Mz-nh900

[Energy]

Being a fan of minidiscs for a long time, and prefering MD over MP3 players, for christmas I was brought the MZ-NH900, as my old 707 was almost dead. (I got it for £150, $300 which in the UK is pretty cheap!)

Anyway I'm now comfy with the system, I sat there on christmas day using the included 1GB minidisc to fill with the entire back catalogue of my favourite band (Linkin Park). I recorded at the Hi-SP (256kbps) as I'm a quality over quantity guy and was very impressed. Especially with all the sound options and the speed.

Now this is my problem, Linkin Park's music varys in sound. You go one minute from being quiet, to the next being a full on blast. Now maybe I've missed an option somewhere, but it seems to me as if the mini disc tries to compensate and curve out the sound so that it isn't as big of a change.

Now I know this isn't a new AVLS system as I have that turned off, is this a new option in SonicStage (2.3) or something like that? Just a bit baffled.

Apart from that the only other niggles I have are the remote control being the otherway round compared to the 707, and the lack of availability of the 1GB discs here in the UK. Every sony store gives me different stories about them. Some saying they're just not availble in uk stores yet, and others saying that they're out of stock. I've held one in my hand, (before I had the system) so where are they?

Oh well, anyway if anyone could shed some light on this!

thanks!

[dex Otaku]

Now this is my problem, Linkin Park's music varys in sound. You go one minute from being quiet, to the next being a full on blast. Now maybe I've missed an option somewhere, but it seems to me as if the mini disc tries to compensate and curve out the sound so that it isn't as big of a change.

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The euro version of the 600, 800, and 900 all have 3+3mW headphone amps [5+5 for the rest of the world AFAIK].

If you don't have very efficient [high SPL for low power] 'phones, the sound won't get very loud.

Also, the headphone amps are known to clip [or possibly soft clip] above volume settings of around 25/30. Material that is recorded at extremely high volumes [i.e. most modern CDs which are bit-pushed before mastering, i.e. highly compressed or limited] will appear to pump a bit if you have 'phones that need a lot of power. Basically, it's the amps driving near their limit, given the unit's tiny power supply.

Remedy: buy more efficient 'phones, or get an outboard headphone amp that can drive with a lot more power.

[craftech]

I live in the United States and I noticed the same thing. Despite Sony's claim that the units copy levels digitally from a CD that are identical when using an optical cable , the minidisc level is noticeably lower than the original. Play it through a stereo system and you can really notice it.

John

The euro version of the 600, 800, and 900 all have 3+3mW headphone amps [5+5 for the rest of the world AFAIK]. 

If you don't have very efficient [high SPL for low power] 'phones, the sound won't get very loud.

Also, the headphone amps are known to clip [or possibly soft clip] above volume settings of around 25/30.  Material that is recorded at extremely high volumes [i.e. most modern CDs which are bit-pushed before mastering, i.e. highly compressed or limited] will appear to pump a bit if you have 'phones that need a lot of power.  Basically, it's the amps driving near their limit, given the unit's tiny power supply.

Remedy: buy more efficient 'phones, or get an outboard headphone amp that can drive with a lot more power.

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Edited January 4, 2005 by craftech

[jadeclaw]

I live in the United States and I noticed the same thing.  Despite Sony's claim that the units copy levels digitally from a CD that are identical when using an optical cable , the minidisc level is noticeably lower than the original.  Play it through a stereo system and you can really notice it.

John

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The levels recorded ON the disc are the same.

That counts!

The output level of the headphone connector is lower, because of the lower supply voltage.

You can't produce 2 Vpp out of a 1.2V supply.

The LineOut mode compensates it a little bit.

Another point: If you use the Equalizer to add volume in certain frequency ranges,

the recorder will reduce the overall volume to keep the digital level below full scale.

Yes, the Equalizer works in front of the D/A-converter.

And you know, more than fullscale is not possible...

But Winamp adds Volume, when using the EQ, you might ask: Winamp simply adds Gain,

regardless if the signal is clipping or not...

[craftech]

I used Line Out to test it. Playing with the low quality EQ will increase loudness which one shouldn't have to resort to even with the headphones. The unit works better using analog especially with a mike. The build quality also disturbs me especially after using an MZ-R37.

John

The levels recorded ON the disc are the same.

That counts!

The output level of the headphone connector is lower, because of the lower supply voltage.

You can't produce 2 Vpp out of a 1.2V supply.

The LineOut mode compensates it a little bit.

Another point: If you use the Equalizer to add volume in certain frequency ranges,

the recorder will reduce the overall volume to keep the digital level below full scale.

Yes, the Equalizer works in front of the D/A-converter.

And you know, more than fullscale is not possible...

But Winamp adds Volume, when using the EQ, you might ask: Winamp simply adds Gain,

regardless if the signal is clipping or not...

←

Edited January 4, 2005 by craftech