Mz-RH 1 First and second impressions

[Orion]

Hi guys,

Bought an MZ-RH1 from Sony centre in Leeds. Uk. £229.

1st impressions were not favourable..there was a definite veil between me and the music (mainly classical), the bass was rather light, sound was flat and lacking dynamics and the top end quite harsh.

Over a few days, the unit blossomed and became sweeter but that dam veil was still there, getting in the way.

Interestingly, listening without the remote (which is needed to see what track we are playing etc) sounded much better but there was still that veil, no "acoustic" depth and clarity and a lack of detail.

So I tried using the remote from my RH10 (no text to view on this little baby)and it was so much better.

I concluded that I had a duff remote and called Sony centre about it. They said bring it in and we'll test it out and get things sorted for you. (Good service by the way, very helpful although the guy who sold it to me didn't know it will upload SP, LP2 etc minidisc net MD files)

To cut a long story short I ended up with a new remote and player...changing the remote took the veil away and everything came into focus. However, I tried a different RH1 player and WOW...now we are talking. Everything is there, acoustic, detail, dynamics, music, music, music.

The moral is...buy local if you can and compare at least 2 units before buying.

This new unit is sounding better and better by the hour. They do take time to sweeten up, at least 2 days of constant playing.

This device will now replace my trusted NH1 (a very fine and musical unit) and my RH10 will stay with me because it feels so much nicer in the hands and has a much better display. Sound quality is also up with the RH1...It would be hard to have to chose between them.

Recording quality of the RH1 is superb, no complaints. This is a wonderful musically satisfying and easy to operate unit. The best. And it plays MP3's with the same detail and musicality of ATRAC.

I use Sennheiser PX100 headphones by the way. Not your Sony tinny thingy in the box.

Hope you find this feedback useful.

PS Anyone want to buy an MZ NH1...complete..boxed..as new..3 line remote etc?

Edited May 23, 2006 by Orion

[dogville]

Hi guys,

Bought an MZ-RH1 from Sony centre in Leeds. Uk. £229.

1st impressions were not favourable..there was a definite veil between me and the music (mainly classical), the bass was rather light, sound was flat and lacking dynamics and the top end quite harsh.

Over a few days, the unit blossomed and became sweeter but that dam veil was still there, getting in the way.

Interestingly, listening without the remote (which is needed to see what track we are playing etc) sounded much better but there was still that veil, no "acoustic" depth and clarity and a lack of detail.

So I tried using the remote from my RH10 (no text to view on this little baby)and it was so much better.

I concluded that I had a duff remote and called Sony centre about it. They said bring it in and we'll test it out and get things sorted for you. (Good service by the way, very helpful although the guy who sold it to me didn't know it will upload SP, LP2 etc minidisc net MD files)

To cut a long story short I ended up with a new remote and player...changing the remote took the veil away and everything came into focus. However, I tried a different RH1 player and WOW...now we are talking. Everything is there, acoustic, detail, dynamics, music, music, music.

The moral is...buy local if you can and compare at least 2 units before buying.

This new unit is sounding better and better by the hour. They do take time to sweeten up, at least 2 days of constant playing.

This device will now replace my trusted NH1 (a very fine and musical unit) and my RH10 will stay with me because it feels so much nicer in the hands and has a much better display. Sound quality is also up with the RH1...It would be hard to have to chose between them.

Recording quality of the RH1 is superb, no complaints. This is a wonderful musically satisfying and easy to operate unit. The best. And it plays MP3's with the same detail and musicality of ATRAC.

I use Sennheiser PX100 headphones by the way. Not your Sony tinny thingy in the box.

Hope you find this feedback useful.

PS Anyone want to buy an MZ NH1...complete..boxed..as new..3 line remote etc?

Orion, first of all, congratulations for your RH-1 and for the Sennheiser PX-100; I got them and for me are the best headphones for the price by far. Now, one question; I see you bought it in England so you got one with the European volume restrictions. Do you feel the output is low or with those headphones you think it is enough?

Regards

[Orion]

Orion, first of all, congratulations for your RH-1 and for the Sennheiser PX-100; I got them and for me are the best headphones for the price by far. Now, one question; I see you bought it in England so you got one with the European volume restrictions. Do you feel the output is low or with those headphones you think it is enough?

Regards

Hi Dogville,

There's tons of volume for me. If we look at the spec..European models are 4.5mw into 16 Ohm and other countries 5mw into 16 Ohm, so there's only 0.5 thousandths of a watt in it. I use the custom sound to boost the output one notch (3db). Job done. I will be interested to see the hacks for service mode and sound output when they become available. I hacked my RH10 and that made a colossal difference. Mind you it was restricted to 2.8mw compared to non restricted 5mw so it would make a big difference.

If you use custom sound 3 notches up to boost the full 10db I find the sounds looses clarity and sweetness. Starts to get rough.

With pop music this RH1 thing can blow your head off with these headphones. Pop music is always recorded at higher levels than classical.

What are your thoughts or should I say your ear experiences with the European RH1?

Cheers

Edited May 23, 2006 by Orion

[Sony_Fan]

Hi guys,

Bought an MZ-RH1 from Sony centre in Leeds. Uk. £229.

1st impressions were not favourable..there was a definite veil between me and the music (mainly classical), the bass was rather light, sound was flat and lacking dynamics and the top end quite harsh.

Over a few days, the unit blossomed and became sweeter but that dam veil was still there, getting in the way.

Interestingly, listening without the remote (which is needed to see what track we are playing etc) sounded much better but there was still that veil, no "acoustic" depth and clarity and a lack of detail.

So I tried using the remote from my RH10 (no text to view on this little baby)and it was so much better.

I concluded that I had a duff remote and called Sony centre about it. They said bring it in and we'll test it out and get things sorted for you. (Good service by the way, very helpful although the guy who sold it to me didn't know it will upload SP, LP2 etc minidisc net MD files)

To cut a long story short I ended up with a new remote and player...changing the remote took the veil away and everything came into focus. However, I tried a different RH1 player and WOW...now we are talking. Everything is there, acoustic, detail, dynamics, music, music, music.

The moral is...buy local if you can and compare at least 2 units before buying.

This new unit is sounding better and better by the hour. They do take time to sweeten up, at least 2 days of constant playing.

This device will now replace my trusted NH1 (a very fine and musical unit) and my RH10 will stay with me because it feels so much nicer in the hands and has a much better display. Sound quality is also up with the RH1...It would be hard to have to chose between them.

Recording quality of the RH1 is superb, no complaints. This is a wonderful musically satisfying and easy to operate unit. The best. And it plays MP3's with the same detail and musicality of ATRAC.

I use Sennheiser PX100 headphones by the way. Not your Sony tinny thingy in the box.

Hope you find this feedback useful.

PS Anyone want to buy an MZ NH1...complete..boxed..as new..3 line remote etc?

Could you please be more specific on the following:

1.) Volume power of the RH1

2.) Bass response compared to the RH10. Which one has more?

3.) MP3 playback sound quality.

These are the main features that interest me and if they are not superior to that of the RH10, i may not get one.

[m15a]

PS Anyone want to buy an MZ NH1...complete..boxed..as new..3 line remote etc?

howe much? (i'm in the new york area, btw. EDIT: oh shoot. you're in the u.k., right?)

Edited May 23, 2006 by m15a

[Orion]

Could you please be more specific on the following:

1.) Volume power of the RH1

2.) Bass response compared to the RH10. Which one has more?

3.) MP3 playback sound quality.

These are the main features that interest me and if they are not superior to that of the RH10, i may not get one.

Chris,Hi,

I take it your RH10 is hacked for 5mw output?

What kind of music do you listen to?

Also do you want the RH1 only for playback and not for the Net MD upload facility?

Ok I'll try to answer in reverse order...

3.) RH1 MP3 playback is far superior to RH10. I have both units and the RH10 is definitely duller and cut off at HF making MP3 almost unlistenable without boosting treble..not a neat way to do things.

2.) Bass response is more "woolly" on a hacked RH10 so it feels deeper, feels like more. The bass is not as "tuneful" as the RH1 and the RH10 can sometimes sound a little bland and "slow". Overall sound though on the RH10 is rich, creamy and easy with a wonderful sense of ambience, flow and accuracy in the middle registers. String reproduction is smooth. Brass is fruity and woodwind gorgeous. I love this player (RH10) late at night where it can almost induce an "Out of the body" experience..it's so easy to get lost in the music.

On the other hand the RH1 has a sweetness and the ability to play tunes with subtle shades of colour and dynamic. Music takes place horizontally (tunes) and vertically (harmony)and its easier to separate these aspects on the RH1..to focus in on an area of the music so the music can be satisfying on a mental, intellectual as well as an emotional level. The RH1 also seems more agile, less bland, more nimble, more focused and better transient response. The sound is still gorgeous but in a different way..you know..like blondes and brunettes.

I would not want to say which is the better player in terms of sound. Both are gorgeous players sound wise. It's like discussing which drum kit or saxophone sound is "correct" It's about what turns you on. You...nothing else. Try to get to listen to an RH1 and then you'll know how good your RH10 is as well. Different...but both superb. Blonde or Brunette?

1.) Volume power on the RH1 (and all players) is dependent on the headhpones. On my headphones...(see my original post) there is power on tap and available..I never have to have the volume flat out for my classical stuff. I'm sat here listening to some quiet Sibelius in front of my noisy computer and my volumes is at 23 (out of 30)and I hear everything fine.

My gut is ..if you want quality MP3, net md minidisc upload and to make recordings of superb quality you need the RH1.

If you want your "out of the body" experience listening to music only, you don't need to spend any money. Your RH10 is a beautiful piece of kit. You have the best for listening...but don't take my word for it..go hear the RH1 and compare.

I got my RH1 for recording and minidisc netmd upload.

Why are you thinking about getting the RH1?

Cheers

Orion

howe much? (i'm in the new york area, btw. EDIT: oh shoot. you're in the u.k., right?)

LOL M15a ...you ain't gonna get no bang for your buck at the current dollar/pound exchange rate.

Cheers

Orion

[Stuge]

Congrats on buying RH1 & Nice review ...

[Orion]

Congrats on buying RH1 & Nice review ...

Cheers Stuge.

Gadget lovers rule ok!

Orion

[dogville]

Hi Dogville,

There's tons of volume for me. If we look at the spec..European models are 4.5mw into 16 Ohm and other countries 5mw into 16 Ohm, so there's only 0.5 thousandths of a watt in it. I use the custom sound to boost the output one notch (3db). Job done. I will be interested to see the hacks for service mode and sound output when they become available. I hacked my RH10 and that made a colossal difference. Mind you it was restricted to 2.8mw compared to non restricted 5mw so it would make a big difference.

If you use custom sound 3 notches up to boost the full 10db I find the sounds looses clarity and sweetness. Starts to get rough.

With pop music this RH1 thing can blow your head off with these headphones. Pop music is always recorded at higher levels than classical.

What are your thoughts or should I say your ear experiences with the European RH1?

Cheers

Hi Orion

If I understood you right, the European models are finally 4.5 mw which. As you say, compared to the 5 mw of other countries there's harldy no difference (GREAT!). It was said, or at least I read it to someone in this forum, that the output of the European models would be 2.5mw (which was really ridiculous): Now that you confirm me about the 4.5mw, I'm more confident to buy one as soon as it is released in Spain, where I live.

I repeat that the Sennheiser PX100 are the best of the best at this level. Do you agree?

Cheers

Edited May 24, 2006 by dogville

[matthewricha]

Hi Orion I bought my RH1 a week ago after selling my NH1 on ebay. It's very nice I agree! A couple of things though.

I think this has been discussed before, but I can't for the life of me find the topic...... If you plug in the RM-MC40ELK from the NH1 into the RH1 does it show the remaining battery time? I miss this as the RH1's remote won't show it! Also does it have all the editing functions on the remote as well, because as far as I can tell the RM-MC38ELK with the RH1 only allows titling.

Also I've found that I can't title a track or group whilst recording with the RH1. I could however do this with the NH1, which is annoying. Would this be allowed with the RM-MC40ELK?

I know this has been said before, but the lack of 'Group' button on the Main unit is absolutely ludicrous!! Why the hell was it taken off sony?!

I have bought some screen protectors for the RH1's display as it seems to scratch easily! I recommend!

BTW the volume output is much more than adequate! If anyone needs more volume like the Japanese version you should seriously have a hearing test!!

Thanks

Lion

[dogville]

Hi Orion I bought my RH1 a week ago after selling my NH1 on ebay. It's very nice I agree! A couple of things though.

I think this has been discussed before, but I can't for the life of me find the topic...... If you plug in the RM-MC40ELK from the NH1 into the RH1 does it show the remaining battery time? I miss this as the RH1's remote won't show it! Also does it have all the editing functions on the remote as well, because as far as I can tell the RM-MC38ELK with the RH1 only allows titling.

Also I've found that I can't title a track or group whilst recording with the RH1. I could however do this with the NH1, which is annoying. Would this be allowed with the RM-MC40ELK?

I know this has been said before, but the lack of 'Group' button on the Main unit is absolutely ludicrous!! Why the hell was it taken off sony?!

I have bought some screen protectors for the RH1's display as it seems to scratch easily! I recommend!

BTW the volume output is much more than adequate! If anyone needs more volume like the Japanese version you should seriously have a hearing test!!

Thanks

Lion

Sure it is; but I usually use my portable players volume not over a 50%. What I don't want is that this 50% equals the 100% of the rh-1. I don't know if I make myself undertood. I trust you when you say it is more than adequate so, no problem .

thanks so much

[matthewricha]

Sure it is; but I usually use my portable players volume not over a 50%. What I don't want is that this 50% equals the 100% of the rh-1. I don't know if I make myself undertood. I trust you when you say it is more than adequate so, no problem .

thanks so much

I see what you are saying you don't want your portable device to running in saturation, causing distortion because of the capped output etc? I can't see this being the case. It would either be capped digitally before the headphone amplifier (the NH1 had digital feeds into the HD AMP on the circuit diagram) or a set of resistors to cap the output.

so Orion can you check those RM-MC40ELK functionalities with the RH1 please?

Thanks

Lion

[Orion]

Hi Orion I bought my RH1 a week ago after selling my NH1 on ebay. It's very nice I agree! A couple of things though.

I think this has been discussed before, but I can't for the life of me find the topic...... If you plug in the RM-MC40ELK from the NH1 into the RH1 does it show the remaining battery time? I miss this as the RH1's remote won't show it! Also does it have all the editing functions on the remote as well, because as far as I can tell the RM-MC38ELK with the RH1 only allows titling.

Also I've found that I can't title a track or group whilst recording with the RH1. I could however do this with the NH1, which is annoying. Would this be allowed with the RM-MC40ELK?

I know this has been said before, but the lack of 'Group' button on the Main unit is absolutely ludicrous!! Why the hell was it taken off sony?!

I have bought some screen protectors for the RH1's display as it seems to scratch easily! I recommend!

BTW the volume output is much more than adequate! If anyone needs more volume like the Japanese version you should seriously have a hearing test!!

Thanks

Lion

Hi Lion..

"If you plug in the RM-MC40ELK from the NH1 into the RH1 does it show the remaining battery time?"

NO

"Also does it have all the editing functions on the remote as well, because as far as I can tell the RM-MC38ELK with the RH1 only allows titling."

NO ...you cannot access the editing menus from the 40ELK. Holding down the "Display" button for more than 2 seconds has no effect.

The 40ELK remote gives no real advantages over the supplied remote apart from more information lines. Also, there are some functions which cannot be accessed by the 40ELK.

The RH1 is not designed to be fully functional with the 40ELK remote..it states in the manual that the RH1 should only be used with the supplied remote. (To access all functions)

Also, just noticed, there is an interesting difference in sound quality..slightly smoother sound, a little duller at the top end. There must be some passive components in these remotes...unless the connecting wire quality affects perfomance this much..hmmm would rather doubt it.

Hope that helps

Cheers

Orion

I repeat that the Sennheiser PX100 are the best of the best at this level. Do you agree?

Cheers

Hi again Dogville

Well yes I would agree but to be honest these headphones are so good I've given up trying anything else out...when I was trying, nothing came close not even phones costing £70+.

Cheers

Orion

Edited May 24, 2006 by Orion

[matthewricha]

Hi Lion..

"If you plug in the RM-MC40ELK from the NH1 into the RH1 does it show the remaining battery time?"

NO

"Also does it have all the editing functions on the remote as well, because as far as I can tell the RM-MC38ELK with the RH1 only allows titling."

NO ...you cannot access the editing menus from the 40ELK. Holding down the "Display" button for more than 2 seconds has no effect.

The 40ELK remote gives no real advantages over the supplied remote apart from more information lines. Also, there are some functions which cannot be accessed by the 40ELK.

The RH1 is not designed to be fully functional with the 40ELK remote..it states in the manual that the RH1 should only be used with the supplied remote. (To access all functions)

Also, just noticed, there is an interesting difference in sound quality..slightly smoother sound, a little duller at the top end. There must be some passive components in these remotes...unless the connecting wire quality affects perfomance this much..hmmm would rather doubt it.

Hope that helps

Cheers

Orion

I repeat that the Sennheiser PX100 are the best of the best at this level. Do you agree?

Cheers

Hi again Dogville

Well yes I would agree but to be honest these headphones are so good I've given up trying anything else out...when I was trying, nothing came close not even phones costing £70+.

Cheers

Orion

Hi Orion!

thanks for the reply!

that's a shame about the battery remaining! With the editing functions, holding down the display button wouldn't work I don't think as on the RM-MC40ELK I seem to remember that one had to hold down the jog dial for a couple of seconds, then a menu came up, of which you could change settings etc??

Thanks for the info

Lion

[dogville]

I see what you are saying you don't want your portable device to running in saturation, causing distortion because of the capped output etc?

Exactly

I repeat that the Sennheiser PX100 are the best of the best at this level. Do you agree?

Cheers

Hi again Dogville

Well yes I would agree but to be honest these headphones are so good I've given up trying anything else out...when I was trying, nothing came close not even phones costing £70+.

Cheers

Orion

I have the same point of view. These headphones are GREAT.

Cheers

[vercoquin]

PS Anyone want to buy an MZ NH1...complete..boxed..as new..3 line remote etc?

I'm interested. my address: tago . mago (at) katamail . com (remove the spaces)

fabio

[Orion]

Hi Orion!

thanks for the reply!

that's a shame about the battery remaining! With the editing functions, holding down the display button wouldn't work I don't think as on the RM-MC40ELK I seem to remember that one had to hold down the jog dial for a couple of seconds, then a menu came up, of which you could change settings etc??

Thanks for the info

Lion

Whoops Lion, Yes you're right and that works - enabling edit track, group etc.

Cheers

Orion

[matthewricha]

Whoops Lion, Yes you're right and that works - enabling edit track, group etc.

Cheers

Orion

Brilliant! Cheers Orion!! Great help.

Lion

[NIGHTS]

quick question:

does anyone know if the mc40elk will display recording levels while plugged into the rh1?

Edited July 31, 2006 by r.porter

[NIGHTS]

anyone?

[The Low Volta]

as the RH1 will display the rec-levels beautifully itself, I guess no one (including me) has had the need to see if the RM-MC40ELK still does this trick as well...

right now I haven't got my RM-MC40ELK with me, so I can't check, sorry. I have checked all playback functions of the Rm-MC40ELK and the RH1 and there seems to be only one minor difference (which is the same with 2nd gen) so I dare to say that it would show rec levels just the same as any other HiMD...

but really, an LCD remote connected while recording induces quiet(ish) staticy noise which can clearly be heard over more quiet recordings. So the fact that the recorder displays the levels itself is actually a big improvement...

PS: I just saw you were 'bumping' a question that's not even a day old...please, this is a board, not a customer support live-chat

sometimes it takes a while for the right person to read the post... be patient

[NIGHTS]

as the RH1 will display the rec-levels beautifully itself, I guess no one (including me) has had the need to see if the RM-MC40ELK still does this trick as well...

right now I haven't got my RM-MC40ELK with me, so I can't check, sorry. I have checked all playback functions of the Rm-MC40ELK and the RH1 and there seems to be only one minor difference (which is the same with 2nd gen) so I dare to say that it would show rec levels just the same as any other HiMD...

but really, an LCD remote connected while recording induces quiet(ish) staticy noise which can clearly be heard over more quiet recordings. So the fact that the recorder displays the levels itself is actually a big improvement...

PS: I just saw you were 'bumping' a question that's not even a day old...please, this is a board, not a customer support live-chat

sometimes it takes a while for the right person to read the post... be patient

Hmm thanks for the tip... I dont suppose that little ferrite core could help with that could it?

Sorry about that I guess Im just a tad bit anxious to see whether i should buy one or not as it'd make recording just a tad easier holding the remote instead of the actual unit in my hand when making a live recording (I kinda dont want to drop it )

[1kyle]

Hi Orion --congrats on the RH1. I have to disagree however about the RH10 -- especially if played into an external amp. Both the NH1 and RH1 have genuine Line out which the RH10 doesn't --and unless you've applied the RH10 hack you won't get the custom equalisation mode on the European RH10 models either.

I was actually (apart from the beautiful display) very disappointed with the RH10 --I've now "Disposed" of this unit.

My 3 work horses are the RH1 (black model --really nice looking), the NH1 and the legacy N10 --still love that old "tiny" unit --and it's display is OK for standard MD disks.

However I'll add that the RH1 far exceeded my expectations and is likely to be with me even if and when Sony finally kill off the Format.

I think however a decent stay of execution is now pending as Sony themselves have been totally surprised by the popularity of the RH1 which is selling really well wherever it can be sourced.

Cheers

-K

[raintheory]

quick question:

does anyone know if the mc40elk will display recording levels while plugged into the rh1?

Yep, sure does.

I even double-checked just now to be sure.

Edited August 1, 2006 by raintheory

[NIGHTS]

Yep, sure does.

I even double-checked just now to be sure.

THANK YOU

[Orion]

Hi Orion --congrats on the RH1. I have to disagree however about the RH10 -- especially if played into an external amp. Both the NH1 and RH1 have genuine Line out which the RH10 doesn't --and unless you've applied the RH10 hack you won't get the custom equalisation mode on the European RH10 models either.

I was actually (apart from the beautiful display) very disappointed with the RH10 --I've now "Disposed" of this unit.

My 3 work horses are the RH1 (black model --really nice looking), the NH1 and the legacy N10 --still love that old "tiny" unit --and it's display is OK for standard MD disks.

However I'll add that the RH1 far exceeded my expectations and is likely to be with me even if and when Sony finally kill off the Format.

I think however a decent stay of execution is now pending as Sony themselves have been totally surprised by the popularity of the RH1 which is selling really well wherever it can be sourced.

Cheers

-K

Hi 1Kyle,

Sorry for the delay in responding. Been away.

Interesting about your RH10. Never used the line out so will accept what you say.

Don't seem to be using my RH10 or NH1 any more. The RH1 does everything I need and makes beautiful recordings on Standard minidiscs which I can easily transfer via Sonic Stage to CD. I teach meditation and make recordings for my students. They all ask me how I make such lifelike recordings. In fact I was playing a CD of a meditation recording through the Hi-Fi and then spoke after the meditation ended. Everyone swore they were still listening to the meditation. That's how good the RH1 is. Don't need any other device.

Cheers

Orion.

[zardoz]

Interesting!

I, too, noticed that removing the remote improved sound quality from my unit.

Have I got a dud remote? I never noticed this dramatic change on my MZ-N10 or my previous units.

MD uploading works a treat. MP3 decoding seems decent but it bugs me - I find myself reaching for the iPod sometimes.

I still prefer the headphone output (and sound presets) of my R900 to drive my E888s. My Sennheiser HD-600s seems to run OK from the RH1 but my iPod has a bit more guts to drive them.

Haven't had a chance to take this unit for a spin with live recording yet.

[alberttf]

Interesting!

I, too, noticed that removing the remote improved sound quality from my unit.

Have I got a dud remote? I never noticed this dramatic change on my MZ-N10 or my previous units.

MD uploading works a treat. MP3 decoding seems decent but it bugs me - I find myself reaching for the iPod sometimes.

I still prefer the headphone output (and sound presets) of my R900 to drive my E888s. My Sennheiser HD-600s seems to run OK from the RH1 but my iPod has a bit more guts to drive them.

Haven't had a chance to take this unit for a spin with live recording yet.

but it's possible a problem with a one RH1