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Help with Buying a Minidisc Player

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iknowstuff

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There are three kinds of minidisc units. They all play back minidiscs.

There are recorders, which have Line-in (and in most cases mic-in) inputs that let you record in realtime. Recorders made since 2002 also allow you to download music from PC to disc. First came NetMD (models beginning with MZ-N*), which was one-way--PC to disc, not the other way--and then Hi-MD (models beginning with MZ-NH* and MZ-RH*) that allowed you to upload your own recordings to your computer as well.

There are downloaders (they have D in the model number), which only allow you to download from PC to disc. No realtime recording. You can rip tracks from your own CDs, convert mp3s (wherever you got them) for minidisc use and, as a desperate last resort, buy from Sony's online Connect store.

And there are players (beginning with E), which only play back discs made on other units. Those would be non-recordable.

Here's information on virtually every minidisc unit:

http://www.minidisc.org/equipment_browser.html

In my own opinion, anything before Hi-MD is obsolete. You can make better quality recordings and put more music on a disc with Hi-MD.

The top of the line Hi-MD is the MZ-RH1.

If you want to make realtime recordings for the lowest price, get the MZ-NH700, on Ebay (check feedback, etc.) or here:

http://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopexd.asp?id=675

For just a player/downloader, you can probably find the MZ-NH600D for under $100. But if that's the only functionality you want, you might be better off with a little mp3 player.

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In my own opinion, anything before Hi-MD is obsolete. You can make better quality recordings and put more music on a disc with Hi-MD.

The top of the line Hi-MD is the MZ-RH1.

If you want to make realtime recordings for the lowest price, get the MZ-NH700, on Ebay (check feedback, etc.) or here:

http://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopexd.asp?id=675

For just a player/downloader, you can probably find the MZ-NH600D for under $100. But if that's the only functionality you want, you might be better off with a little mp3 player.

What other models permit live recordings and upload to the computer?

Is Sony discontinuing all models except the NH1? They only display the NH1 on their website. How old and outdated is the NH700 or NH910? A Sony salesperson told me the NH910 doesn't work uploading live recordings.

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360: In addition to what A440 said, this thread might also help you out (http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?s=&am...st&p=108073) - lol I just don't want to type it all over again. Good luck.

Is Sony discontinuing all models except the NH1? They only display the NH1 on their website. How old and outdated is the NH700 or NH910? A Sony salesperson told me the NH910 doesn't work uploading live recordings.

The RH1 is the latest Hi-MD model out. The NH700 was part of the 1st generation of Hi-MD units; the RH910 was part of the 2nd gen; the NH1 was part of the 1st gen. This link (http://www.minidisc.org/part_Hi-MD_Sony.html) will tell you how old each one is.

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What other models permit live recordings and upload to the computer?

Is Sony discontinuing all models except the NH1? They only display the NH1 on their website. How old and outdated is the NH700 or NH910? A Sony salesperson told me the NH910 doesn't work uploading live recordings.

The RH910 most definitely records and uploads, if that's the unit you mean, and so does the NH900.

Sony salespeople don't have a clue. You have to go to a Sony store with your own information. And you can probably do better on price elsewhere. www.minidisco.com, www.minidiscaccess, www.bhphoto.com, www.soundprofessionals.com, www.jr.com--you have lots of choices. I live in New York City, and on a recent visit to the SonyStyle store at Sony US headquarters they didn't even have the RH1 for sale.

Anyway, to recap Jaylen's information:

Live recordings and upload: NH600 (Line-in only; NOT THE NH-660D, which is a Downloader only), NH700, NHF800, NH900, NH1--all first generation, 2004. Second generation, 2005: RH 710 (Line-in Only), RH910, RH10 and M10 and M100 for Mac users, the Mac-compatible versions of the RH910 and RH10.

Outdated? Depends on what you mean. First generation (NH) units record in all MD formats, new and old, but need to have mp3s converted to ATRAC to play on the unit. Second generation (RH except RH1) only record in Hi-MD formats and play back mp3 without conversion--but with less than optimum sound.

RH1 records in all MD formats, plays back mp3s without compromised sound, and uploads all MD formats, old and new. It's Mac-compatible, too. It's also the thinnest and best-looking Hi-MD unit by about a mile.

So in a way any unit before RH1 is outdated. On the other hand, the first-generation Hi-MD units (NH) have every bit as much recording and uploading capability as anything since. Those aspects were not improved between generations. I think the second generation's low-quality mp3 playback was a worthless trade for what was lost. Also, the 2d-generation units are broader than the first generation units and get scratched up just about the instant you handle them.

If you've got the money, the RH1 is the one. If not, the NH700 does everything you need.

Edited by A440
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Something that hasn't been mentioned is the 1st generation recorders use AA batteries as their primary battery. Other 2nd gen units use AA's but only with the use of a second box that holds the batteries. In the 1st generation units the AA battery goes inside the recorder. The new models won't use AA batteries at all. When your charge is dead your player is stuck unti you can charge it again. You can buy backup batteries for the new models but you can't get them at any store on earth like you can a AA battery.

To me this was a major reason to get a 1st generation unit. You will always have quick and easy access to backup batteries with a unit that uses AA's and IMO it's far better to not have to deal with the second box to hold the battery. Ten years from now if you need a new battery for your 1st gen HIMD you just go down to the 7/11 and buy a 4 pack of rechargeables. Buying the proprietary batteries that many HIMD units use will not be so easy.

I think this is an often overlooked aspect of HIMD recorders. I love the features of the RH1 but IMO the lack of the ability to use commonly sold batteries is a major drawback. I still have equipment from the 1960's that I use once in a while (I have a Slyvania Super Set that works perfectly). I'm not at all sure I will be able to buy batteries to fit a RH1 40 years from now if it's still around and working. I am pretty sure I will be able to get AA's though. It's something to think about.

Edited by King Ghidora
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