> notably 320kbps (in this thread), I have conducted a frequency analysis for your technical curiosity. *Thanks to greenmachine for the concise Adobe Audition guide. I. A frequency analysis between ATRAC3plus 320kbps, 256kbps and 192kbps. Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 320kbps Blue: ATRAC3plus, 256kbps Yellow: ATRAC3plus, 192kbps Linear view Logarithmic view II. A frequency analysis between ATRAC3plus 160kbps, 128kbps, 96kbps, 64kbps and 48kbps. Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 160kbps Blue: ATRAC3plus, 128kbps Linear View Original file: Nina Simone's I Loves Porgy. Green: original uncompressed file Red: ATRAC3plus, 96kbps Blue: ATRAC3plus, 64kbps Yellow: ATRAC3plus, 48kbps Linear View As greenmachine illustrated in his earlier frequency analysis, there are no significant difference between ATRAC3plus 320kbps and 256kbps. They are almost identical in terms of quality as shown in the graph above. However, one can easily discern ATRAC3plus, 192kbps from 320kbps and 256kbps. Discuss accordingly.

Brilliant pictures of the VAIO Pocket cradle's interior! Now I can confirm that the circuit board for VGF-AP1L's cradle is indeed CNX-258 as vaguely outlined in the service manual. Thanks Joe!

LOL Correction done, sorry folks.

Welcome to ALC! I'm glad you've enjoyed the VAIO Pocket. For headphones that will keep your wallet somewhat happy, I would highly recommend the Sony MDR-D66SL or one of the XD version reviewed by Damage. For further information, check out the 'phones section.

This is indeed a significant improvement!

Yes, direct conversion from CD --> ATRAC3plus (320kbps and 256kbps) via SonicStage 3.2. As for files in its original WAV format, I've been able to convert/transfer it in ATRAC3plus to my HiMD and VAIO Pocket.

Just a clarification for those still curious about the compatibility of MD remotes with the VAIO Pocket MD remotes in general do not work properly with the VAIO Pocket because the connector is completely different even though you can connect MD remotes to the VAIO Pocket. Therefore, its compatibility is limited to only a few functions at best; not enough to deem it fully compatible. The only MD remote that can somewhat navigate between tracks, select play/pause and volume control is the MC33EL; however, you can't utilize "stop" function on the remote nor can you enjoy LCD track info. display on the remote. As for other variation of MD remotes, you may navigate between tracks but that's it.