HIGH GEAR

07 Feb 2001

Sony MZ-R900 MD Player Review

by theVooner

I went to buy a new stereo last weekend. As you know, I have my heart set on a new Sharp Auvi SD-NX10. I was so excited taking the train over to the store. I finally arrive ready to plunk down my credit card, when I was stopped dead in my tracks -- SOLD OUT. Darn. The anticipation of wanting to buy something, and then not being able to buy it, is pure frustration. So I walked the street aimlessly and after 40 minutes, I couldn't take it any longer. I finally succumbed to my buying urge and bought Sony's latest MD player, the MZR900. (A free Sony "backpack" helped ice the deal.)

The MZR900 is the latest portable MD player/recorder that features Sony's new MDLP standard. The MDLP does exactly that, record/play MDs in LP (long-play). You have the option of selecting LP2 or LP4, which effectively doubles or quadruples the recording time respectively. Obviously, with MDLP4, compression is at its max (we'll get into quality of sound in just a bit). I like listening to MDs and the LP function is a great option because I don't want to have to carry around so many different MDs. Incidentally, the nice thing about MDLP is that you do not need to buy new MDs to record at MDLP, you can use any existing MD.

The argument continues, even for me -- MP3 vs. MD. I've tried MP3 for some time now; back in the days when my dial-up was 19.2k I was already trying to download 4MB music files. Having done the whole napster thing, not to mention "ripping" my own, I've given up on MP3. Why? Well actually it started with the Sony fiasco (as I like to call it). The Music Clip forces you to use Sony's own proprietary format (ATRAC3). Hence, you have to convert MP3 files to ATRAC3 and record all future tracks in ATRAC3 to use the Music Clip. While ATRAC3 isn't bad, it's just a pain to first find then download an MP3, change it to ATRAC3 and then transfer the file to the Music Clip. Worse, now with the iPaq, I have to "rip" everything twice as well, once in Windows Media format, the other in ATRAC3. Also, with the Music Clip, I'm limited to 64MB. Sure you have compact flash/smart media MP3 players today, but how much do they cost? MDs are still a cheaper alternative. I want something quick and easy. That's the beauty of MD. You don't have to input the title, artist name, etc. for every song you record. Just load a CD, put in a MD, and press record. Simple, fast, cheap, and reliable.

Form

The MZR900 is really sharp, coming in a solid metallic case. You get the choice of four different colors -- I chose the blue one, because my favorite color happens to be blue. The player feels really sturdy, but because of its size, and based on my past experience, its actually a lot more delicate than it looks. Do not drop these babies or they will break! The MZR900 is really tiny in your hand and has to be one of the smallest recordable MD players out there. It's extremely small compared to previous MD players I've had. I really like the jog dial control that comes with the player. Although they are very similar to past ones, Sony has truly mastered the design and placement of buttons/knobs. Based just on size and looks, I think the MZR900 is Sony's best MD recorder to date.

Function

So how does the MDLP sound? At both MDLP2 and MDLP4, the loss in sound quality is hardly noticeable given the compression. In fact, I made the same MD recording for each different mode and I could not tell the difference. Recording is a simple task with the MZR900. Included with the player is an optical cable that allows you to hook up the MZR900 to another optical output source, like a Sony Discman, and make digital recordings. Press "record" on the MD player (after you select MD, MDLP2 or MDLP4) and then press "play" on my Sony CD player. Easy enough.

There is of course one slight problem, any recording made at either MDLP2 or MDLP4 is only playable on these newer MDLP players. Hence, my other MD Walkman and my stereo cannot play back any MD recorded at MDLP2 or MDLP4. Also, as my current stereo does not have MDLP, I have to use the MZR900 exclusively to make recordings. While I don't have a MDLP stereo to make recordings easier (by easier I mean a stereo allows you to "program" songs from multiple discs for example and then just press one button to record them), actually you don't need one. If you think about it, a 74-minute MD can be extended to 296 minutes at MDLP4. If you're recording individual songs, do you know how many times you'll have to change discs? You can squeeze in over 60 songs on one disc. Still, if I'm going to make an MD, I probably won't have 60 individual songs, but rather, something like 15 in which case I can just fit it all on a standard MD at normal speed. The purpose I see for MDLP4 is to "fit" three or four different albums onto one disc. That way, you can listen to the entire ABBA (or Sasha and Digweed) collection on just one disc.

Battery life is outstanding. Rated at some 66 hours, the battery lasts long enough that I didn't have to charge it for a week while using it periodically during office hours. That's a real bonus. You don't have to worry about carrying around the extra 'AA' battery pack - as a result, the MZR900 is as small and as light as ever. The MZR900 also has multiple "dials" on the side of the display. This allows you to quickly navigate through the different menus. It also allows you to input titles of the songs relatively quickly. Nice, but I still think it's a pain to do. If I were going to do that, I'd stick with MP3.

Factor

I've been waiting to buy a new MD Walkman for sometime now. Fortunately, I managed to wait long enough that Sony came out with MDLP. Ok, it's a gimmick to get fools like me to replace all our "old" equipment, but hey, that's fun too! I'm glad I waited because I really like the MZR900. It's small, the battery lasts forever, and the MDLP is a great function. MD IMHO beats MP3 any day (ok, with the exception that you can get free downloads off the Internet). But Sony already has a PC link for its new stereos so you'll be able to transfer MP3 to your MD. I'd much rather own a portable MD player right now than a portable MP3 player. If you already have a MD player, then maybe its time to get a new one because technology is getting better all the time. If not, then this should be your first one because it's an ESSENTIAL item for any music listener. I can't tell you know how many MD players I've had (it's a lot), but this new one is definitely one of the best.

danchan warned me that...

If my posts are not relevent to the subject (which always are), then I might subject myself as the subject of editorial subjection.

Therefore...

How much is a MZ R900?

and...

When is the Vooner having a garage sale to get rid of his old stuff?

...And where can you get one?

If you are at the disadvantage of living in the USA - land of the gadget deprived - you won't be finding the MZ-R900 on your native soil. In fact, I was told that MDLP portables from Sony won't even hit US shores until at least June or July 2001. If you want to get an MDLP unit right now, though, there is hope. Go to Minidisco and they will sell you an imported unit for USD $379.95.

I have also seen a lot of MDLP units for sale on eBay, but since they seem to be extremely popular, I have yet to find any bargains.

Also, the voltage difference between the USA and Japan isn't supposed to be an issue, but I would recommend picking up a voltage adapter before plugging a Japanese 100 volt unit into a US 120 volt outlet...

I second the motion for a Vooner garage sale extravaganza.

In Demand

I never realized that the US would take so long to get the MDLP. I thought it would be out by now. There are a lot of them over here in Hong Kong. Hmm... a destined to fail e-commerce business plan here?

FYI, the MZR900 cost me HK$2250 (US$288). This was the "original" local, HK model (i.e. 220v, local guarantee). (As I mentioned, I also got a FREE Sony backpack!) If you buy the Japanese version (parallel import version, i.e. 110v, Japanese manuals, no local guarantee) then I've seen them as low as HK$1980 (US$254).

I apologize also that the first two pictures above came out kind of "greenish". The bottom pictures are closer to its "true" color.

When I lived in the US, I used lots of my Japanese version electronic goods. I think the 100/110v plugged into a 120v is ok as long as its not for major equipment or prolonged time. An MD player, plugged in to recharge the battery should be fine. But don't plug in a Japanese version DVD player or Stereo indefinitely. In that case, I would agree to get a converter.

Interesting thought about a garage sale. So what does theVooner do with his used/old equipment? Well, first I do normally offer it to people around me that are interested. But, if I'm interested in selling something, I usually either try to trade it in (like my old golf clubs or cameras) or I sell them to these "second-hand" shops (like my many mobile phones). Hong Kong has a few of these places where you can sell off your old stuff. The price they offer can be reasonable at times.

There are many occasions though that I just end up keeping the items. There is some sentimental attachment to these things, especially when you go through the different thought processes and the hardship of actually finding some of these goods. I generally have a rule that unless it's still worth a "considerable" amount as a second hand item, I'll just keep it as an antique. Schlaulau will undoubtably remember that antique CD player (in fact THE very first portable CD player EVER made) I sold him in high school -- BTW do you still have that thing?

Antique CD player

Just as theVooner is one who buys new stuff all the time, I am one who keeps all my "still usuable" electronics...

My brother yelled at me for my car discman, which I use for entertainment when I fly around for work... the next-track button doesn't work, the volume controls are barely working...

So I went out and bought a Panasonic CT-SL430

http://www.minidiscmall.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CD

for a dirt-cheap US$81. Optical-out for my MD-recording, anti-skip, and (probbaly the most important factor for me) the 43(!!!) hour play time!!!

I am still bringing my car discman back to the states though, to plug into my stereo in the bathroom... not throwing anything away just yet!

In Japan, whenever a new model comes out, the older version almost goes the path of extinction (since no one wants to buy something that is not the newest/coolest), driving the price of older models down to incredible levels.

but old model in Japan = new model in US...

I would recommend bionic roach to build a list of electronics he want to buy, and plan a SHOPPING TRIP to the land of the rising sun...

Vooner, about the antique CD player... it survived the trip to Japan from Hong Kong before I went to college, but on the way over the Pacific ocean to the States it simply stopped working, and spun forever... It may still be in storage somewhere in Taiwan but it has been officially "retired".

If you want one...

I can get them here in Japan. The current price at Yodobashi Camera is 34800 yen or according to Yahoo.com's info almost exactly U.S. $300. Add .5 percent tax + shipping. You can pay my paypal account. I'm guessing at least $20 for 1 to 2 week shipping. Contact me (http://greggman.com) before you do it as I may change my mind.

The disadvantage to getting it from me is you get no support. If it arrives broken you can send it back to me but I can't make any guarentees that I can even exchange it for a new one as it will be 4 to 5 weeks after it was bought by the time it makes it back here.

I got mine just before Christmas. I got the white one. They come in silver and red too. Some corrections. The batteries do not last 66 hours UNLESS you use the external battery (a AA battery) that screws onto the bottom of the unit.) It's complicated but here's the list

Internal Battery only in regular playback mode (ie, old MDs). 21 hours. In LP4 mode 26 hours. With both the internal battery and an alkaline AA external battery in regular playback 53 hours, in LP4 mode 66 hours. Here's the complete list Note: rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydried (sp?) batters have like 30% more juice then alkalines so you'd get even more hours with those.

Also, I never bought blank MDs in the U.S. but in Japan you can get 80min MDs so in LP4 mode you get 320 minutes or 5 HOURS 20 minutes on one MD.

Sony also has the MZ-E900 and MZ-E700 that have 100 hour usage ratings but they don't record so you'd need something else to record with.

Supposedly in LP4 mode they have 160 second skip memory. LP2 mode 80 seconds, regular mode 40 seconds.

I have noticed a few minor problems. The shuffle mode on my MZ-R900 seems to have a really bad random number algorithm because it plays the same songs too often. Not a major problem. The second non-major problem is that it appears that MDs have limited memory for track names. It *appears* to work like this. They have maybe 2K for text of which each track and use as much as it wants to. The problem is with 5 hours and 20 minutes of space it's easy to put enough music on the disk that you'll run out of space for names. That's probably not a problem since you probably won't put in names. I got the cmt-px5 for recording and I got the PC interface for entering the names and making mixes. There's a little info on my page

-g

Japanese Power

I know next to nothing about electronics buuuuut, I had my Japanese DVD player plugged into the wall in my apartment in Brentwood for a year and a half with no problems and I had all my Japanese video game machines plugged in too and I rarely if ever turned any of them off.

Visa versa also, using my American gadgets here in Japan has not been a problem.......so far ;-)

Greggmann

Do you know you can go to ANY store (electronics)in Japan, show your passport with a visitor's visa (or at least one that doesn't require any work-permit and get TAX FREE pricing? The idea is that since you don't live here you shouldn't have to pay taxes.

The same applies to those who are working in the US on WORK-PERMIT (non-working visa) - they do not have to pay social security since they theoretically will not be in the US to enjoy the (non) benefits.

I just bought my CoolPix 880 and paid no tax at Sakuraya (checked out Yodobashi but the guy at the counter was an a$$ so I left).

Schlaulau out - going home to Minneapolis tomorrow morning and will hopefully post snowboarding pictures (and video!!! Just found out the 880 takes short movies as well)when I get back.

Shopping Trip

Thanks for the heads up on the tax loophole, Schlaulau!

My obsessive-compulsive disorder is actually bad enough that I am planning a trip overseas in search of a sports car to bring back to the states and pray that it doesn't get crushed by an SUV here in Colorado like my last hobby car did.

For sure I will pick up some electronic hors d'oeuvres while I'm there...

Ahhh... Tokyo

I wish I were back in Tokyo spending money at Sakuraya!

Schlaulau: Don't forget to buy the JAPAN ONLY Coolpix "Straps". They look really good and are very useful. They are blue in color and come in this silver box (you actually get two straps, one for the wrist and one for the neck). I saw them both at Sakuraya and Yodobashi although sometimes they stick it with the regular 35mm straps. I love accessories! Don't though buy the thick and heavy leather case. Instead, there are a few soft cases that will fit which are much better (I got a good, padded one from Tokyu Hands).

To add on to Greggman's comments, I also did find one thing a bit weak on the MZR900. The different "Sound" modes actually don't add that much to the overall sound. I'm a big fan of bass and I love that the Sony CD players come with MegaBass. But Sony MD players seem to come with these weak "Sound" settings. So I end up cranking the volume way up. Of course then I can't use the MD player as much or I'll eventually go deaf.

In general I think MDs have had a very poor response in the US. I don't even know if you can get 80 min. MDs there. When 80 mins came out, it used to cost nearly twice as much for those extra 6 mins. So I didn't get any. Instead, I bought one of those super 20 packs and now I have way too many blank MDs. MDLP4 has also saved me from using lots of discs. Oh well.

Why not the U.S.

There reason MDs are not popular in the US IMO is that there is no real use for them AND they are so expensive. You can get a cassette player for $19 or less at Sav-On. You can get a CD player for maybe $50 to $60. But an MD player costs $300. Maybe there are now cheaper models, I think the cheapest one in Japan I've seen is around $99.

The other issue is that everybody drives cars in the US and so has a radio/cassette or CD player in the car. The only places people use these devices in the U.S. is (a) working out or (b) biking, blading, etc. Where as in Japan most commutes are by train so you've got to take your stereo with you and MD is clearly the best for that.

Help! Some advice for an Aussie

Okay, first time md buyer here.
I have friends from Taiwan and Hong Kong.
One of them is planning to go back to HK
in July. Is it wise to ask them to buy the md for me there or should I buy it for approx double the price in Australia
i.e. if it would be out buy then in Aus-land of the technologyless. Or maybe I should wait untill next year when the price may drop when a new md comes out?
I see from the other posts that the price in HK in Feb when it came out was approx $500 AUSD so would it be cheaper by July?
So many questions-sorry!!!
Well, I can tell you why I want to purchase a md player...
1. It looks good
2. It is more efficient than mp3s-quicker to transfer and much more easy to use.
3. I hear it can download mp3s anyway
4. I just want one!!!
I'd be really happy if anyone can help me but I understand if no one will cos it's kind of an old topic
Thanks

Buying Advice

Thanks for writing Chillipepper. My advice would be that if anything costs "double the price" then of course buy it overseas/online. Even if it breaks and you have to throw it away, it's still worth it. So to answer your question, yes, have your friend buy it.

Since he/she will be overseas, tell your friend to buy it from one of the more "reputable" chain stores (in HK that would be Fortress or Broadway). You might pay a little more, but if you use a credit card like Amex or Visa, you get "extra" insurance that you're not buying a dud.

The Sony warranty is worldwide, but only if you buy it from these stores that are the authorized dealers (alternately, you could buy the grey market MZR-900, i.e. the Japan model, that costs even less, but doesn't come with any guarantee/warranty.) Do be careful about the voltage too as you might need a voltage adapter. (What is the Australian voltage? I think it's also 220/240v just like Hong Kong.) Other than that, from someone that buys electronic goods from all over the world, buying overseas is perfectly fine.

Yes, it will be cheaper by July because by then there will be a few newer models out. Already the MZR-900 is HK$150 (about US$20) less than when I first bought it.

All of your other suppositions are correct. MDs are cool.

Write me if you have any more questions at theVooner@yahoo.com

Pricing Comparison

I am new to this site and I found that it's really interesting so I decided to register :>
Anyway back to my topic
I just bought a MZ-E900 for S$ 449 I wonder whether is it about the same price selling now at other places?

Pricing Comparison

I am new to this site and I found that it's really interesting so I decided to register :>
Anyway back to my topic
I just bought a MZ-E900 for S$ 449 I wonder whether is it about the same price selling now at other places?

Sorry about the repeated comment I think I accidentally pressed refresh or something like that

Price

The Sony MZ-E900 (non-recording)costs about US$225 (by S$ I assume you mean Singapore dollars, correct me if I'm wrong) which is about S$400. That's the "original" version. If you buy the Japanese version, they're about US$205 or S$370.

Hong Kong is still the cheapest place in the world to buy electronic goods in general, IMHO.

Japanese and original version

What is the difference between this two versions anyway?

Difference

I don't think there is a difference in what the functions or overall design-this is from checking out mds on every internet site possible. The only differences, from what I've read, are the price and the warrantee available dependant on where the japanese model is purchased. I've been informed by theVooner that the jap model on the grey market in HK is cheaper 'cos there are no guarantee/warrantees...
So I think there is absolutely no difference at all!

Several Differences

In HK, you usually have 3 different versions of electronic goods:

1) Original version, distributed by Sony. You pay a premium but it comes with a Sony warranty. 220/240v (usually multivoltage as well). English/Chinese instructions.

2) Original version, parallel import. These are the exact same as above but bought from somewhere else because it was cheaper. Some have funny things like Singapore/Malaysia/Thai price tags, etc. No Sony warranty, but 220/240v and usually English instructions.

3) Japanese version. Can be much cheaper. Sometimes different specs (the Japanese PC-5 for example has only a 40x digital zoom while the "original" foreign one has a 100x digital zoom or something like that). Only 100v (so you need a converter). Japanese ONLY instructions and wordings (like on the buttons). (Sometimes this is a pain for some people because things like remote controls are all in Japanese, but that's ok for me cuz I can read it.) No official Sony warranty.

In general, I buy the Japanese version if it is much cheaper, only available in Japanese (like a limited edition), or if it's a small/cheap product. (I haven't been very good though at following this).

I buy the original nowadays if it's an expensive product so at least I have a warranty and the bigger stores take my Amex without tacking on the extra 3% so I'm double insured so to speak.

Gettin A Jpn Version

If I want to get something of the Japanese version type from Sony where do I get it from?

Japanese Gizmos

Well thankfully, Hong Kong happens to be the best place in the world because you can get Japanese goods direct from Japan. Unfortunately, there are not too many places like Hong Kong in the rest of the world.

The obvious answer would be to say: GO TO Japan, and if you ever do, Tokyo's Akihabara rules.

Depending on where you are in the world, that will determine your access to Japanese electronics. In truth, other than Hong Kong, your options are very limited. That's why we have this site. Being in HK, I get access to the best of all worlds, and I do my best to bring it to all of you.

theVooner@yahoo.com

Where to buy

This is from a guy that was looking for one himself. Not me.
---
>By the way, can you tell me
>some import websites so I
>can point other people do
>them?

http://www.melting-pot.com

Kind of on the more expensive side, but they will supposedly special order
things for you.

http://www.minidisco.com

Good prices on popular import items. Sometimes they even have Japanese
toys.

http://www.planetminidisc.com

Good prices on popular import items. Excellent customer service in my
experience.

http://www.hyperjack.net/

I don't really know much about them, but they seem to have a fair amount of
stuff.

Buyer beware

Just FYI, I'm on my 3rd MZ-R900. The first one would randomly stop playing. Pressing play at that point the MD would start back several songs. On top of which the battery, advertised as lasting 27 hours was lasting about 7.

Fortunately Yodobashi Camera offers a 1 year warrenty with all purchases free of charge so I took it back and they gave me a new one.

That was in February.

Yesterday my second MZ-R900 stopped playing MDs. Press play and it would spin the disc for 1 or 2 minutes and then finally say "DISC ERR". I tried several MDs after that so it's not the MD it's the player. I took it back to Yodobashi today and they are sending it to Sony so I won't know the results for at couple of weeks probably.

The point? If they ever do come out in America it's probably a good idea to get the service contract. If you get one overseas just beware...

The cost of reparing

Hey greggman. My cousin's MZR900 had the same error 4 months after he brought his. International warranty only lasted 3 months, and Mine just had the same error a few months more than a year and I'm too am only covered by the 3 month international warranty.

Just wondering even though your post has been nearly a year how was the results of repairing your md. So far "Go Audio" (Australian store) had told me it will cost approximately $400AUS to fix, which is about 80% of what I bought it for in Singapore.

Is it worth reparing? I love the MD to bits as it has become a part of my everyday wardrobe, a habbit, an addiction. It has become an integral part of my being and I am just wondering if I will ever love another.

Maybe the Net MD's =)