Who owns the MZ-RH1?

[Oset]

I can hardly believe it, but it took me three weeks to acquire it, just because I wanted to buy it cheaper, and the shop where I've ordered it had been waiting for supply. But it's done and I have it finally

[RobA]

No it lacks way too much for me to even consider it, especially for the price.

[RobA]

I don't know what other (Hi-)MD devices (nor remember exactly what my former N505) are sound wise, but the RH1's SQ is really excellent. I've done some sound comparisons between my new EH1 & my RH1's, & the RH1 does truly kick ass, especially with nice clear highs & warm bass, with nice "umphs" blasts. Audiophile grade to me.

The fact that is remembers the manual rec settings is just awesome; time stamp on the recordings is handy when recording a lot too; thus a clock on the device when using it as a player; rehearsal mode for trackmarking; ergonomic direct-rec trigger & OLED display on the side handy, making holding the unit in the hand comfy.

+ no crippled MP3, USB 2.0...

I don't see what you think it lacks, apart from yes on-unit track-title display & maybe a group skip button...

I don't record, I use MD as a player/walkman. It lacks way too much as a player.

[rdell]

Just got mine a week or two ago, and actually being

able to use Sonic Stage the way one should is nice!

I have been finally transfering my stockpile of MDs

to the computer.

One thing that surprised me .. I don't recall seeing

this mentioned ... with the DRM opened up, even

pre-recorded MDs can be transferred! Sweet!!

[RoGeR]

I've had the RH1 for about 3 weeks now. Here are some opinions:

1) THE BIGGEST gripe I have with the RH1, is the lack of functionality on the main body. I've gotten accustomed to listening on my Sennheiser PX100s and on my RH10, I've done away with the remote control. With the RH1, I've found that the remote control port is a totally hopeless design error. The cable should be headed TOWARDS the display, not away. When I sit at my desk or when the unit is sitted in the pouch, I want the cable to be directed towards me as the display faces me... not 180 degrees away!!

2) The lack of a Group button is a real pain... couldnt they have just added ONE more button where the volume control is. I simply can't believe they couldnt have resolved this. My MZ-E10 is way smaller and thinner than this unit and still has the GROUP button on the main unit.

3) The EJECT button is a nuisance. Pressing Play on the unit sometimes causes the EJECT button to engage instead.

4) The MENU on the main body is a f**kin waste of time. Why do I need FW Version for?

5) Compared with my RH10, I've found no significant differences in SQ which was quite a disappointment. Yeah, MP3s sound better than before but I've never bothered with MP3s to begin with (most of my CDs are encoded in LP2).

If not for its nice light weight and overall tactility (nice touch)... I wouldnt hesitate for a second to flog it off ... as I find my trusty RH10 to be so much more sexier overall (except for its weight!!!) and has all the features on the main body.

[Oset]

I've had the RH1 for about 3 weeks now. Here are some opinions:

1) THE BIGGEST gripe I have with the RH1, is the lack of functionality on the main body. I've gotten accustomed to listening on my Sennheiser PX100s and on my RH10, I've done away with the remote control. With the RH1, I've found that the remote control port is a totally hopeless design error. The cable should be headed TOWARDS the display, not away. When I sit at my desk or when the unit is sitted in the pouch, I want the cable to be directed towards me as the display faces me... not 180 degrees away!!

2) The lack of a Group button is a real pain... couldnt they have just added ONE more button where the volume control is. I simply can't believe they couldnt have resolved this. My MZ-E10 is way smaller and thinner than this unit and still has the GROUP button on the main unit.

3) The EJECT button is a nuisance. Pressing Play on the unit sometimes causes the EJECT button to engage instead.

4) The MENU on the main body is a f**kin waste of time. Why do I need FW Version for?

5) Compared with my RH10, I've found no significant differences in SQ which was quite a disappointment. Yeah, MP3s sound better than before but I've never bothered with MP3s to begin with (most of my CDs are encoded in LP2).

If not for its nice light weight and overall tactility (nice touch)... I wouldnt hesitate for a second to flog it off ... as I find my trusty RH10 to be so much more sexier overall (except for its weight!!!) and has all the features on the main body.

I think that all the drawbacks that you have stated are true, and I'm not going to argue about them, but I want to say something in favor of RH1, because I have the feeling, that we are not entirely fair about it.

I have bought it just because it looked great, and I had to admit that as an portable player, it works in the similar way than an ordinary cd discman, except it's smaller. And that's nothing when we compare it to the usefulness of a most Mp3 players.

But, when I have plugged it for recording, the ugly duck turned into a swan In this moment I have started to look at it from the view of it's designers, and for this use everything just worked. Disadvantages were not so important anymore, because while it was laying in the typical recording position - on the desk with line in plugged, it appeared to me that this is what that design was done for.

As it was already told on this forum, we make a mistake, trying to fit it into portable player role. It's a great recorder, and just an average player, and in my personal opinion that's all. Well, it seems, that Sony sees the future of MD in this direction. That is why even if more units are going to be released, I'm not expecting them to be better portable players.

[himd_anxiety]

Will somebody tell me why the RH1 is such an awful player relative to, say, the NH1, which I use all the time? All I see is the remote, and I already have the NH1. So, I was looking into the RH1. As far as I can tell, its functionality is about the same as the NH1. So, why such venom toward the RH1???

And I'm really starting to get anxious. I feel I should have a backup HI_MD unit I never take out of the box, at this point. I really do believe Sony is verging on discontinuing recorder production.

[Oset]

Will somebody tell me why the RH1 is such an awful player relative to, say, the NH1, which I use all the time? All I see is the remote, and I already have the NH1. So, I was looking into the RH1. As far as I can tell, its functionality is about the same as the NH1. So, why such venom toward the RH1???

And I'm really starting to get anxious. I feel I should have a backup HI_MD unit I never take out of the box, at this point. I really do believe Sony is verging on discontinuing recorder production.

Well, I've never had an occasion to use NH1, but in comparsion with my previous N910, it doesn't have jog dial, it doesn't display titles on unit's screen, you can not switch groups, and change sound presets on unit(I don't clearly remember if N910 could do this last two things, rather not). It loses a lot without remote, and with it, You're wrapped in cables. But, when I said that it's an average player, I was rather comparing it with available Mp3 players like Ipod, or Iaudio. I really love MD's and I agree that they have their charm, but steel I think that as an portable players, all of them are quite difficult to use.

[RobA]

Will somebody tell me why the RH1 is such an awful player relative to, say, the NH1, which I use all the time? All I see is the remote, and I already have the NH1. So, I was looking into the RH1. As far as I can tell, its functionality is about the same as the NH1. So, why such venom toward the RH1???

And I'm really starting to get anxious. I feel I should have a backup HI_MD unit I never take out of the box, at this point. I really do believe Sony is verging on discontinuing recorder production.

The NH1 is a bad comparison, as the NH1 is pretty much the RH1's older brother. Compare it to say, the RH10 and you will see what it lacks as a player.

[himd_anxiety]

The NH1 is a bad comparison, as the NH1 is pretty much the RH1's older brother. Compare it to say, the RH10 and you will see what it lacks as a player.

The NH1 is the comparison that works for me because, as I said, it's what I own and am actually comfortable with. So, I wanted to know why the RH1 received so much more venom as a player than NH1, because if the difference was just the NH1's remote, which I already own, I could buy an RH1 with ease. I'm looking for another player. I've never seen nor operated an RH10.

[Musashinden]

I am simply floored by this recorder....i owned an NH1 loooong ago when it first arrived in america, but this thing is incredible...just finished making a 120+ track Metal Gear Series HI-MD lol

[1kyle]

I see it in similar way. Although I don't think that new unit developed in this manner will drive out RH1. It was a bit similar with NH1 and cheaper models from it's generation. They were functioning together. I also think that no low budget model can turn people away from a beauty like RH1

One more thing about this possible new construciotn, I can bet, that if it will have LCD instead of OLED, what is likely to happen, it will not have a backlight or it will not display titles <_< They always screw the display functions

Actually I don't believe this --if you just want a cheap music player there are enough suitable alternatives to the MD out there now. (And I'm saying this as a guy who'se been using MD's since they first came out a long time ago).

For just music playing even the Sony cigar like NW-S706F should keep most of the "Ipod generation" happy.

Most people buying an RH1 aren't really the "Low end" consumers .

A cheap and more "plasticy" version of the RH1 would be a TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY both from the manufacturing and consumers points of view.

Just look at the problems that beset the RH10 --potentially a great play back device even if it was a bit thick. Great screen and navigation facilities --but let down by a really shoddy construction --obviously designed by people who've never used a music device in a crowded and hectic place like the London undergound system. --And the stupid Battery latch which would invariably break the 2nd time you attempted to remove the battery.

Dropping the price of an RH1 sounds nice (doesn't everybody always want to get products really cheaply anyway) but it wouldn't necessarily generate more revenues for SONY.

There probably will be a final MD unit released --most likely based on the RH1 but with total drag 'n drop.

Don't hold your breath however for any new decks to be released. -- Actually this is a shame as I dislike intensely the idea that all your home entertainment / multi-media has to be done via a PC.

What's wrong with a nice separate room for Audio, and another for film / dvd watching etc.

To me a laptop is "Work" and when I'm at home I really don't even want to LOOK at a computer.

The RH1 currently is still a great selling device --- you won't find many on ebay which says immediately that owners of this device are MORE thyan happy with it.

Cheers

-K

Edited August 23, 2007 by 1kyle

[bobt]

I agree 1kyle, everyone wants instant everything, too few people have actually heard a good stereo to put basis to what good sound is. As to saying whichever is a good recorder but not player ?????, unless what you "record" instantly goes back to the puter, you still need something to listen on. I still get admiring glances with my NH1, but not too many converts yet.

Long live MD

Bob

[culp4684]

I've had a black RH1 for over a year now and have used it so much some of the white lettering on the body has begun to fade. I'm contemplating getting a backup pretty soon since it looks like Sony has ceased production. Damn, I thought they'd at least manufacture this last unit for a few years like they did with the last DAT recorder...

Edited August 23, 2007 by culp4684

[jernikfra]

I own one and love it.I just wish the recording level adjustment wasn't so weird.I think a new version should have the following functions:

bluetooth for headphones

docking station with bluetooth for wireless music transfer to and from computer, digital output, and wireless remote control

noise canceling headphones

scale factor edit for hi-md

better md simple burner software like m-crew, with complete control over all functions of the unit from computer

more colours available

aa battery case

matching set of powered speakers for docking station

clear stereo

clear bass

organic display with jacket cover on remote and docking station, where you can assign cover art to md on computer and have it displayed.(M-Crew allows you to assign cover art to MD's, very cool)

better battery life

function that pauses the unit when it hears listeners cell phone ringing

touch screen operation (JVC had a unit like this years ago)

Ok, so I got a bit carried away, but I still think Sony should pull out all the stops and come out with a real fancy machine with all the features listed above, as a last hurrah for MD.I think most forum members would buy one.I certainly would!

[BIGHMW]

I enjoy the fact that I no longer have to burn CDs of my custom MD super-compilations in order just to upload them up to my PC, in fact, I consider all of my MD/Hi-MD units to not only be collector's items, but also, useable at the same time, as now both my 2 NH700 and 2 RH710 units have now been reserved exclusively for playback use, therefore saving them for what matters the most, my inline skate gear unit (RH710 with 55ELK and EX85SL all in black), and also my personal unit (NH700 with 40ELK and EX90SL, all in silver), and it sure take the load off of my process of making my Hi-MD compilations of those MDs (downloaded to Hi-MD in 64K A3+ for up to 34 hours per disc!!!) much more simple, and without having to constantly swap cables with my DSC-P73 Cyber-Shot as I now have a permanently-stationed RH1 and MSAC-US40 Memory Stick R/W to go with it.

Thank you very much goes out to Sony for at least putting this great unit (and the M200) out, for if they really are discontinuing MD/Hi-MD units that they are at least going out on top just like John Elway did when he won the Super Bowl in 1999.

I sure hope that Onlyo or Tascam comes out with that much-awaited pro Hi-MD deck so I can put it in HMW Studio One as a successor to my well-used (and well-appreciated) MDS-E10 Pro MDLP deck.

[AKA Frosty]

I've had my M200 for about a month. I left MD two years ago leaving my Sharp recorder for some solid state portable recording technology. I bought the M200 from a retailer with a return policy, just in case. But now that I have used the recorder with a variety of microphones and listened to the quality of even MP3 playback (better than my iPod video) I am hooked. I sold my CF recorder. And, yes, I have begun stockpiling Hi-MD media (little here, little there) and am considering buying a second M200/RH1. The solid state recorders I have purchased have cost me comparable money, so I think at $350 US the M200 still represent great value to someone who records as well as listens. The USB upload is just icing on the cake.

[thomasdawes]

I have the RH1, just recently bought refurbed from minidisco. They only had 2, and I was lucky to get one. I wasn't planning on being impressed by it, since my R50 keeps me happy as clam... But it's an exquisite piece of audio equipment. I am no audiophile, but the music coming from the little device trumps the same music and sound from my ipod video, although the nano gives it a good run for its money. I'm enjoying the fact I can take music and recordings from my existing MD collection and move it over to my computer without having to go through the TOSLINK or real time line in jacks.

It's magnesium alloy shell makes it light, although I like my R50 that has a little bit of heft to it. It makes it feel like it was constructed to last. I suppose the RH1 is built well also, since I read in an earlier post that someone dropped it during a recording and it kept on ticking.

The device looks like a component system, but just a lot smaller. The screen on the unit is a little smaller than I would like, but the display is decent to look at, although you need to squint.

All negatives are noted, and everyone before me has listed quite a few. For my use, they don't bother me, and for being on of the few in the U S of A to have it, makes me feel a little special... Obviously I only see it that way.

Happy day everyone.

[AKA Frosty]

I have the RH1, just recently bought refurbed from minidisco. They only had 2, and I was lucky to get one.

I happened to surf over to minidisco when they had 3 refurb units in stock. I was tempted, but I just bought an M200 and really couldn't justify a backup unit. I'm in the US as well so if I see someone on the street with an RH1 remote in hand, I'll know it's you.

[carlie7]

I have 3 RH1's... 1 silver and 2 black.

C

[Hrograth]

Hi There,

Have a black RH1 which replaced my slightly battered (FF/next track function intermittent) MZ-N707 last October, based on glowing recommendations of this unit on this forum. It is used for recording band practices and even occasional gigs with the ecm 907 mic. oh, and every day whilst walking to and from work!

All the plusses of this unit already noted above are echoed and I have been slowly building up a stock of both 1Gb and MD disks to store all my albums / singles. Im also now looking to purchase a back-up unit for playback and possible editing of band practices. Another RH1 seems a bit excessive, so an RH710 or even an NH1 is favourite at the moment.

A question, is it possible to edit or track mark RH1 recordings (mic input) with, a 1st or 2nd gen HI-MD?

BTW I bought the RH1 from our local specialist Hi-fi shop in Paignton, who said they were shifting like hot cakes even at £240.00 a go. The local Sony shop (Exeter) stocked neither the RH1 or the 1Gb HiMDs . . . .

Long live Hi-MD - it really is that good!

Paul H

[whitecloud1]

Hi There,

Have a black RH1 which replaced my slightly battered (FF/next track function intermittent) MZ-N707 last October, based on glowing recommendations of this unit on this forum. It is used for recording band practices and even occasional gigs with the ecm 907 mic. oh, and every day whilst walking to and from work!

All the plusses of this unit already noted above are echoed and I have been slowly building up a stock of both 1Gb and MD disks to store all my albums / singles. Im also now looking to purchase a back-up unit for playback and possible editing of band practices. Another RH1 seems a bit excessive, so an RH710 or even an NH1 is favourite at the moment.

A question, is it possible to edit or track mark RH1 recordings (mic input) with, a 1st or 2nd gen HI-MD?

BTW I bought the RH1 from our local specialist Hi-fi shop in Paignton, who said they were shifting like hot cakes even at £240.00 a go. The local Sony shop (Exeter) stocked neither the RH1 or the 1Gb HiMDs . . . .

Long live Hi-MD - it really is that good!

Paul H

I now own 3 minidisk players - an older MH1, an NH1 and an RH1.

Each has its own advantages.

The MH1 had the facility to add a small compartment containing a replaceable AA battery. This was fantastic when the charged battery ran down because one could pop another in and continue listening or live recording. I used it for recording Brass Band practices and other events just like a previous reviewer and found it most useful. This machine doedn't have Hi-MD but recording live or via optical from CDs gave great warm sounds - better than Hi-MD but took up more space. I still use basic Attrac often (rather than Wav or Attrac3lus) unless I need the space or am recording for transfer to Cd.

The NH1 was the first to offer conversion to Wav using Linear PCM which now allowed me to record live performances and make CD-R without too much compression. However I had to use sonic stage to upload the Linear PCM and convert (automatically) to Wav and burn as music CDs.

However the new RH-1 allowed me to upload (for the first time) all my older live recordings on Net MD to Sonic stage on PC and burn to CD if required. A second advantage is the ability to transfer Hi-MD (atrac3Plus and PCM) directly to my Mac Powerbook via USB cable.

Now I can record live performances in good stereo and burn directly to CD via iTunes on my Powerbook. - Great!

Only wish it was possible to add the AA battery compartment like on the MH-1. I suppose we can't have everything.

I note that Sony have dropped their Attrac format from online music sales in favour of MP3, AAC and WMA. I hope this doesn't signal the end of minidisks!!!

JB

[Avrin]

The RH1 is just a fast downloader, unlocked uploader, and an unbelievably low-noise LPCM player. Nothing more. If you want to listen to ATRAC-compressed music - go for second, or even first generation Hi-MD units.

Edited September 1, 2007 by Avrin

[slay]

I Bought a black one when it was first avail. in Canada, so well over a year ago. I probley still have the order conformation somewhere in an email

[Hrograth]

The RH1 is just a fast downloader, unlocked uploader, and an unbelievably low-noise LPCM player. Nothing more. If you want to listen to ATRAC-compressed music - go for second, or even first generation Hi-MD units.

Many thanks Avrin and Whitecloud1 - time to raid the piggy bank for a backup unit (an AA battery-powered methinks)

[Avrin]

I'd recommend the RH910, if you can lay your hands on it. Bought a 2-years old one exactly a month ago. Love its sound, and it is capable of recording with exactly the same quality as the RH1 (it has the same ADC chip), albeit with somewhat less convenience - it does not remember the settings, so you have to adjust them everytime you start recording. It is actually easy to make your hands remember the adjustment ritual (as I did with my camcorders).

And its real playing time with the supplied internal (replaceable - mind that!) gumstick (900 mAh) + an alcaline GP AA in the supplied external sidecar is actually more than than the stated one. Though I tested it with a 2-years old gumstick. If you get an external GP charger with a pair of 1400 mAh gumsticks, you'll have trouble exhausting those even without a sidecar!

Edited September 6, 2007 by Avrin

[greenmachine]

... capable of recording with exactly the same quality as the RH1 (it has the same ADC chip), ...

Do you know if the NH700 has the same ADC chip? Maybe all Hi-MD recorders with a mic input do? Just curious.

[Avrin]

Do you know if the NH700 has the same ADC chip? Maybe all Hi-MD recorders with a mic input do? Just curious.

Turns out you're right. The chip for Mic Amp & ADC in NH700&NH800, RH910&M10, RH1&M200 is AK5356VN-L.

For other units it is easy to check with their respective service manuals. Just look for A/D Converter on schematic diagrams (you may use the search function).

I may be somewhat misleading here. Yes, the digital signal obtained from the Mic or Line In via the ADC is the same for all units (neglecting possible analog noise differences resulting from different shielding, etc.). It will also be the same if recorded in LPCM. But ATRAC[[3][plus]] compression quality may actually be different, at least in some modes, because of different DSPs (and these actually ARE different in these pairs of units). Same as recording via optical.

Edited September 7, 2007 by Avrin

[Nate A]

well...I HOPE I own one ! I just took a Buy it Now for one @ $275.oo with free priority mail shipping. barly used with all included original equiptment in original box. the seller said he played it once and even the 1 gig disc is still sealed.

I had planed to buy one from Minidisc Canada this weekend but then this showed up last night. anyway...with priority mail it ought to be here by next wensday. hopefully the seller is honest and I didn't screw myself trying to save $50.

I really want an NH1 too 'cause it's soooo cool looking.

I do custom metalwork for a living, I was wondering about removing the metal shell on the NH1 and sanding it smooth or polishing it. magnisium will also take a patina nicely I think, so the case could be blackend with chemicals...asids that is. I doubt I'd attempt it unless I could get the case off.

[bobt]

well...I HOPE I own one ! I just took a Buy it Now for one @ $275.oo with free priority mail shipping. barly used with all included original equiptment in original box. the seller said he played it once and even the 1 gig disc is still sealed.

I had planed to buy one from Minidisc Canada this weekend but then this showed up last night. anyway...with priority mail it ought to be here by next wensday. hopefully the seller is honest and I didn't screw myself trying to save $50.

I really want an NH1 too 'cause it's soooo cool looking.

I do custom metalwork for a living, I was wondering about removing the metal shell on the NH1 and sanding it smooth or polishing it. magnisium will also take a patina nicely I think, so the case could be blackend with chemicals...asids that is. I doubt I'd attempt it unless I could get the case off.

Hi Nate, PM me, I've got a paperweight NH1 that took a salt water bath, would be a good one for you to experiment on

Bob

[Nate A]

message sent Bob ;^)

[theimportanceofbeingidle]

I got MZ-200 version bought in minidisco., My first MD!!

[Strungup]

I got MZ-200 version bought in minidisco., My first MD!!

Nice First ! Bueno Bueno!

[kentek]

I only own one MiniDisc and it is a MZ-RH1.

Edited September 9, 2007 by ken wood

[luisvalc]

Hi, I have one MZ-RH1 and I paid less than $200.00 (US dollars) in Mexico. Brand new, one month ago.

[Nate A]

OK, I voted the mail came and now I can definatly say I have one here and it played very nicely. looking it over, I can't see an AC adapter socket ? so outside power is only from a USB connection ? if this is the case, it's gonna force me to get a new computer since my old NT workstation has no USB support !

snazzy unit !

[Avrin]

The supplied adapter also has a USB (big) socket. So, just plug the supplied USB cable into the unit and into the adapter, and plug the adapter into the mains.

BTW, you may easily remove the ferrite cores, to make the USB cable look far less ugly. They are not needed at all. They are only required by some regulations to prevent radio frequency emissions in case something goes wrong with your computer, and it sends a radio frequency signal into the cable. They do not protect the unit or improve quality in any way. The cable I am using came with my video camera, and it never had any ferrite cores. I also removed the cores from the cable supplied with the RH1, but I use this cable for charging only.

Edited September 13, 2007 by Avrin

[Nate A]

thanks Avrin, I figured out the charger bit later on as I was looking at all the stuff.

funny you mention the ferrite cores, I was going to ask about them. they are ugly as hell. I wanted to take them off the remote right away.

I'm amazed at how good the earbuds are that came with this thing. these buds just don't stay on my ears for anything. so I'm using UE Super fi.3's I have seen some add on canal bulbs for earbud 'phones, I may try 'em out.

thanks again for the reply, I still gotta get USB though it's rediclous not having it now.

[tenacious-c]

thanks Avrin, I figured out the charger bit later on as I was looking at all the stuff.

funny you mention the ferrite cores, I was going to ask about them. they are ugly as hell. I wanted to take them off the remote right away.

I'm amazed at how good the earbuds are that came with this thing. these buds just don't stay on my ears for anything. so I'm using UE Super fi.3's I have seen some add on canal bulbs for earbud 'phones, I may try 'em out.

thanks again for the reply, I still gotta get USB though it's rediclous not having it now.

I have the MZ-M200 for about 2 months now, and have to say it rocks!

An excellent piece of hardware-much better sounding than my iPod.

Just need to find a good arm case so I can jog with it

Chris

[Avrin]

The stock earbuds that come with the RH1, actually, do not like to stay on anyone's ears. They also get dirty very easily, and are very hard (if not impossible) to clean. The stock earbuds from the RH[9]10 are much better.

About the ferrite cores again. You may painlessly remove them from the remote and all other cables as well. Just do not dispose of them - you may have to put them back in case your unit needs to be serviced (hopefully it won't).

Edited September 14, 2007 by Avrin