Any reason why I shouldn't chuck my MZ-N710 in the bin?!!!!!

[Guest Anonymous]

:evil: :evil: :evil:

Hi all

I'm a very unhappy (but also ignorant, I'll admit) newbie who is about to throw her Sony MZ N710 in the bin. Here's why, and pleeeeeeeeze if anyone has some advice other than "yes, chuck it" let me know.

Basically I bought the thing with the naive belief that having shelled out £160 (a hell of a lot for me) I would be able to record both CDs and cassettes onto it and listen to the results whilst travelling on public transport or walking in the street. See, last time I bought a portable CD player was in the days before Sony got sued and had to reduce the top volume levels - and in those days I could listen to my music and totally drown out other noise - for A LOT LESS than £160. Well, of course after a lot of trying this way and that way (and wasted a further £80 on a new CD/Cassette player when Sony Galleria in Tottenham Court Road told me I was getting a low volume because I was trying to record in analog) I finally realised that there was not going to be any way I could get a decent sound volume out of it. I can hear the music, yes, but it's a real 50-50 fight with the racket of the tube or traffic.

My other main point for buying it was to record speech cassettes onto. I tried this, found that there was so much background hiss that it turns out that Sony's claim that you can do this is a complete and utter barefaced LIE. I hear that the only way to do it is to waste yet more money on a) a powerful computer - I don't have one - that will accommodate an expensive editing programme.

Needless to say, Dixons are not offering a refund. I feel like I have been mugged in broad daylight. If anyone can tell me a few reasons why, in the circumstances, I might not want to chuck it in the bin other than using it as a mantelpeice ornament or not very successful drinks coaster, then I'm waiting on tenterhooks to hear from you and VERY GRATEFUL.

[Guest Anonymous]

Don't chuck it so soon.

I'm guessing you are doing analogue recordings using the line-out of a stereo system? Try fooling around recording from the headphone output of the stereo instead.

[Guest Anonymous]

Don't chuck it so soon.

I'm guessing you are doing analogue recordings using the line-out of a stereo system? Try fooling around recording from the headphone output of the stereo instead.

Thanks a lot for your reply. I tried that already and also via digital - no difference. I just read an earlier thread saying this model is particularly quiet, they told me in the shop all models were the same. They MIGHT let me exchange now, so they say. That thread was talking about the Sharp MD-DR7. Anyone know if that's the best, or are there other suggestions. What about the cassette recording problem? Thanks for any advice

[sharkymark]

The problem is that the N710 has very low power output (only 2 x 1.2mW). I don't know if this has to do with regulations but, as far as I can see the N710 is the only model which has this low power output.

I hate to say it but, some investigation could have prevented your problem. I wouldn't throw it in the bin though. Try selling it as this will at least give you back some of the money you invested.

Taping over cassettes onto MD should be no problem. I think you were expecting to hear CD quality when transfered to MD. This is not the case, the MD transfers everything from the cassette (which includes noise). So, Sony did not lie at all when they stated this would be no problem. Like you already said, you'll need to use a computer program if you want to get rid of the static.

[Guest Anonymous]

The problem is that the N710 has very low power output (only 2 x 1.2mW). I don't know if this has to do with regulations but, as far as I can see the N710 is the only model which has this low power output.

Thanks, I'm just working all that out from reading posts here! Got no sales advice when I bought. Anyway, IF Dixon's agree to an exchange do you think I'm better off going for a higher output model ie Sharp DR7/Sony MZ910 or might it be sufficient to get better headphones. Someone mentioned the EX70 ones. The main thing is I want to be able to hear the music well when I'm in the underground. Thanks again

[sharkymark]

IF Dixon's agree to an exchange do you think I'm better off going for a higher output model ie Sharp DR7/Sony MZ910 or might it be sufficient to get better headphones.

I think you're better of buying a higher specs Walkman. I think, just like me, you like to crank it up when you hear a good song. You'll need a more powerful amplifier for this.

You'll have to decide which one you're buying. Just make sure it has at least 2 x 5mW power output. I'm a big Sony freak and about to buy a MZ-N910 so, it comes recommended.

You could look into other headphones. The EX70 are great headphones. I've been using a pair of these for over 1,5 years now and they cancel out a lot external noise. But, you're still stuck with the low power output of your Walkman.

[Christopher]

You may want to consider using a headphone amp..

[Guest Anonymous]

[sharkymark]

Take a look at this site:

AV Land

Most models have the headphone output level stated. It's the only site I know that has this information.

I saw that the Sharp models have higher output levels then the Sony's. Maybe you should take a look at their models.

[Guest Anonymous]

Take a look at this site:

AV Land

Most models have the headphone output level stated. It's the only site I know that has this information.

I saw that the Sharp models have higher output levels then the Sony's. Maybe you should take a look at their models.

Thanks a lot, Sharkymark - I'm going to have a look now!

[Guest Anonymous]

PLEASE don't throw your 710 away (actually, if you really don't want it, post to me and I'll provide a happy and caring home).

There is NO HACK required here (you shouldn't hack it anyway, or you'll invalidate your waranty. It's a beautiful machine.)

Read p 34 and p 35 in your instruction manual (or the section headed "Adjusting the sound - Virtual Surround 6 Band Equaliser)."

The automatic settings that it came with are quiet so as not to ruin people's hearing (and to stop SOny being sued - I guess).

What you do is:

1/ On your remote Press Sound repeatedly until your display says "SOUND".

2/ Press and HOLD the Sound Button for about 2 seconds or more.

3/ Slide the jog lever repeatedly (either left or right, it doesn't matter) to select the sound mode.

4/ NOTE all of the other options are very quiet (ie HEAVY and POPS etc). SO you have to select CUSTOM 1

5/ Press the jog lever (press it IN, like a push button).

6/ You should now have a row of little lines. This represents your 6 Band Equaliser !!! (Definitely DON'T throw your beautiful new MD away young lady!)

7/ Each little line can be moved up and down to make that particular frequency higher or lower.

8/ Move the volume button repeatedly. Each time you move it up (ie volume higher), the little line will move up, and down for down (of course). TO set that first little line, push the jog dial to the RIGHT.

9/ Now you'll be on the 2nd little line, and so you should do the same again, gor each little line.

10/ Press the button IN when you're done.

Hey Presto! A REALLY LOUD mini disc player.

Look forward to shouting at you.

(I just got mine today, and I live in London too. SO I think you're beautiful!)

[Guest Anonymous]

I already handed it back :-(( to Dixons & ordered a Sharp MD-DR470 from AV Land! Shame, I loved the 710 in every other way. However they were out of stock & it will take 10 days to order so perhaps I can ask them to hold it. Can I meet you in Camden Town tube or Leicester Sq one day to have a listen?!!!!! I can't quite believe it really is loud - perhaps you have fancy headphones?!!!!!

[Guest Anonymous]

Oh Wow Pumog. My first internet date!

This is every boys' dream you know - to be kind of a nerd (gadgety) and still, somehow, get a girl to want to meet you.

A Camden Girl no less.

Like a script from my favourite kind of films. I think I love you.

Oh, I'm all nervous now ;->

Actually, Lucy, my girlfriend wouldn't let me - she'd be worried that I might want to elope with a girl like you - the kind of girl who'd admire my gadgets, and who would write to me in a Mini Disc forum - and I don't want to make her unhappy. She REALLY is every boys' dream cos she laughs at all of my bad jokes, and is impressed by my nerdiness and STILL somehow (sure she's lying) says she still fancies the pants off me :->

But ... do you like the new Trafalgar Square? I think it's great.

Sorry that the next bit is soooo long:

----------------------

OK - My suggestion is: have a look on Amazon and see what MDs they have.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/bro...2639604-4043039

They've got some really good deals at the mo and postage is free for anything over £30. Make a list of the ones you like and then ... pop into a John Lewis Store (they haven't got this version on their web site, but the Oxford Street branch isn't too far away from you).

99% of the staff are lovely. If you go in on a weekday or weekday evening, they have enough free time to let you play with

anything and open it up and go through the manual and everything. They'll answer ANY questions you ever have and will never rush you (unlike most of the Dorks in DIxons, who hardly ever know anything about what they sell).

John Lewis will even let you try one mini disc players with a different set of headphones so you can tell for yourself if they're any good.

I'd suggest taking a few of your own recorded Mini Discs though, something loud and dynamic like Hole, or The Yeah Yeah Yeahs or White Stripe or even Bananas Morrissette (her 2nd album is really versatile and so should give a good idea of the range when you fiddle about with the graphic equaliser).

John Lewis will be especially good if you smile a lot and if you do that girly thing that girls are so good at ;-)

Their staff are often a bit older, and sometimes a bit shy but almost always very patient (especially if they know that you really are going to buy something).

The best thing is that they give you quite a while to take it back if you don't like it, rather than crappy old Dixons who give you just 7 days. John Lewis also gurantee their prices to be at least as cheap as anyone else anywhere else in the country!

Then, if you like it (hate to do this ... buy it from Amazon - who are selling this one( the 710) for £120.

Even though they're good, JL can't match the online prices. I do buy everything else from them though, but for this, the

price difference was just too much.

---------------------

Erm ... Yeah I do have my own headphones, but just for you, I tried the pair that came with it - and it wasn't nice. A little tinny, but just as loud.

My ones are kind of 'ear plugs'. They have a kind of funnel (?), that goes part way into your ear, they're really comfy and never fall out and best of all they sound great.

I don't know if you can get the short version (for plugging into your remote) otherwise you'd have LOADS of cable going everywhere and would get cought up in everything (not cool for Camden girls).

They're called MDRED21LP (see them at)

http://products.sony.co.uk/productdetail.a...p?id=14_39_2639

You can get them for about £20 or less (I think Argos are cheapest for these).

Cos you'll make a saving from Amazon, you'll be able to afford some nice headphones.

Even better are the MDREX71SL

http://products.sony.co.uk/productdetail.a..._2638#sonystyle

at £34.99 but for the extra money you could probably get a much prettier and slimer Mini Disc player that comes with nicer headphones too.

Sorry to write so much, but I really hope this helps you Pumog.

See ya

[Guest Anonymous]

You might like to try these 3 links (unfortunately, I can;t get their "portable headphones" section to open, so have posted them individually:

Nicest

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...2639604-4043039

Ones I've got (and Love)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...2639604-4043039

(Reasonable, but ugly)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...2639604-4043039

[Guest Anonymous]

Oh Wow Pumog. My first internet date!

This is every boys' dream you know - to be kind of a nerd (gadgety) and still, somehow, get a girl to want to meet you.

Actually, Lucy, my girlfriend wouldn't let me - she'd be worried that I might want to elope with a girl like you -

Thanks Philip and "Me again"

Aw, how sweet that Lucy wants to protect you, Philip, from the ravages of Camden Grrl - Long Live Lurve! :wink: . Since you left me waiting I had to get another nice man to show me his equipment in a shop :wink: – a Sony 700 which was OK actually. I still haven’t decided what to get, I’m stuck between getting a Sharp like the 470 which is 8mW but doesn’t download off the net and a Sony like the 707 or the 510 which is 5mW but does download.. but doesn’t have microphone (I decided I can download stuff from a friends more powerful PC). There doesn’t seem to be any MD under the sun that is loud (ie 8-10mW), has LCD remote, is downloadable, has microphone input AND is available in UK. I also found out that by now I know miles and miles more than any salesperson, I am a nerd too now :shock: ! I found not a single one that had even heard about headphone output, never mind knew the different levels of each machine – it was “duh?!” all ‘round – even at Sharp HQ!!! Even more curiously there is not a single catalogue or bit of paper that states outputs out there in the shops. If anyone has info that will help me decide do please tell but I’m not spending more than £160 as I know at the end of the day I’m going to have to compromise on loudness… thanks again for all your kind help.

[Guest Anonymous]

:evil: :evil: :evil: 

Hi all

I'm a very unhappy (but also ignorant, I'll admit) newbie who is about to throw her Sony MZ N710 in the bin.  Here's why, and pleeeeeeeeze if anyone has some advice other than "yes, chuck it" let me know. 

Basically I bought the thing with the naive belief that having shelled out £160 (a hell of a lot for me) I would be able to record both CDs and cassettes onto it and listen to the results whilst travelling on public transport or walking in the street.  See, last time I bought a portable CD player was in the days before Sony got sued and had to reduce the top volume levels - and in those days I could listen to my music and totally drown out other noise - for A LOT LESS than £160.  Well, of course after a lot of trying this way and that way (and wasted a further £80 on a new CD/Cassette player when Sony Galleria in Tottenham Court Road told me I was getting a low volume because I was trying to record in analog) I finally realised that there was not going to be any way I could get a decent sound volume out of it.  I can hear the music, yes, but it's a real 50-50 fight with the racket of the tube or traffic.

My other main point for buying it was to record speech cassettes onto.  I tried this, found that there was so much background hiss that it turns out that Sony's claim that you can do this is a complete and utter barefaced LIE.  I hear that the only way to do it is to waste yet more money on a) a powerful computer - I don't have one - that will accommodate an expensive editing programme.

Needless to say, Dixons are not offering a refund.  I feel like I have been mugged in broad daylight.  If anyone can tell me a few reasons why, in the circumstances, I might not want to chuck it in the bin other than using it as a mantelpeice ornament or not very successful drinks coaster, then I'm waiting on tenterhooks to hear from you and VERY GRATEFUL.

You could try a different set of headphones that might "sound" louder. Make sure that they are rated at 8 ohms, and if there is a specification for what is known as 'sound pressure level' or SPL. A figure of 100 dB is cinsidered very good, the higher the better. It's the equivalent of how much sound is heard for the amount of power put in. It is also commonly reffered to as 'effieciency', and is a very popular specification on speakers. Every 3 dB requires (theoretically) halves the power to make the same acoustic level you hear. As far as cassette duplicating, first make sure your cassette deck's heads and transport is clean. This might help out with excessive hiss. Also make sure that the tape type (IEC I, IEC II, normal, chrome, CrO2, etc.) switch is in the correct position. (HINT: Playing a normal tape in chrome will cut out a good portion of hiss, and may well make the sound "duller". The same is true if you play a tape NOT recorded with Dolby noise reduction with it ON in playback.) Also, did you try playing a Dolby encoded tape with the switch OFF? This alone will contribute a goodly amount of hiss. Lastly, make sure all connections are secure and clean, and the record level on the minidisc recorder is set correctly. Too low of a recording level will give slightly more hiss on playback and will give a low volume level. Good luck.-Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

last i saw, the 510 had 2.5 mW output