Ahhh Which One?

[amelio747]

At present I have a Panasonic SJ-MR230 with a Ni-Cd battery which is almost empty plus its all scratched up so I started thinking about getting a new MD. This led to my discovery of HI-MD's! I can't believe they have been around for a year and I didn't know about them - well done sony advertising department. My first MD was by sony and was great until a 'friend' dropped it while it was open. Can't remember the model number but it was metalic blue and the cutest thing ever! I didn't mind the panasonic but my sony one kicked it's ass. Ok so now I'm really excited about getting a HI-MD and am fed up with the poor quality of my new MP3 player. Just one thing... WHICH ONE DO I GET?? I've look through all the specs and it seems everyone comes with compramises. So your ideas as to what is the best one would be much appreciated please. Thanks in advance!

[The Low Volta]

Ok so now I'm really excited about getting a HI-MD and am fed up with the poor quality of my new MP3 player.

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if you would like to continue to use your 'stacks of MP3s' you have amassed while using an MP3 player, go for the second generation of Hi-MD's (RH710, RH910, RH10) watch out for the 'D' models (supposedly there is an RH710D around) as it's a download only model (no live recording!) unless you don't care about recording at all... (but then you should ask yourself if Hi-MD or MD is the best solution for you anyway) and of the DHCP10 or something of that sort which is a nice gadget (with a pretty low res digital camera) but isn't otherwise Hi-MD-model with full capaciies (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong)

but for the rest it's more taste and budget than rationality in my opinion...

so welcome to MDCF, and I hope you can make up your mind...as Hi-MD-bliss (and SonicStage aggrevation) is (/are) waiting for you!

PS: if you couldn't care less about MP3s (as I do ), the first gen are still very good, even compared with the newer ones (I'm pretty happy with my NH900)...but now I've narrowed your choices down by eh two specific models...no three, watch out for the NH600D too

[amelio747]

if you would like to continue to use your 'stacks of MP3s' you have amassed while using an MP3 player, go for the second generation of Hi-MD's (RH710, RH910, RH10) watch out for the 'D' models (supposedly there is an RH710D around) as it's a download only model (no live recording!) unless you don't care about recording at all... (but then you should ask yourself if Hi-MD or MD is the best solution for you anyway) and of the DHCP10 or something of that sort which is a nice gadget (with a pretty low res digital camera) but isn't otherwise Hi-MD-model with full capaciies (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong)

but for the rest it's more taste and budget than rationality in my opinion...

so welcome to MDCF, and I hope you can make up your mind...as Hi-MD-bliss (and SonicStage aggrevation) is (/are) waiting for you!

PS: if you couldn't care less about MP3s (as I do    ), the first gen are still very good, even compared with the newer ones (I'm pretty happy with my NH900)...but now I've narrowed your choices down by eh two specific models...no three, watch out for the NH600D too 

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Thanks for your thoughts. I'm not at all bothered about MP'3s but yes I would like to record. The most important thing is the sound quality - I want it to be amazing! Is there a differences? I can pick up a MZ-NH1 for £110 including postage. I love the body and it seems to have all the features, but I'd prefer an NI-MH battery rather than a Lithium. Aslo I want to know how restrictive the cradle could be?? I like the 2 new top RH models but they look like they are just waiting to be scratched up! The NH900 seems like the best all rounder but doesn't seem to be a lot cheaper than the supposed higher spec models. HELP!

[The Low Volta]

The most important thing is the sound quality - I want it to be amazing! Is there a differences?

there seems to be a difference between the HD-preamp of the 1st gen and the digit-HD-preamp of the 2nd gen... but ppl here on MDCF can't seem to agree on which one's best... I only know tha NH900...but that one sounds just fine to me

I can pick up a MZ-NH1 for £110 including postage. I love the body and it seems to have all the features, but I'd prefer an NI-MH battery rather than a Lithium.

Aslo I want to know how restrictive the cradle could be??

the battery is really the biggest drawback of the NH1, plus the fact that you really need the remote to access all functions (only Hi-MD model that has this, as far as I know) and the fact that you really need the cradle to charge and connect to computer (I believe, again, correct me if wrong)... it wasn't really any competition as far as I was concerned...really wanted the easy replacable/upgradable battery and the AA-addon for extended use is quite handy when recording long stretches, so the NH900 was the only option for me

I like the 2 new top RH models but they look like they are just waiting to be scratched up!

yeah, I like 'em too, especially the RH10, but I have the same worries about scratches and couldn't give a toss about MP3...but I really like the OLED on the RH10 (only Hi-MD with lit LCD on the player as far as I know, dunno about the NH1)...but then I would buy import from Japan, as they come with a much better remote (with lcd) and a charging cradle (meh, but rather have it and not use it then don't have it and want it)

The NH900 seems like the best all rounder but doesn't seem to be a lot cheaper than the supposed higher spec models.

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ah, but then again it isn't less able (except for the oled and MP3-playback ) than the newer/higher models... so if you can find a good deal on the NH900...go for it, if not, consider importing a RH10 from Japan... or just go with whatever your impulses make you buy...as there (luckily) isn't a 'bad' Hi-MD-model out there

(just my humble opinion of course)

Edited May 17, 2005 by The Low Volta

[amelio747]

there seems to be a difference between the HD-preamp of the 1st gen and the digit-HD-preamp of the 2nd gen... but ppl here on MDCF can't seem to agree on which one's best... I only know tha NH900...but that one sounds just fine to me 

the battery is really the biggest drawback of the NH1, plus the fact that you really need the remote to access all functions (only Hi-MD model that has this, as far as I know) and the fact that you really need the cradle to charge and connect to computer (I believe, again, correct me if wrong)... it wasn't really any competition as far as I was concerned...really wanted the easy replacable/upgradable battery and the AA-addon for extended use is quite handy when recording long stretches, so the NH900 was the only option for me

yeah, I like 'em too, especially the RH10, but I have the same worries about scratches and couldn't give a toss about MP3...but I really like the OLED on the RH10 (only Hi-MD with lit LCD on the player as far as I know, dunno about the NH1)...but then I would buy import from Japan, as they come with a much better remote (with lcd) and a charging cradle (meh, but rather have it and not use it then don't have it and want it)

ah, but then again it isn't less able (except for the oled    and MP3-playback    ) than the newer/higher models... so if you can find a good deal on the NH900...go for it, if not, consider importing a RH10 from Japan... or just go with whatever your impulses make you buy...as there (luckily) isn't a 'bad' Hi-MD-model out there

(just my humble opinion of course)

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Not thats informed! Ok before I track down a NH900, what's this I hear about the screw on battery case being a pain?

[Christopher]

It's not a pain (to me), and I really don't understand what the fuss is about.

[amelio747]

It's not a pain (to me), and I really don't understand what the fuss is about.

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cool, it's hard to tell how major people's complaints are in a review. i think this is the one for me then!

[The Low Volta]

Not thats informed! Ok before I track down a NH900, what's this I hear about the screw on battery case being a pain?

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no pain, all gain added quite some extra hours of recording at a crucial moment already, and at a relatively low extra-space-needed cost

I mean...most of the complaints are about the bulkyness of the addon (no biggy, it's only an inch extra) or about the fragile attaching-points...but then again you shouldn't be throwing your MD around at any time... or the fact that it doesn't really power your MD, but actually just charges the gumstick battery a little bit... which isn't a problem at all, as long as you maintain the full potential of your internal battery by going through a couple of full charge/full recharge cycles (without the addon of course) once in a while...

so hope you will enjoy your Hi-MD

Edited May 17, 2005 by The Low Volta

[Christopher]

My general recommendation is to take all nagging reviews on the Internet with a grain of salt and really evaluate their concern. If possible, always try and sample the product you wish to buy first..

Seriously though, I can't tell you how many times I've read reviews on the Internet of various devices with "serious" useability issues in certain aspects - only to find the "aspect" to be a nil issue.

Have fun with your Hi-MD!

[amelio747]

Is the add-on battery compartment essential or will I only need it for long trips? I'll mostly use it whilst comuting to and from work.

[The Low Volta]

Is the add-on battery compartment essential or will I only need it for long trips? I'll mostly use it whilst comuting to and from work.

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I bought a PowerBank 1450mAh battery for my NH900 (for €9 so about $10) and now I can get over 15 hours (haven't counted 'em really) of playback without the add-on... I only use it (and therefore keep it with me almost all the time, but not screwed on) if I'm about to record long sessions (longest was 6 hours continuously, and another 8 hours of playback) or if I have to record something unexpectedly and I have too little left on the gumstick alone...

so, for commuting...you can travel a lot to and from work before you run out of batery I guess (even without the add-on) so it isn't needed at all

[amelio747]

Few more questions about the NH900 if that's ok...

Can you use a NI-MH AA battery for the add-on? And does it charge with the charger too?

Is the gumstick battery that comes with it an NI-MH type and how much use will I get from it?

I notice this model doesn't have the time stamp, can you still get this info if you wanted it from the PC?

[The Low Volta]

Can you use a NI-MH AA battery for the add-on? And does it charge with the charger too?

yes, you can use it, no it will have to be charged seperately in a dedicated charger

Is the gumstick battery that comes with it an NI-MH type and how much use will I get from it?

yes it is and how much use? if you mean how long it runs, with the supplied one I could get 12 hours of playback (max) and less when recording... but as I said, I bought a higher capacity (Ni-MH) gumstick from powerbank that runs quite a bit longer

if you mean how much charge/uncharge cycles... I don't really know but here is a good source for battery info

I notice this model doesn't have the time stamp, can you still get this info if you wanted it from the PC?

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when you upload your recording I believe that SonicStage adds a timestamp (but of the time it was uploaded, not of the time it was recorded) but you can always title a recording and put the time, in any form you want, in the title...

hope to have helped

greetings,

Volta

[amelio747]

Thanks very much, to both of you for your help. Right, now to track one down for a good price! Ebay I think...

[amelio747]

Ok guys I went fot a MZ-NH1 and MDR-EX71SLB headphones in the end! It was a good price and I do like it but... the new headphones made no difference apart from blocking out external noise and I think I prefer the sound on my Panasonic! Am I mad, can the volume go louder somehow, is the sound quality really not as good as you'd think...??? The sound just seem so... subdued! Please help, advice.

[jonny mac]

The sound volume on European models is capped so on the NH1 24 is the loudest setting and going above this makes no difference. These can be uncapped. I have a walk-through for this for the NH900 that I could easily adapt for the NH1. Tell me if you want it (I really should get round to posting these somewhere as they simplify the uncapping process for those not familiar with it)

This won't increase the sound quality, just the volume (by about 25%). I find the SQ on my NH1 to be superb though...

[amelio747]

The sound volume on European models is capped so on the NH1 24 is the loudest setting and going above this makes no difference.  These can be uncapped.  I have a walk-through for this for the NH900 that I could easily adapt for the NH1.  Tell me if you want it (I really should get round to posting these somewhere as they simplify the uncapping process for those not familiar with it)

This won't increase the sound quality, just the volume (by about 25%).  I find the SQ on my NH1 to be superb though...

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I would really appreciate that! I think maybe it is just the volume seeing as I didn't notice any difference with the different headphones. The volume goes up to 30 on mine, so are you saying that it doesn't change after 24? This would be great THANK YOU.

[IguanaRide]

Congrats on your find Amelio. I've been looking at the NH1's for a while now. The only thing holding me back is the lithium battery (short battery life/expensive to replace). Could you let us know if you're happy with the playback/recording life of the lithium battery?

I'm thinking of buying the:

NH1/NH900 -> drawback; battery life pros -> durability/size/quality

RH10/RH910 -> drawback; durability/no line out pros -> display

Sharp model -> drawback; no Hi-MD pros ->HUGE battery life/quality/remote

I'm thinking Sharp is way to go, just worried about not having enough space on regular 80 mins MD's.

Can someone tell me what Software Sharp players use to upload music? Is it better than SonicStage? And is there a "Protection Management" thing on Sharps that limit your own recording uploads to 1 time (like Sony's)?

Thanks all,

IR

ps. Amelio, how do you find the magnesium body on the NH1?

[The Low Volta]

NH1/NH900    -> drawback; battery life                pros  -> durability/size/quality

if you get the NH900, upgrade to a 1450mAh gumstick (very cheap from GP Powerbank or something alike) and carry the AA add-on with you for emergencies or really long recordings, the battery life isn't that bad

Sharp model  -> drawback; no Hi-MD        pros ->HUGE battery life/quality/remote

I'm thinking Sharp is way to go, just worried about not having enough space on regular 80 mins MD's.

hm, what use are 40hours of batt life when you can only carry a couple of hours of music 'cause of space limitations

Can someone tell me what Software Sharp players use to upload music? Is it better than SonicStage? And is there a "Protection Management" thing on Sharps that limit your own recording uploads to 1 time (like Sony's)?

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ah, you really mean uploading as in digital, faster than realtime MD->PC? Then I guess there is no such possibility with sharp MD's (at least as far as I know)... only the analogue realtime transfer (actually rerecording) from line out on the MD to line in on the PC. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I really don't think that Sharp ever supported digital transfers, just like any pre-Hi-MD...

by the way, read a bit on these forums...as there is already a (actually two) way(s) to convert that one-time-only uploadable recording to wav without DRM-crud so you can edit, burn, download,... your own recording as much and as many times as you like...

greetings, Volta

[amelio747]

Congrats on your find Amelio. I've been looking at the NH1's for a while now. The only thing holding me back is the lithium battery (short battery life/expensive to replace). Could you let us know if you're happy with the playback/recording life of the lithium battery?

I'm thinking of buying the:

NH1/NH900    -> drawback; battery life                pros  -> durability/size/quality

RH10/RH910  -> drawback; durability/no line out    pros -> display

Sharp model  -> drawback; no Hi-MD        pros ->HUGE battery life/quality/remote

I'm thinking Sharp is way to go, just worried about not having enough space on regular 80 mins MD's.

Can someone tell me what Software Sharp players use to upload music? Is it better than SonicStage? And is there a "Protection Management" thing on Sharps that limit your own recording uploads to 1 time (like Sony's)?

Thanks all,

IR

ps. Amelio, how do you find the magnesium body on the NH1?

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So far I'm very happy with the battery life for the NH1 and it charges up extremely fast. I'm hoping It wont be too expensive to replace the battery in a few years time. NI-MH batteries are great bit I think the Lithium Technology is better and will charge faster. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm still wanting the hack codes to uncap the volume limit. I really hope the listening expereience will compare well with my old panasonic.

HI-MD surely must be the way to go so my advice is to not bother with Sharp

[The Low Volta]

I'm still wanting the hack codes to uncap the volume limit.

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check this thread...

greetings, Volta

[IguanaRide]

hm, what use are 40hours of batt life when you can only carry a couple of hours of music 'cause of space limitations 

Your point has much merit Volta. On the flip side, what use is a 1GB of music if you only have 10-15 hours of playback while camping/on a trip/etc?

Not much, which is why NH1 loses much of its appeal.

Question: I read that the external AA battery attachment on the NH900 (and i'm assuming most other players), simply charges up the Ni-MH battery in the player, instead of powering the player itself. I read this at battery University or on a forum here. Is this not bad for the Ni-MH battery; always semi-charging it up, then draining it again? Or does the "every once in a while, fully charge and deplete the battery" strategy prevent early wear on the battery?

Question numero two: I've on epinions or some other review centre that the battery life of the RH10/RH910 was disappointing. It's advertised as 32 hrs for RH10, and 25 hrs. for RH910. Does anyone know if these numbers are accurate or lowest quality playback? And how much recording time can you get with one battery?

IR

[The Low Volta]

Question: I read that the external AA battery attachment on the NH900 (and i'm assuming most other players), simply charges up the Ni-MH battery in the player, instead of powering the player itself. Is this not bad for the Ni-MH battery; always semi-charging it up, then draining it again? Or does the "every once in a while, fully charge and deplete the battery" strategy prevent early wear on the battery?

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well, as I said, I only use it for "emergencies" and particularly long recordings, so I would hardly say "always"... yes, it would seem pretty bad if you would always use this method, though a good few rounds of full charge/decharge can "repair" a lot of the "damage"

ah yes, and as I have upgraded my gumstick battery to a 1450 mAh GP-stick, I carry the fully charged Sony one with me when going on a longer trip

biggest issue is that, as there simply are no other brands producing Hi-MD players, one has to choose the Sony model with the best battery options (IMHO the NH900 or the RH10) or just live with all the pre-Hi-MD drawbacks (no uploading, no 1gig discs and extra space on 80min discs,...)

greetings, Volta

[IguanaRide]

Has anyone heard of Sharp or other company with plans to make Hi-MD players?

Or are we stuck with Sony for the next couple years?

IR

[A440]

If you look at main Sharp webpage at http://www.sharpusa.com/ they don't even list minidisc recorders among their products any more.

Google also found this:

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/FunctionL...1050,17,00.html

which shows them selling accessories but no MD units.

It seems like they have gotten out of the minidisc business. Which is a shame.

[1kyle]

Ok guys I went fot a MZ-NH1 and MDR-EX71SLB headphones in the end! It was a good price and I do like it but... the new headphones made no difference apart from blocking out external noise and I think I prefer the sound on my Panasonic! Am I mad, can the volume go louder somehow, is the sound quality really not as good as you'd think...??? The sound just seem so... subdued! Please help, advice.

←

I'm surprised that the battery issue is so much of an issue -- unless you are going out to the wilds and drinking beer with the crocodiles in Costa Rica (lovely country BTW) battery issue has never been a problem for me with either the MZ-N10 (Net MD) or the MZ-NH1.

The thin slimline magnesium cases of these are just terrific and well worth it.

The USB connection of the older MZ-N10 is the same as the MZ-NH1 so if you have the older model you will have a "spare" cable.

As to sound etc -- I have ZERO complaints with the NH1.

The only niggle is that if you are playing HI-MD discs you need to have the remote attached as well in order to navigate on play back -- however if I'm playing back LP2 discs this isn't such as issue as I know what's on the disc and usually play it from start to end where navigation isn't an issue.

As for MP3 recording / playback --I really couldn't care less --Atrac3 plus at 256 kbs IMO is FAR superior to MP3's at almost any bit rate --and PCM recording is there for those recordings that you HAVE to have with no compression.

If you are disappointed with the sound of the NH1 take a look at your Source -- are you ripping CD's --if so at what Bit rate or are you re-converting MP3's (usually very lossy to start with) into ATRAC --losing yet more fidelity.

Try ripping a GOOD QUALITY CD at 256kbs ATRAC3plus plus and playing it back with a DECENT set of cans -- you won't be disappointed at all.

I'm actually disappointed with the 2nd Gen units --to me looks like they are "dumbing down" the whole system which is why I've decided to skip this generation.

You can get some stunning deals on the NH1 at the moment (if you can find it) and whilst no unit is ever perfect I certainly am MORE than satisfied with the NH1.

As I've now found a decent MDLP unit with an optical out I can over time convert my old legacy discs to HI-MD by which time some decent high end 3rd gen stuff will appear.

Remember also that not everyone is stuck in front of a computer for organising music -- which is why I don't like those USB only new units (the one's with the 'D' at the end of the model number).

(I still regularly use the old MZ-N10 (Net-MD) and have never had a problem with that battery either.

Cheers

-K

Edited June 12, 2005 by 1kyle