Different generations of portable MD

[Soundbox]

Looking at the vast amount of portables that were made from 1992-2010 I cannont help but be a bit overwhelmed. As you know, the 'top tier' machines are not always the best and some of the basic machines are crippled in silly ways in order for you to want the next model up. So, what I am interested to know is the following. Tell me your favourite three portables (from any manufacturer) that include a first generation unit, a long play unit and a Hi-MD unit. Please tell me why they have endeared themselves to you and also how they sound. Please also share about any machines that have dissappointed you. I am only a beginner on this road, but I will share what I know to start.

First gen: Sony MZ-R30. This machine (made in Japan) is a solid unit that never hesitates in operation. It is easy to use, has good sound. It is built in such a way that is no longer seen - each button, control and operation is very '90's Japan' in that nothing creaks, bends or wobbles. Recording is done by optical, line input or microphone. Recording levels are easily set in manual mode by just holding the record slider over for a couple of seconds (no menu needed).

Second gen: I have never tried or owned one.

Hi-MD: Sony RH700. I tried this unit for a day and I was really impressed. The sound quality was excellent, the interface easy and all buttons felt secure and the unit responded swiftly. The scroll wheel worked well and the SP recording I made on it did sound just a hair better (warmer, cleaner) than my MZ-R30 (is that the ATRAC-R or just my imagination?). The computer download feature was useful and I downloaded an MP3, which the unit converted without hassle to LP2 mode. I ended up with a RH600 which is almost as nice so I am happy with that.

So, although all units are MD, they feel very diffeferent. I look forward to hearing about your favourites.

Ian

PS. Is ATRAC-R an important fearure for recording or playback? Something tells me it is, but I don't have enough experience yet to judge.

[Guest Talisin]

Hi soundbox. Yes, it's overhealming lookindg at all the portables. I feel the same way when I read the list first time. Luckyly I have buyed my MD before it

First gen: I don't have anyone, so I can't tell anything about them.

Long play: my first and fan-favourite MZ-N710. I love it not only for being the first, but for its building quality (feels strong and sexy with his aluminium body) and the sound quality (it always has sound to me very very clear but warm). It has a preferred site in his dock connected to my Hi-Fi. And even I have buyed a second unit, just in case...

Hi-MD: Here I have a draw. I'm between my RH-10 and my NH700. First has a wonderful sound and the best and sexy ever -for me, greater than RH1- "look" into MD world, but buttons sometimes flaw randomly, and I have read other owners suffers the same problem. Second has a great sound, maybe warmer than RH10, controls and buttons are superb and easy to touch, and in hand it feels stronger than it feels in photos (and it use AA batteries!!!!). I use RH10 at home, especially for what I call "clean and calm music" such as Loreena McKennit, Sarah Brightman, film tracks, celtic music, etc, and NH700 as my day by day warrior for all types of music, specially heavy, rock, etc.

[Azureal]

It could also be stated that there are more than just three generations, for example, what you are calling the second generation, units which add MDLP, can be split into two groups, older units (R900) with no NetMD and newer (N1) with NetMD capability. Just an observation ...

Gen One, SP Only: My trusty MZ-R50. My first unit which I paid a mint for in 1998, this unit is a battle tank and made like one too. I still use it to this day to listen to SP recordings from its dedicated line level output into a headphone amplifier. It sounds fantastic, I think its sound rivals that of any other unit I own. SP rules. :-)

Gen Two, MDLP Capable: My second unit the MZ-N1, I have always loved this unit and bought my first one new in 2002. I was amazed at how much smaller and lighter it was than the R50! Half the weight at least, perhaps more also much much better battery life it runs forever on a single charge. I never carried the R50 around as a portable after I got my N1. This also introduced me to the world of MDLP and NetMD. For years I would use Simple Burner to rip CDs directly to MD in LP2. I used this mainly for bicycling, working in the yard, walking uptown, etc. A wonderful unit. I loved it so much, I almost cried the day my first one died, it suffered from a known issue where the thin wires between the R/W heads breaks and operation becomes intermittent. I eventually picked up a newer HiMD unit but later scored several N1 units on eBay for a song and I still use them to this day.

Gen Three, HiMD: When my N1 died, I bought an MZ-NH1 in 2004 which was great, but my favorite came a couple of years later when I scored a used MZ-RH10 on eBay. The display on the RH10 is amazing, it has a great sound, it is light enough to tote around and the fact that you can fit so much music on a single disk is like having a DAP. One major issue with the RH10 is the fact that there is no way to set the output to line level to properly drive the input of an amplifier so it is really only good for me as a portable unit. I must admit however, I scored a few different RH1 variations in the past year, I have been switching between the silver RH1 and the R50 for listening to SP recordings made on my JA20ES deck.

[freddyjollo]

never had a Ist generation machine unless u call a JB 930 deck that

2nd Gerneration

LP models - the only one I ever used and use is the Sharp MD-MT88. A real solid aluminium body ( puts the Sony MR-RH1 to shame) and takes an AA battery, gives me about 16 hours playback. Has mic and optical input and u can recharge a NiMh battery in situ. Sound is great and loud. The machine has been very reliable. I bought 3 (I was told portables only last 3 years ) about 6-7 years ago now when my Local Argos were clearing them out. I am still on the first one - ( how many iPodders can say that!)Its getting a bit scruffy now with some of the chrome from the buttons worn off but still works perfectly. Basic editing is so easy. I am truly amazed at the build quality - and this was a budget model. This isnt a NetMd - I use other mds for that purpose.

3rd generation

hmm I do have some but really dont like them that much - Sony NH600, MZ-RH1. They just do the job