Buying an MZ-N710 in the UK

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi all,

I've been long considering a Minidisc (in particular NetMD) and recently noticed that the prices in the UK are notably cheaper at places like Dixons (although the site did mention "web exclusive" on a number of models around 120GBP for the MZ-N710) than they are over here in Australia.

I'm visiting the UK for a month in 6 weeks time and would like to buy an NetMD. I mainly have my eye on the MZ-N710 at this stage, provided that I can get the player for around 120GBP.

I'm also going to seriously look at the MZ-N510, mainly because of the higher output on the audio amp. I am a little concerned about the audio amp on the MZ-N710 because I'd really like to listen to the MD on the Bus/Train (while commuting to Uni) and if I get more background noise than music, it may become a problem.

My question is, what prices can I expect to pay for the MZ-N510 and MZ-N710 in the stores? I'll be staying mainly in the West Yorkshire town of Wakefield during my visit (for what it's worth).

Another concern is - if I purchase the MD in the UK and find that I have a problem with it during the warranty period, am I still able to get the unit repaired under warranty, or does the warranty not apply internationally?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[KJ_Palmer]

You can expect to pay around £110-£120 for an N510, £150-£160 for the N710 over here. The higher price is what you'd pay in the big chains -Dixons, Argos etc. You can get better prices (if you're willing to haggle) certainly down in London, not sure about sunny Yorkshire 8).

You'll certainly get the lower output euro-specs here for the Sony's at least. Why not go for a Sharp instead? They're in plentiful supply over here, and aren't output-capped.

[Guest Anonymous]

You can expect to pay around £110-£120 for an N510, £150-£160 for the N710 over here. The higher price is what you'd pay in the big chains -Dixons, Argos etc. You can get better prices (if you're willing to haggle)  certainly down in London, not sure about sunny Yorkshire 8).

You'll certainly get the lower output euro-specs here for the Sony's at least. Why not go for a Sharp instead? They're in plentiful supply over here, and aren't output-capped.

Hi KJ,

It does seem like the Sharp are more popular. Are there any Sharp models with similar features (in particular, a remote and NetMD capability) with a similar price to the MZ-N710? In general, how do the Sharp's compare (in terms of price) with the MZ-N710?

Thanks for your help!

[KJ_Palmer]

Hi Jonathan,

the Sharp IM-DR400/410/420 would be worth looking into. They have 8mw x 2 @32 ohm output, so louder than any Sony. They're fairly new, so I don't know much about them, but I have 3 Sharp non-NetMD's and they're all fabulous . Anyway, have fun looking.

[Guest Anonymous]

places like dixons, argos etc aren't the best place to buy in the UK; they're everywhere and easy to find, but the most expensive.

if you're in wakefield, you can get a bus or train to leeds in about 15mins - there's a big branch of richer sounds there where i believe they're selling the N710 at a hefty discount. i was there last weekend and picked up a MZ-E909 for £100 off RRP; they sell older end-of-line models for about £50, though they're often sold out. There's also a sony centre about 20 yards away which is more pricey but has better stock.

another good thing about richer sounds is that you can get a 3 year guarantee for £10, and if you don't use it they give you the £10 back; maybe not so good if you're only visiting but still nice

both shops are on Vicar Lane if you go, at the end furthest from the bus/train stations.

[Guest Anonymous]

places like dixons, argos etc aren't the best place to buy in the UK; they're everywhere and easy to find, but the most expensive.

if you're in wakefield, you can get a bus or train to leeds in about 15mins - there's a big branch of richer sounds there where i believe they're selling the N710 at a hefty discount. i was there last weekend and picked up a MZ-E909 for £100 off RRP; they sell older end-of-line models for about £50, though they're often sold out. There's also a sony centre about 20 yards away which is more pricey but has better stock.

another good thing about richer sounds is that you can get a 3 year guarantee for £10, and if you don't use it they give you the £10 back; maybe not so good if you're only visiting but still nice

both shops are on Vicar Lane if you go, at the end furthest from the bus/train stations.

Thanks sparkey! I'm leaving for the UK in a few days time (Boxing day), so I'm really glad I read your post. Leeds is very close to Wakefield (as you said), so I'll definitely get to Richer Sounds and have a look.

Thanks once again for your help!

[Guest Anonymous]

places like dixons, argos etc aren't the best place to buy in the UK; they're everywhere and easy to find, but the most expensive.

if you're in wakefield, you can get a bus or train to leeds in about 15mins - there's a big branch of richer sounds there where i believe they're selling the N710 at a hefty discount. i was there last weekend and picked up a MZ-E909 for £100 off RRP; they sell older end-of-line models for about £50, though they're often sold out. There's also a sony centre about 20 yards away which is more pricey but has better stock.

another good thing about richer sounds is that you can get a 3 year guarantee for £10, and if you don't use it they give you the £10 back; maybe not so good if you're only visiting but still nice

both shops are on Vicar Lane if you go, at the end furthest from the bus/train stations.

sparkey, do you recall how much Richer Sounds was selling the MZ-N710 for?

Thanks,

Jonathan

[inzvestor]

amazon.co.uk are selling the N710 for approx GBP118

The same model in NZ retails for $529 !!

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi, I dont mean to hijack this topic but its on the same lines as what i came here to post about.

My not so faithful Panasonic SJ-MR220 has crapped out on me after barely an years use. Long story but guys, do you's believe in a thing called Lens Cleaners and are they any use?

I was going to get the Sony NetMD, either the N510 or the N710, whose output according to various websites is 5mW+5mW, which is pitiful but my panasonics had 3.5mW+3.5mW supposedly, and they seemed OK-ish.

However a source on another forum has told me that UK models Sony only have an output of 1.2mW - is this true????? Thats never enough for the Senn PX200's I was gonna buy!

Are the Sharp NetMD models any good, and with better outputs? Or are they a no no. Basically I want a NetMD for cheap, but thats good, i was thinking Sony N510 since Sony's I regard highly.

And is this 3 year warranty stuff true! must check website and find out. but its late...

Any advice would be fab..thanks

[mAjEsTiC]

i think u could take a look at the Sharp DR420...very cheap NetMD model from Sharp...they generally have a higher output than that of Sony units and are very good quality (i.e. matching that of Sony's build)...they are highly regarded units and i would recommend them to u as i own a Sharp player and it rocks... i don't know about the 3 year warranty...i thought that MD's only came with one...well Sony only comes with one...lens cleaners just shift dust around basically (but they clean the lens) though they're useful if ur lazy and don't want to to it with a cotton swab...and yes the Euro models of those units are capped at 1.2mW output...