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Hi-MD for a newbie...

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IcewynG

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Hi everyone (first post here),

I was planning to buy an NHF-800 since I have heard a lot of great things about the Hi-MD format. I've never owned an MD player before but did some research and thought it would be an interesting format. From what I read in this forum, there seems to be some concern over sound quality. How would someone feel about the sound of the Hi-MD compared to a CD player? Would you notice that much of a difference? over MP3s (usually around 192)?

I am still hesitating between an Hi-MD player and an MP3 digital player.

Thanks for your help.

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The Soundquality suffers, if you choose the low datarate modes, Hi-LP64&48kBit / old LP4.

That isn't really for music, but ideal for Audio-Books. The concern comes from Sony's claims, that Hi-LP is better than MP3@128k. In fact, it isn't.

However, when using Hi-SP, the quality is well above MP3 @192k. In fact, you need very good ears and good equipment to hear a difference to a CD. Qualitywise, you're on the safe side with Hi-SP. Plus, you can record from other sources too, adding music to your collection without a computer. So, from from quality and versatility, Hi-MD is the way to go.

By the way, the instruction manual is often a good info on a recorder, so you can view it here(PDF):

http://www.minidisc.org/manuals/sony/Sony_...tion_manual.pdf

The Info-page is here:

http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-NHF800.html

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Thank you for your advice. I will definitly look into it.

The versatility of the recorder is what really got me into buying one. I'll use it mostly to listen to music but the fact it can do more is nice.

Dunno yet if I'll go for the 700 or 800... don't really need the FM tuner and not sure if the VPT will make much of a difference smile.gif

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I did think about the 900 too. I wasn't too sure about it since it will be my first MD player and thought a lower-end player would be good for a first time. The only thing is that the only place in Canada I could find was Minidisc Canada & they say it is still in pre-order. Any online stores that ships in Canada that has them? (In Canada if possible. I know that Customs can really be a killer when it comes to customs taxes and all).

The other issue I have with the 900 (from what I've read) seems to be about the digital amp. Is it really that bad or will the untrained ear won't be able to see the difference?

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Welcome, Ice.

The MD digital amp is not "bad" persay [where did you hear this?] and would more or less be an improvement over previous units without one. Certain experts have cited that it carries no sonic improvement, but for your average MD listener employing MD units from generations ago it'll probably make their feet tap again. And if you fail to notice it, at least be content that your MD unit has an optimal amplifier [in the power-consumption sense]. :wink:

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Thought I saw that on the forum somewhere... could be wrong though smile.gif

All I really want to do is to be able to record music and listen to music while i'm on the bus to get to work. The technical thing seems very interesting but I don't know much about audio tech. Just want to be able to enjoy some music. smile.gif The fact you can also have a 1Gb drive you can bring with you was a definite bonus.

I mostly listen to CDs and Mp3s (of the 192 and 256 variety) so I just wanted to make sure MDs were in the same range.

Now, I wonder how it will sound with my Sennheiser HD 570... smile.gif

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Ok... just ordered a NH-900 and hopefully it'll show up soon!

Thank you all for your help. I'll let you know what I think of it as soon as I get it.

Btw, just curious... any plans for other companies than Sony to support the Hi-MD format such as Sharp (with their Auvi line)?

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The idea of looping the headphone out back into line-in to record radio should theoritically work, but I don't think the MD can record and play the tuner at the same time. And even if it could, as you said, the realtime recording "preview" sound coming out of line-out would create the loop feedback effect.

So I think the option is to use an alternate recording device, but I don't think that's what you had in mind.

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