.Den Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 (Excuse my english please :happy: ) Please, help me with this choose... I want to buy music player and I chose these... iRiver iMP-550 (best CD player, I think) and Sony Hi-MD players (MZ-NH600, 700 etc.). I really don't know, which one choose. iRiver iMP-550 costs (in Czech Republic) 5100 Krone -> $200, Hi-MD players costs: MZ-NH1- 13500 Krone -> $520 MZ-NH900- 11000 Krone -> $430 MZ-NH800- 9000 Krone -> $350 MZ-NH700- I don't know... MZ-NH600- 7500 Krone -> $290 I don't have so much money but for quality I can pay more (but $500 is really very much)... So... I want player with good quality+functions//price rate. And I don't know, which will be better - CD iRiver iMP-550 or Hi-MD Sony MZ-NHxxx. If you have some experience, recommendations, questions or anything else, then please write it, I will be really thankful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christopher Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Welcome! I don't think we have too many members from your area. For best functionality in a Hi-MD unit, I would suggest at least the NH800 and above. Whilst the iMP-550 is a nice unit, perhaps you should look at the Creative Nomad Jukebox 3? I think that you'd get alot better functionality out of that than the iMP-550, and it's a similiar formfactor. Do a couple of searches on the 'net and you'll find out plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Thanks for the tip but Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 is quite old and big. 2 years and old design...I don't like it. iRiver iMP-550 is smallest CD player, it supports mp3, wma, asf, ogg(!), it's made from magnesium, has 900s antishock memory for mp3, good firmware updates etc... Yes, iRiver's medium is CD, but it isn't so big problem. Third problem with Jukebox 3 is, that it's hard to buy it in Czech. For best functionality in a Hi-MD unit, I would suggest at least the NH800 and above.So, if I choose Hi-MD, I have to buy NH800 or NH900? What's the difference between them (and between NH700)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christopher Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Old and big? Perhaps, but with the latest firmware it easily outpreforms the unit in which you desire. I understand the issue about availability, so I'll leave that alone. Here's something I wrote in another forum that summarizes the higher-end to mid-end units [check the equipment browser for the NH700]: Oy. Look at the units here at our equipment browser: MZ-NH1: http://minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-NH1.html MZ-NH900: http://minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-NH900.html MZ-NHF800: http://minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-NHF800.html This is a tough comparison. The MZ-NH900 and the MZ-NH1 are definitely the best out of this group - I think because of the overall construction, digital amp and better battery life. Let's face it, the NHF800 is a nice unit [with it's AM/FM tuner, I guess], but it's pure plastic and lacks: - No digital pitch control. - No digital amp. - No line out function. - No charging cradle. - No external AA battery case [alkaline AA cells can be used internally]. - Smaller personal disk memory capacity. - No program/group program play mode [Not sure about this one yet]. I could see the NHF800 being somewhat satisfactory, but would probably leave you craving more.. The NH900 is aluminum and plastic [the plastic being around the LCD], and overall is a pretty sharp unit. I think this is the model I'm going to get, and in all honesty I think this is the best overall Hi-MD unit so far..in terms of everything. Don't be surprised if everyone has this unit, too. The differences in the NH1 and this unit aren't strong enough to truly justify another $100. Although I must admit the 3-line display that comes with the NH1 [RM-MC40ELK - closeup pictures here] is pretty keen and will be a sought-after accessory for NH900 and below. The price of $275ish [look it up online, don't judge the MSRP] seems pretty fair for this unit [for now], but it'll drop a bit in a little while. The differences between the NH900 and the NH1 are this: - No Date-time stamp. - No USB port on cradle. - NiMH rechargeable cell (vs. LiIon). - NH900 has an external AA battery case so that alkaline AA cells can be used as well as the NiMH gumpack cell. So, basically for $100 more you get those features, a 3-line remote and a magnesium casing. Meh. The NH1 is slick, though..but the $400ish price will scare many away. I mean, $400 on top of media costs? Seems a little ridiculous compared to what else you could get in that price range. MD is truly for a niche group of users, you have to remember that. btw, I like the color variations on the NH900 better than the NH1. heh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Wow, thanks. It is difficult english, but I translated it with my dictionary. :happy: I think, the NH900 is best... But that price... I'm 14, so I haven't got so much money. iRiver will be 2x (!) cheaper than MZ-NH900... NH900 is really cool, but..... I will thinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Is there any problems with Hi-MD players? I mean for ex. recording, sound, security, anything...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyther Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 The iMP-550 sucks. Far, far away from being the best portable CD player. Way too bass heavy and coloured to be of any use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhangraman Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 The iMP-550 is not the best sounding. However it doesn't sound that bad (and it is a long way from sucking), and it is small. It's the most versatile which goes a long way towards making up for other deficiencies. The iMP-550 is still the best buy for an MP3/PCDP... and I can guarantee I've got far more experience of judging this than most. Also as you've noted, it's comparatively cheap. If cost is an issue, go for the iMP... it'll be the best value you can get right now. If you can hang on to your money and save a little, then aim for Hi-MD or a hard-disk player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyther Posted June 29, 2004 Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 Small and versatile, yes, but it's loaded with unnecessary features that most people will never use. The size and shape of the remote make it an annoyance to use. Combined with 3 irritating jog levers, it's definately not a well thought out design, despite the highly informative LCD. It's completely dependant on the remote since there are no buttons on the unit. It takes a long time to 'boot', and even longer to respond to DC input. Redbook playback is not bug free. The unit has minor but annoying problems playing back a good number of copy protected CDs. Certain types of cheap CD-R media will also not play properly, despite it's designation of a MP3/WMA CD player. Line-out (both analog and optical) is not clean. Poor design of remote will not allow for headphones with 'fat' plugs unless the mini extention cord is used, making an already cumbersome remote even more so. Sound quality not particularly enjoyable, excessive bass enhancement and very prone to clipping. I could go on, but to sum it all up, the 550 looks good on paper but has too many small quirks to be truly useful. Quality wise, it's still better than Sony PCDPs, but it's still not my choice of a device for regular use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhangraman Posted June 29, 2004 Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 Some are notable quirks. However I haven't yet found a PCDP (and I've had a lot) which I'm willing to use more. If cost is the issue it's still what I would recommend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 29, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 Hmmm..... And, if price of the device will not be the main criterion (I mean, I won't pay $1000000 but $200 or $400 will not be difference), then - what will be better? iMP-550 or MZ-NH900? Sound, functions, comfort, quality etc. etc. etc. And how long, you think, this machines will be ''in'', or in other words - when they will old? After 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, until the end of world...? Ehm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 29, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2004 Next questions... 1) Can I use MZ-NH900, respectively Hi-MD medium, like storage disc? I mean to storage any files I want - like video, images, files etc? 2) I think, this is question more for Europeans, than Americans, but who knows... I live in Czech Rep. (it is now in EU) and they are still not sells Hi-MD players here (but very-very soon they have to sell it...). The question is: Can I buy this player from another country (France, Germany etc.) via e-shop? It will be cheaper, so I want to know it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazeybt1 Posted June 30, 2004 Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 yup you can n yup i'm sure u'll b able 2 :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 30, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 OK... Thanks... Direct question...: Is there any SERIOUS REASON, why pay double price for MZ-NH900? What functions it has for additional against iMP-550? Except for size and Hi-MD. And Hi-MD... Is it really better, than CD? It is smaller - but it cost 15+ (!) times more, than CD. And compatibility - anything can read CD, but Hi-MD can be read only by Hi-MD player. So - can MZ-900 offer MORE than iMP-550, when you take into account, that it costs like 2 iMP-550? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmp64 Posted June 30, 2004 Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 Well, if you care about such things, a MD player like the 900 lets you record from a variety of sources, such as a mic, or anything with an audio output. You can then edit the file on the MD - meaning you can chop it into multiple files, edit bits out, merge two files together, etc. etc. To some degree, you will be able to upload what you recorded on the unit to a PC. Further, MDs are re-recordable - which means more than just wiping them and recording over. You can move tracks around on the disc, delete individual tracks, etc. ATRAC also does not suffer from the annoying gap between tracks present in most MP3 players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted June 30, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 But do you think, that twice price is not too much for that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazeybt1 Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 well not really here's a few reasons y i think so 1 Size...compare to cd players n most mp3 players ..MD units really represent portable 2 Functionality ..compared to cd players where u gotta purchase cdrs continuosly ..with MDs u can purchase a blank for $2.00 n record over n over n over n over again n again on the same disc whenever ur current media gets outa of date for u..( not to mention u might have to buy a cd burner if u don't already have one) 3 now with HI MD u can play lossless PCM Big + huh ( that's what cd players really had over minidisc) 4 Capabilities... remember with a cd player more or less all u can do is listen to music..n play with the same limited features...where as with MDs u can do live digital recordings n record from ne source with an output VS mp3 need for a pc 5 until HI MD, a major significance when comparing portable audio devices was battery life.. where MD units used to lead by miles in battery life..not to mention MD units use easily replacable batteries ( in most cases Rechargables) but even now mp3 players can't keep up with HI MD where battery life have been cut down to half n less 6 Durability for twice the price sounds like a deal to me..cuz mp3s cost in some cases the same price as MD units..but can u drop them like u can with MDs i think absolutely not. ( i always thought buying mp3 players was gambiling with ur money or like tip toeing through life hoping u'll reach death safely) 7 my final opinion is that once u go MD if u haven't yet i doubt u'll go back to nething else..well not soon ne way..Minidisc got it's faults but it's pros out weigh it's cons .. :smile: ( some time back there was a section on minidisc Tstation in which mp3 players , disc mans n minidisc players were compared..i don't c it ne more..but that could have been very resourseful if ne 1 know of such links could u post it for Den) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyther Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 2 Functionality ..compared to cd players where u gotta purchase cdrs continuosly ..with MDs u can purchase a blank for $2.00 n record over n over n over n over again n again on the same disc whenever ur current media gets outa of date for u..( not to mention u might have to buy a cd burner if u don't already have one)Most of your music comes from CDs, no? (Or at least I hope so...) 3 now with HI MD u can play lossless PCM Big + huh ( that's what cd players really had over minidisc)So Hi-MD is just catching up to the big boys, that's not really an advantage. 6 Durability for twice the price sounds like a deal to me..cuz mp3s cost in some cases the same price as MD units..but can u drop them like u can with MDs i think absolutely not. ( i always thought buying mp3 players was gambiling with ur money or like tip toeing through life hoping u'll reach death safely)This is a wild statement. You have no factual evidence to compare durability between 2 different types of media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadeclaw Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 Ok, Den, a collective answer: First, you can order from Germany, current price mentioned at Directshopper.de is 306 Euros plus about 28 Euros for Shipping & Handling. http://www.directshopper.de/static_versand_info_en Second, don't compare Hi-MD directly to CD, as MDs generally have a higher reliability than CDs and you can record on them even when you're away from home. Not possible with CD. And, for good CD-R discs, you still pay more than a euro per disc. And Hi-MD won't stay long at 7 euros per disc... Oh, and did I mention, that CDs scratch easily? Btw, you do know, how much a 1 GB USB-Stick costs? 200 Euros. And that's just the stick, it doesn't even play music. The NH900 replaces that as well. If you are worried about the soundquality, just wait until the first members here have the NH900 and can testify about the quality of the HD-Digital amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazeybt1 Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 Skytherx Most of your music comes from CDs, no?uhh NOPE!! So Hi-MD is just catching up to the big boys, that's not really an advantage.well for one i just made a statement that needed no opinion :grin: Thank you 4 nothing.. but if u don't think minidisc playing PCM don't deserve an applause good for you..n b sure to never do ne recordings in Linear PCM This is a wild statement. You have no factual evidence to compare durability between 2 different types of media.uhh yah..it's opinions...didn't they teach u to distinguish fact from opinion at school..arguing an opinion is normally a waste of time.. ne ways i'm rather glad that u ended ur last statement by putting "media" in bold.. but ur far off friend.. who was even comparing media.. :wacky: you?...oh sorry i wasn't.. :laugh: i think i was talking about portable audio devices and yeah i can prove beyond a doubt that minidisc players/recorders r way more durable than all HDD based MP3 players and to an extent flash mp3 players..n even to a larger extent discmans.. :grin: Yours sincerely Crazey :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadeclaw Posted July 1, 2004 Report Share Posted July 1, 2004 i think i was talking about portable audio devices and yeah i can prove beyond a doubt that minidisc players/recorders r way more durable than all HDD based MP3 players and to an extent flash mp3 players..n even to a larger extent discmans.. :grin: Yours sincerely Crazey :laugh:Advice: Dropping delicate electronics is never recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyther Posted July 2, 2004 Report Share Posted July 2, 2004 MP3s are ripped from CDs. Radio stations broadcast music from CDs. So, you must be using vinyl? I've got more than enough equipment that lets me play PCM, Hi-MD isn't going to be a part of my arsenal any time soon. ... cuz mp3s cost in some cases ...You need to go back to school and learn how to type. Dropping babies on their heads give similar effects to exposing delicate electronics to shock - they start to malfunction over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted July 7, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 Today, I'm going to audio shop and I want to test iRiver iMP-550 + KOSS Porta Pro and Sennheiser PX200 there with my CD... I want to test MZ-NH900 too, but It still isn't in shops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazeybt1 Posted July 7, 2004 Report Share Posted July 7, 2004 hmm...u still need to jump a lil bit higher or ur just too short is my point still way outa ur reach...still with the format thing..??? i'm not.. dropping babies on their heads?????? .. what's that all about.. i mean if ur arguments or soo serious i wouldn't wanna play a fighting game with you :laugh: babies don't malfunction still can't c the comparson :wacky: oh n yeah i did typing at college silly you...i can type probably better than you 2 but that typing thing is just one of ur reruns u tried that already :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadeclaw Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 oh n yeah i did typing at college silly you...i can type probably better than you 2 but that typing thing is just one of ur reruns u tried that already :laugh:The problem with your typing style is: First, it is hard to read. Incomplete sentences breaking the reading flow, replacing words with numbers or single letters making it worse. Second, your writing is convoluted. The reader always has to sort out your writing in his mind, hoping that rearranging the sentences and words will make sense. Remember, when you are writing here, you are not writing for one of your local peers, this is read worldwide and someone who is less proficient in the english language should understand it as well. Don't see my posting as a personal attack, just consider it as an advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted July 8, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 The problem with your typing style is: First, it is hard to read. Incomplete sentences breaking the reading flow, replacing words with numbers or single letters making it worse. Second, your writing is convoluted. The reader always has to sort out your writing in his mind, hoping that rearranging the sentences and words will make sense. Remember, when you are writing here, you are not writing for one of your local peers, this is read worldwide and someone who is less proficient in the english language should understand it as well. Don't see my posting as a personal attack, just consider it as an advice.Yeah, I often don't understand... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Den Posted July 8, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 Hm, I was in that shop... I tried iRiver and the Porpa Pro and Sennheiser PX200. I think iRiver is really good machine; I never had in my hands thing like that, but I very quick understood the controls. If the NH900 won't be at shops before and of holidays (Czech Rep. is as*hole :whatever: ), then I will buy iMP-550. If it will... then I don't know. I like NH900, but it is quite expensive. I can buy 2 and 1/4 iMP-550s for that price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwakrz Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 MP3s are ripped from CDs. Radio stations broadcast music from CDs.Thought I'd clear this up Most radio stations do broadcast from CD's, yes In UK, Radio 1 used to use CD, then switched to MiniDisc (yay) and has just moved over to digital storage devices (PC based juke boxes) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadeclaw Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 and has just moved over to digital storage devices (PC based juke boxes)Same here for Germany, except for some classic radio, PC-based playout systems are the norm. Optimod is the norm as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazeybt1 Posted July 10, 2004 Report Share Posted July 10, 2004 Thank you Sir I never thought of it that way. :cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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