New User new to format, need help deciding on hardware!

[justin_barbier]

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!

[Christopher]

Welcome to the forums. What's your maximum budget?

[justin_barbier]

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:

[Christopher]

Well, I can relate to this in a way. The most ideal Hi-MD unit in my opinion is the NH900. The NH1 is nice, but the overall functionality of the NH900 [on paper and from experiences I've read] seems superior. One of the neatest things about having a MD unit that can record is for those spontanious times with friends, family, or perhaps some other social event that you would hold dear - on top of the journalistic and music recording ambitions! That aspect of MD really swept me away back when I had a MZ-R700 a few years ago.

Are you ever going to record in a live scenario or perhaps digitally from a stereo/etc? If not, then yes, a NH600D perhaps with an aftermarket remote such as the RM-MC40ELK would be a great starter Hi-MD unit.

I keep thinking back to your inital statement, "(being a musician as well as a journalism student.)" [i.e. if you would record]; if you could score a NHF800 for $199, would you bite? What about a NH900 for $239? These are real prices that most people aren't keen on and associate these models with much higher values.

Anyway, look at the comparison tables in the minidisc.org equipment browser and perhaps really judge what features mean the most to you.

[justin_barbier]

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?

[Christopher]

It all really ties back into what features you would really employ, what battery life would appeal to you the most, what asthetics would appeal to you as well, etc. Check out that equipment browser. :happy:

[justin_barbier]

i will, thx