catchmenow

Hello dear minidisc lovers, I just got a Minidisc deck from eBay. As it is an 1999 model (mds-je630), I decided to get a brand new Sony MD-8HCL Head Cleaner, just to make sure it is fresh and clean for my recordings (I also got the lens cleaner for clean playbacks but no question about this item). My question is about the operation of the Head Cleaner. First I thought that the instructions were pretty straightforward, but once I followed them suddenly I had a doubt. Here they are so you do not need to (find and) check them: ------------- 1. Insert in the same way as an ordinary disc. 2. Press the REC button. Because the magnetic head does not descend in a normal PLAY state, cleaning is not possible. [the funny fact is that the French version of the same instructions states "...PLAY state, recording is not possible"!!!] 3. After about 10 seconds, press the STOP button, remove the disc and insert it in the case for storage. ------------- No problem with steps 1 and 3, but I am not sure about step 2. The fact is that once you press the REC button, the recorder is on the record mode but also in the PAUSE one. The question is, "am I supposed to press the pause button" as to start a recording in order to clean the head??? Would that be the right way to do it, or would it damage the recorder (head) and the Head Cleaner? Actually I did press the PAUSE button and it created a track...strange, especially after I found out today on Crutfield's website that the cleaner is supposed to be made of some brush material...ah the power of minidisc! It can even make a track on a brush Let me know if you know the right way to operate this mighty head cleaner.

Hi, It is true that you can get them from eBay, but not sure if all sellers can be trusted... Other options are (but much more expensive...around $50 for a brand new replacement battery in the US): - If you have Sony stores, like in North America, they should be able to help you order this item. - Also, it is possible to get them through Authorized Sony service/parts centers. Either way, I would recommend you check the UK Sony website for parts and accessories, and if you can not find anything there, then just e-mail, or even better, call them to have the info, these batteries are still available. As a matter of fact I just called them today (I mean in the US). Good luck, Stephan

Thanks a lot for your opinions/suggestions, it helped Have a nice day, Stephan

Hello, I finally made my mind and decided to get a MZ-NH1, I love the MD format, and this great model just tempts me too much. Only problem it is virtually impossible to find a brand new one in North America (I extensively researched the Internet for an e-store) made for the market, that really sucks. Only option is to get it abroad... Best prices seem to be coming from the UK. Only problem, the power supply. So far I see two solutions (maybe you guys see other ones): 1. I get a Sony AC-E60A AC adaptor which can be used internationally: accepts 100 to 240V and 50-60Hz inputs, with outputs of 6 Volts and (they say a max. of) 1000 mA, no Wattage indication that I could find... 2. I buy from Sony an original US AC ADAPTOR (AC-ES608K) for the MZ-NH1. All the specs then should be good: Input 120V, 60Hz; Output 6 Volts, 800 mA, 7 Watts. Solution 1 is my favorite, since it is a world AC ADAPTOR, so really convenient if I want to take my MD (and the cradle...) with me and on a trip abroad. Additionally, it costs only $15 (about $47 for solution 2). BUT I wonder if using the AC-E60A would or could damage the now rare and expensive MZ-NH1, if used as a regular AC adaptor. Do you guys have any ideas or suggestions? Did any of you had to deal with similar situations? Thank you in advance and have a nice day, Stephan

Thank you very much for your response. I am looking for 80 minute ES blank discs but they are very hard to find...especially here is Canada, it looks like they are going out, unfortunately. Thanks again, Stephane

Hello, I just bought a minidisc player/recorder (Sony MZR900) on E-Bay, and I am thinking about buying a deck unit still from E-Bay since they are so hard to find. I would like to buy some new minidiscs but I am wondering if the 80 minute ones will be totally compatible with older (1997-2003) players/recorders, either walkmans or decks. Would it be better to stick to standard 74 minutes one? Any sound quality differences between the two? Thanks a lot and have a great day, Stephan