Can someone help me choose a new MD player?

[flipstah]

Hello all!

I broke my Sharp IM-MT880 recently and it turns out that no one (even the Sharp authorized service center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) can fix it! I called every single Sharp headquarters, from USA, to Canada, even Japan! (Though i can't get through their calling system. Dang Japanese )

Anywhos, I was looking around the internet and found these two 'potential' MD players that recently caught my eye.

They are called:

http://www.audiocubes.com/popup_image.php?pID=997

Sharp MD-DS55 Auvi 1-Bit H.A. MiniDisc Player

And...

http://www.audiocubes.com/popup_image.php?pID=1213

Panasonic SJ-MJ100 MiniDisc Player

Beauty, aren't they?

Okay, the 1-Bit Technology by Sharp has got me leaning towards it, but I'm such a sucker for color and Panasonic has that edge.

Despite the color issue, which one is better audio-quality wise and such?

Also, which one is more durable, you think?

Thanks for reading this and hope to hear from you all!

[The Low Volta]

you really should consider Hi-MD, this offers 1gb discs and triple storage on older discs as well (+/-300MB) and you can use all you current full discs as well

further it offers two-way transfer with PC (through USB)

just read up on the technology and models in the minidisc.org equipment browser and the product reviews/pictorials section on thes forums

they offer download/player only models with great design and beautiful colours as well

[Stuge]

Yup ,Low Volta is right .You shd really consider Hi-Md ,Less than that ..say no to it .

Edited September 3, 2006 by stuge

[flipstah]

Hi MD has caught my eye with the immense space differentials, but in Calgary, Hi MD players are quite hard to find. They don't offer a lot of models here in Calgary and I only found one model in the Sony Stores and that was the Sony MZ-NH600D.

If someone out there knows stores that they can give to me that offers various models in Calgary, it would be greatly appreciated.

Seems a lot to ask, but I hope you can help. ^^

^^

[jaylen]

It's not Hi-MD, but for me, that Auvi sound is still tops.

And, for the record, you don't necessarily HAVE to go with Hi-MD, although like Volta, I recommend it. But, if you like the non-Hi-MD units then that is fine, too. There are plenty of MD users on this forum and others that didn't go Hi-MD and are doing very well without it. Don't feel pressured to do so. Plus, I'm sure you've noticed that there is more variety in designs and manufacturers of non-Hi-MD units compared to Hi-MD. I think that Hi-MD is ideal (capacity-wise), but I also feel that it is not THE ONLY way to go if you like the minidisc format.

PS The guy who said "Less than that ..say no to it" has never owned anything older than Hi-MD, so he shouldn't be too quick to judge since he doesn't have adequate experience with both.

[flipstah]

For me, a lot of storage isn't on top of my list, but it's certainly a plus, which is why I didn't really have a lot of interest in Hi-MD seeing as how it's way more expensive that NetMD's. I have a lot of discs and I don't mind carrying a few, so I'm content with a NetMD.

But, seeing as how few or no selection is present in Calgary, I guess I gotta stick to Audio Cubes for buying one.

[WaywardTraveller]

For me, a lot of storage isn't on top of my list, but it's certainly a plus, which is why I didn't really have a lot of interest in Hi-MD seeing as how it's way more expensive that NetMD's. I have a lot of discs and I don't mind carrying a few, so I'm content with a NetMD.

But, seeing as how few or no selection is present in Calgary, I guess I gotta stick to Audio Cubes for buying one.

Not necessarily...you could always try http://www.minidisc-canada.com. Even though right now they only seem to carry the RH1, you can emali them and ask them if they can obtain any other (relatively) recent units. It beats paying AudioCubes prices if you can avoid it.

peace

WaywardTraveller

[A440]

All the Hi-MD recorders, and even the NH600, are going to seem awfully fat and ugly compared to the NetMD players. There is a Hi-MD player, the EH1, but I've never seen one for sale.

I suggest looking on Ebay for one of the NetMD players--the Sharp probably has the best sound. Obviously make sure the photo is clear so you can see what condition it's in. But you should be able to beat those Audiocubes prices.

[flipstah]

All the Hi-MD recorders, and even the NH600, are going to seem awfully fat and ugly compared to the NetMD players. There is a Hi-MD player, the EH1, but I've never seen one for sale.

I suggest looking on Ebay for one of the NetMD players--the Sharp probably has the best sound. Obviously make sure the photo is clear so you can see what condition it's in. But you should be able to beat those Audiocubes prices.

Actually, I'd like to stay away from eBay. That is actually where I bought my first NetMD recorder and it only lasted me 5 months or so before it died on me.

I'd like to get a brand new one, Hi-MD or otherwise, and I've contacted Minidisc Canada to see if they can offer me different and cheaper models.

[jaylen]

All the Hi-MD recorders, and even the NH600, are going to seem awfully fat and ugly compared to the NetMD players. There is a Hi-MD player, the EH1, but I've never seen one for sale.

I agree. More designs and colors for the NetMDers, too. There are MDLP player-only units that are the same thickness as the EH1. (The E10 is even smaller than the EH1.) lol There are also some pretty fat NetMD units - those PSYC ones come to mind.

You can also try:

minidiscaccess.com

minidisco.com

jr.com

bhphotovideo.com

It's too bad only a few places have the Sharp Auvi units. And, they're charging a premium for them.

[flipstah]

Is it worth getting the Sharp Auvi units on Audiocubes or just normal NetMD's?

[jaylen]

flipstah: I looked again at your initial post and the Sharp and Panasonic (they look awesome, by the way) that you linked are player-only units. Do you have another unit to record discs with (other than your broken MT880) and are now looking for just a player?

[flipstah]

I don't really intend to use the recording function, but I would totally pay extra if it's available. You never know... =)

[The Low Volta]

player only means that they do not offer any way to get music on a disc (not through a mic, not through a line-in, not through USB) so they are only useful if you either have all your music stored on MD and do not intend to create new discs ever again or you have another MD that can create discs for the player only unit

PS: downloader only units can do USB transfers

[jaylen]

I don't really intend to use the recording function, but I would totally pay extra if it's available. You never know... =)

Ok, I was just a little confused because it seemed as if you were looking for a NetMD recorder replacement for your MT880, but the ones you were interested in are player-only units (no NetMD, no recording function). I forgot to mention that you can also try etronics.com. They have a Sony NetMD for like US$60 and ship internationally.

You can look here for all the different models - player-only vs. recorders and downloaders (NetMD): http://www.minidisc.org/equipment_browser.html. Good luck!

[flipstah]

Ok, I was just a little confused because it seemed as if you were looking for a NetMD recorder replacement for your MT880, but the ones you were interested in are player-only units (no NetMD, no recording function). I forgot to mention that you can also try etronics.com. They have a Sony NetMD for like US$60 and ship internationally.

You can look here for all the different models - player-only vs. recorders and downloaders (NetMD): http://www.minidisc.org/equipment_browser.html. Good luck!

Wait... The ones I picked aren't NetMD?

Does that mean the transfer rate is in real time?

[bland10000]

Both units you picked, Sharp 55 and Pana 100, are player-only units. Sharp has only one NetMD recorder, IM-DR80. Sony has the MZ-N920. They also had the Psych series which may all be download-only units. The mz-n420d is still available via Amazon.

[The Low Volta]

player only even means no realtime transfers IIRC, only the option to play existing discs (therefore called player-only units)

what you are looking for is at least a NetMD downloader unit (this will allow LP2 downloads faster than realtime through USB)

[A440]

There is no transfer rate on player units. There are no inputs. Those are only to play back discs you made on another unit. That's why they're so small.

The best retail deal I know about for Hi-MD is still this one for the NH700 for $150.

http://www.minidiscaccess.com/item.html?PRID=1553220

It's the full-featured Hi-MD, with recorder (mic and Line-in), fast transfer, etc. Those units are also new on Ebay for slightly less. Both the Ebay ones and the Minidisc Access ones are from close-outs in Australia, and you can find new ones on Ebay.

The photo is sneaky, because it doesn't show the quarter-inch bulge of the AA battery in the back along the top. But the unit is still pocket-sized and mine has been taking constant use and occasional abuse since 2004 with no problems.

If you don't care about recording, look for units with D in the number, like NH600D (Hi-MD). You can probably find those for under $100 on Ebay. The MZ-N420 is the super el cheapo NetMD model, and probably not all that sturdy.

Edited September 10, 2006 by A440

[jaylen]

Wait... The ones I picked aren't NetMD?

The link I gave you separates the models into player-only and recorder/downloader. Just in case we've confused you even more...

player-only unit (the Sharp and Panasonic that you picked out)

- no NetMD

- no recording function (no mic or line-in)

- cannot "make" new discs; can only play discs

downloader

- NetMD

- no recording function (no mic or line-in)

- can "make" new discs, but only using your computer (BeatJam or SonicStage)

- can play discs

recorder (this is what your MT880 was - a NetMD recorder with line-in)

- NetMD

- has recording function

- can "make" new discs using computer, line-in, or a mic (mic and line-in varies between models so you have to check the equipment browser link that I gave to you; some recorders don't have NetMD; some recorders have line-in but no mic-in)

- can play discs

Like people have already suggested, the least that you would need to replace your old MT880 is a downloader. Getting a recorder would be "extra," since you said "I don't really intend to use the recording function, but I would totally pay extra if it's available." On a side note, some Hi-MD are also NetMD (NH600D, NH3D) and NetMD recorders (NH700, NHF800), so if you find good prices on Hi-MD, you can also go that route. They can use the 74/80 min discs you used with your MT880 so you wouldn't really need to invest in Hi-MD blanks.

[flipstah]

The link I gave you separates the models into player-only and recorder/downloader. Just in case we've confused you even more...

player-only unit (the Sharp and Panasonic that you picked out)

- no NetMD

- no recording function (no mic or line-in)

- cannot "make" new discs; can only play discs

downloader

- NetMD

- no recording function (no mic or line-in)

- can "make" new discs, but only using your computer (BeatJam or SonicStage)

- can play discs

recorder (this is what your MT880 was - a NetMD recorder with line-in)

- NetMD

- has recording function

- can "make" new discs using computer, line-in, or a mic (mic and line-in varies between models so you have to check the equipment browser link that I gave to you; some recorders don't have NetMD; some recorders have line-in but no mic-in)

- can play discs

Like people have already suggested, the least that you would need to replace your old MT880 is a downloader. Getting a recorder would be "extra," since you said "I don't really intend to use the recording function, but I would totally pay extra if it's available." On a side note, some Hi-MD are also NetMD (NH600D, NH3D) and NetMD recorders (NH700, NHF800), so if you find good prices on Hi-MD, you can also go that route. They can use the 74/80 min discs you used with your MT880 so you wouldn't really need to invest in Hi-MD blanks.

I guess I'll just re-evaluate myself and now search for a NetMD recorder, because I currently learned that Hi-MD's don't have car decks, contrary to NetMD. I plan to put a car deck in the future, so I guess I'm gonna be sticking to NetMD's then.

I'll visit the Sony Store this week and ask what models they have in NetMD (other than the Psyc series, because they're just ugly )

Thanks for all the help everyone, especially Jaylen.

I totally appreciate it

[A440]

Hi-MD recorders and downloaders are backwards-compatible, which means they will make and play NetMD discs that would work in a car unit. You just have to use 74- or 80-minute discs and set SonicStage to make SP or LP2 discs (if your car player can handle LP2) when it transfers music. The new 1GB Hi-MD discs will not play in older units.

You're probably not going to find NetMD units at a SonyStyle store, since they were discontinued in 2004 when Hi-MD came out.

[flipstah]

Hi-MD recorders and downloaders are backwards-compatible, which means they will make and play NetMD discs that would work in a car unit. You just have to use 74- or 80-minute discs and set SonicStage to make SP or LP2 discs (if your car player can handle LP2) when it transfers music. The new 1GB Hi-MD discs will not play in older units.

You're probably not going to find NetMD units at a SonyStyle store, since they were discontinued in 2004 when Hi-MD came out.

Danga... So Hi-MD Recorders CAN record in NetMD mode?

I see...

Well, this Friday my Sony Store is gonna be barrage with Hi-MD questions from me

[jaylen]

Danga... So Hi-MD Recorders CAN record in NetMD mode?

In my previous post:

On a side note, some Hi-MD are also NetMD (NH600D, NH3D) and NetMD recorders (NH700, NHF800), so if you find good prices on Hi-MD, you can also go that route. They can use the 74/80 min discs you used with your MT880 so you wouldn't really need to invest in Hi-MD blanks.

Well, this Friday my Sony Store is gonna be barrage with Hi-MD questions from me

I wouldn't be too hopeful about Sony Store staff knowing much about minidisc. They're notorious for being unknowledgable with the MD format. At my local SonyStyle, the guy had no idea what the RH910 was and just basically read off of the product card that was on the display in front of the unit. He was more interested in selling me their new DVD player.

[A440]

Jaylen has already said this, but it may be confusing so I'll elaborate a little.

If you want to transfer music from computer onto a disc in NetMD modes--SP, LP2, LP4--then any Hi-MD will do that. However, if you want to make real-time recordings--through a microphone or through line-in--that will play back on the old MD unit, your only good choices are the NH700 and NHF800. (Don't spend the extra money on the NH900, a troubled unit.)

Those are 2004 or first-generation Hi-MD models. In the 2005 or second-generation models, with numbers beginning with RH rather than NH, Sony took out realtime SP, LP2 and LP4 recording--though you can still do the NetMD transfers--and added half-decent .mp3 compatibility, which is useless to you because your car MD unit won't play straight mp3s.

And then, to scramble everything further, Sony put SP, LP2 and LP4 recording back in its new RH1, and also fixed mp3 playback.

Jaylen is also right that your Sony Store guy or gal won't know any of this.

[flipstah]

In my previous post:

I wouldn't be too hopeful about Sony Store staff knowing much about minidisc. They're notorious for being unknowledgable with the MD format. At my local SonyStyle, the guy had no idea what the RH910 was and just basically read off of the product card that was on the display in front of the unit. He was more interested in selling me their new DVD player.

Jaylen has already said this, but it may be confusing so I'll elaborate a little.

If you want to transfer music from computer onto a disc in NetMD modes--SP, LP2, LP4--then any Hi-MD will do that. However, if you want to make real-time recordings--through a microphone or through line-in--that will play back on the old MD unit, your only good choices are the NH700 and NHF800. (Don't spend the extra money on the NH900, a troubled unit.)

Those are 2004 or first-generation Hi-MD models. In the 2005 or second-generation models, with numbers beginning with RH rather than NH, Sony took out realtime SP, LP2 and LP4 recording--though you can still do the NetMD transfers--and added half-decent .mp3 compatibility, which is useless to you because your car MD unit won't play straight mp3s.

Jaylen is also right that your Sony Store guy or gal won't know any of this.

Crap. Well I guess the only option I have is to physically go to the store. Since it's "old technology" so to speak, would you happen to know if they are eager to get rid of 'em?

Because I'm thinking...

High Supply, Low Demand, Low Prices.

Or am I wrong?

[jaylen]

Sadly, I think you'd be very lucky to find any MD unit for sale in Sony stores. The SonyStyle here only had the RH910 and right now it's no longer in stock. They do have plenty of those beans and other mp3 players. But, some people on MDCF have had luck of finding units for cheap at retail stores (I recall someone getting a few DH10P for well below retail). It doesn't hurt to check anyway as you could be one of those lucky few! Be sure to post what you find after visiting your Canadian Sony store.

Edit: I think most of the best deals (and variety) for MD/Hi-MD are found online at the e-tailers we've suggested as well as eBay. Unless you can get yourself a source in Japan like some members have done.

Edited September 12, 2006 by jaylen

[flipstah]

Sadly, I think you'd be very lucky to find any MD unit for sale in Sony stores. The SonyStyle here only had the RH910 and right now it's no longer in stock. They do have plenty of those beans and other mp3 players. But, some people on MDCF have had luck of finding units for cheap at retail stores (I recall someone getting a few DH10P for well below retail). It doesn't hurt to check anyway as you could be one of those lucky few! Be sure to post what you find after visiting your Canadian Sony store.

I think most of the best deals (and variety) for MD/Hi-MD are found online at the e-tailers we've suggested as well as eBay. Unless you can get yourself a source in Japan like some members have done. I've also PMed you with an option for getting a Sharp NetMD recorder.

This weekend, I'm gonna be super busy. Going to visit some 'mom and pop' stores, maybe BestBuy, The Sony Store... Everywhere.

Thanks everyone and if I do get lucky, I will totally share my findings