MiniDisc Decks

Features: True synchro record, smart space. Light based operation assistance "illumination guide". Stereo/Mono recording.

Links: Aiwa's Japanese page for the unit.

Reviews:

Features: Karaoke recording capabilities, can synchronize recording with the Bose AMS-1.

Links: Bose's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: AC100V.

Reviews:

Features: Karaoke recording capabilities, can be automatically operated with the SSS-1EX Bose system.

Links: Bose's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: AC100V.

Reviews:

Features: Easy connection to WBS-1EX, WBS-3EX, WBS-5EX, PLS-1310 units.

Links: A Japanese news site has information on this unit.

Specs: 20bit DAC, noise/distortion below measureable limits.

Reviews:

Features:

• MDLP w/group mode functions.
• "Pick Rec" function (records from beginning of track when used with Denon DCD-201SA CD player).
• Timer function (when used with Presta201SA/PMA-201SA system unit).
• Editing functions include "Program Move" (move many tracks at once).
• Wireless remote.

Links:

• Denon Japan page
• SuperFi (UK) page

Specs: SNR: >100dB

Reviews:

Features: Mini-sized MD recorder with full editing facilities. The DMD6.5 will match other components in the 6.5 series as well as being flexible enough to allow connection to other hifi systems. CD synchro recording, divide, combine, move, programme move, track erase, all erase, title track, title disc, 25 track programmable, random, repeat, DAC Sampling rate converter, Remote control, Jog dial edit control, digital record volume control, timer rec/play feature. No MDLP or CD-Text support.

Links: Superfi.uk has a page for the DMD-6.5.

Reviews:

Features: Not MDLP compatible, not CD-TEXT compatible. Pick Rec function, synchronized recording, repeat/shuffle/program playback modes, 14-character display. Avaialable in gold and black, jog dial edit control, digital record volume control.

Links: Denon's official German page for the DMD-F100. Superfi (UK) has details and photos of the DMD-F100.

Reviews:

Features: Not MDLP compatible, not CD-TEXT compatible. Pick Rec function, synchronized recording, repeat/shuffle/program playback modes, 14-character display. Avaialable in gold and black, jog dial edit control, digital record volume control.

Links: Superfi (UK) has details and photos of the DMD-F30.

Reviews:

Features: To be used with either the Denon D-M3 or D-M5 mini systems.CD-SRS for one-touch recording from CD, jog dial for easy entry of title data, 25-track program play, random play and repeat play (one/all), auto track marking, optical digital cable included. "Program move" allows multiple tracks to be moved at once. "Auto Disc Recovery" defragments a MiniDisc. This unit would Paul Harris finds a clear shot of Denon's DMD-M10 mini-component deck, intended to couple with their D-M3 and D-M5 personal stereo systems.

Links: Denon's sparse page for this unit.

Specs: Sampling rate converter (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz).

Reviews:

Features: Can plug standard computer keyboard into unit for easy titling.

Links: Denon's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 110dB SNR, AL24 Processing quality, electric power consumption of 28W.

Reviews:

Features: Delta Sigma A/D converter results in high S/N ratio, 3D digital noise filter, has all standard MD editing features, Auto Disc Recovery mode, can begin recording 6 seconds before "record" is pressed due to a continuous input buffer.

Links: Denon's page for this unit. Denon's PDF unit profile for this unit.

Specs: Digital Sampling Rate Converter (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz), Frequency Response: 4 Hz - 20 kHz, Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB, Dynamic range: 94 dB, Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz, Wow and flutter: immeasurable, Power supply: AC 230 V, 50 Hz, Power consumption: 16 W.

Reviews:

Features: Denon ALPHA processor (16 to 20 bit interpolation). Sampling rate converter. Random play, repeat play (single, all, A-B).

Links: Denon's English page for this unit.

Specs: 4Hz-20kHz, S/N: 110dB, Dynamic range: 100dB

Reviews:

Features: Sampling rate converter (always in effect, circumventing input jitter and time base problems). Sigma-Delta ADC with 64X oversampling. Divide, combine, move, erase (60ms positional accuracy), but no rehearse function. Program, repeat and random play modes.

Comments: German Stereo Magazine: First home recorder that has no Sony parts. Contains Sharp MD drive and Sharp single chip ATRAC/sample rate converter circuit equivalent to Sony's ATRAC 4. Sounds nearly as good as the Sony MDS-JA3ES but costs only about half as much.

Links: Denon's DMD-1300 news release. Denon's DMD-1300 product page. Denon brochure in PDF format. Brief Denon page for the unit An article from October '97 issue of What Hi*Fi? gives a comparison test of the Denon DMD-1300 and the Sony MDS-JE510. The German Stereo Magazine gives a review of Denon's DMD-1300. E-town has a mini-blurb for the Denon DMD1300.

Specs: S/N 105dB (playback), Dynamic range 96dB. 16W.

Reviews:

Features: 20bit delta-signal A/D converter. SLC D/A converter. Sampling rate converter. Synchro level recording auto-start. Stereo/Mono recording. Auto record-pause function. Includes IR remote.

User Manual: Denon DMD-1000 user operation manual.

Links: Denon page for the unit A good deal on the DMD-1000 is spotted at Overstock.com ($265).

Reviews:

Features: Atrac 3. Sampling rate converter. "SLC" pro-use digital technology. Katakana input. Divide, combine, move, erase (60ms positional accuracy). S/N 105dB (playback), Dynamic range 96dB. 16W.

Reviews:

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-228

Features: MD mini deck for use with EX Series. Full-function keyboard remote control for titling. Program/smart random/repeat play modes.

Links: JVC Europe's official English page for the XM-EX90.

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-EX90

Service Manual: XM-EX90

Features: Title input during recording or playback, Full-function keyboard remote control with title input function, 5-mode MD edit functions, Sampling rate converter, Program (32 tracks)/smart random/repeat play, Jog dial, Text Compu Link, Auto/manual track marking, 20-track program chart, 1-bit D/A and A/D converters, Fluorescent display control, Enhanced COMPU LINK Control System.

Links: JVC's page for this unit. HiFi Choice magazine (UK) has a review.

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-448

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-G6

Features: Can interface with the Kenwood VH600 audio system, horizontal or vertical use (ReadRight display automatically reorients itself when unit is rotated on its side), "Edit Cancel" function, all standard MD editing functions, 32-track programmable memory.

Links: Kenwood's German page for this unit.

Specs: 20-bit A/D and D/A converter.

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-VH7

Features: MD deck for Kenwood HM series. OTE (One Touch Edit).

Links: Kenwood Europe page for the unit.

Specs: 20-bit A/D and D/A converter.

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-SG7

Features: Sony ATRAC version 4.5, 10 second digital anti-skip, Auto and Manual Recording Modes, Auto Pause, Disc Naming, Mono Record Mode, 32-track programmable memory, all standard MD play/editing modes.

Specs: Analog-to-Digital Converter: 20-Bit Resolution, 8-Times Oversampling Digital Filter, D/A converter 20-Bit Resolution, Dynamic Range: 90dB (Playback Mode), Frequency Response: 8Hz - 20kHz (+/-1dB, Playback Mode), Input Impedance: 22kOhms, Input Sensitivity: 500mV, Output Impedance: 400 ohms, Output Level: 2V, Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB (Playback Mode), Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.01% (1kHz, Playback Mode).

Reviews:

User Manuals: MD-203, MD-203

Features: ATRAC 4.5, 24-bit DRIVE II system. Sound synchro recording

Links:

• Kenwood Europe page for the unit.

Reviews:

• HiFi Choice (UK) review of the Kenwood DMF-5020.

User Manual: DMF-5020

Features: ATRAC 4.5, 20-bit DAC. Sound synchro recording. Mono recording

Links:

• Kenwood Europe page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: DMF-3020

Features: Sony ATRAC-System 4.5, 24 Bit REC D.R.I.V.E. II, 24 bit DAC (AD 1855), 24 bit ADC (Crystal CS5360). Can be coupled to PC keyboard for titling. Gold plated connectors. Sound synchro-start recording. Autocut on silence during digital or analog recording. 6 second time machine. 10 second shock memory. 32-track program play/random play/disc repeat/track repeat functions. Can title from CD-TEXT information when coupled to suitable Kenwood CD player. "Title copy" function simplifies oft repeated word entry. Digital recording level control and settable fade in/fade out times. "Quick move" function allows new track program to be set in one step. "Quick erase" function allows multiple tracks to be deleted at once. Mono recording capability. Can be used with an external AC timer for timer recording/play functions.

Variants: European model is DMF-9020, US model is MD-2070.

Links:

• Kenwood Europe page for the unit.
• Unit is available from Crutchfield.

Specifications: SNR: > 112dB, Freq. Resp. 8-20kHz

Reviews:

User Manual: DMF-9020

Features: ATRAC 4.5. 24bit precision recording and playback (24bit D.R.I.V.E) (20bit ADC, 24bit DAC). Digital REC volume control. CD-Text recording possible with Kenwood SL-16 CD player. "Quick-move" allows new track order to be set in one step. Seperately available "Cyber Titler" CT-G90 (¥32,000) for title input and label printing. Track divide rehearsal mode. Auto-pause mode (play one track and pause). "Preset title" function for reusing same title on multiple tracks. Mono recording. Remote with "direct title input".

Links: Kenwood page for unit.

Specs: SNR: > 110dB, Dynamic Range: 95dB, Freq. Resp. 8-20,000Hz

Reviews:

Features: Sony ATRAC 4.5, Kenwood D.R.I.V.E. (interpolation). Mono recording. 24 bit DAC and ADC. Digital record level control and auto fade. CD-Text transfer via Direct Digital Connection. Programmable 32 track playback. 14 segment record level meter. Sampling rate converter.

Improvements compared with Kenwood 1050MD: 24 bit vs 20 bit DAC/ADC. 1090MD D.R.I.V.E. adds "High bit (wide bit stream?), record and play (vs. just record?)". CD-Text transfer.

Links: Kenwood's page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: 1090MD

Features: Sony ATRAC 4.5, D.R.I.V.E., 20bit A/D and D/A. Sampling rate converter. Quick move, quick erase functions. Titling possible via optional cyber titler keyboard (¥32,000).

Manuals: Peter Ravn's scan of the Danish Kenwood DM-5090 user manual.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese page for the unit. Another Kenwood Japanese page for the unit.

Specs: D/A: 1bit + D.R.I.V.E. 8fs oversampling. A/D: 4 stage sigma delta. Freq resp.: 8hz-20kHz, S/N > 100dB.

Notes: No date/time stamp recording.

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-5090

Features: This is the same machine as the Sharp MD-R2. Sharp ATRAC 5.0, 20bit D/A. Sampling rate converter. Sound synchro recording. Quick move, quick erase functions.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese page for the unit. A user's review of the unit and explanation about its relation to the Sharp MD-R2.

Specs: D/A: 1bit + D.R.I.V.E. 8fs oversampling. A/D: 3 stage sigma delta. Freq resp.: 8hz-20kHz, S/N > 100dB.

Reviews:

Features: Sony ATRAC 4.5 20bit A/D and D/A. Captures CD text from text encoded CDs. Incorporates Kenwood's D.R.I.V.E. data interpolation circuit. Optical block made by Sharp.

Links: Kenwood's official page for this unit. Robert B's page for this unit. Derek Fong's comments on the purchase of a Kenwood 1050MD deck.

Notes: This appears to be the US version of the DM-5090 (above).

Reviews:

User Manual: 1050MD

Features: Sony ATRAC 4.5, 24 bit D/A, 20 bit A/D. Recording gain knob for digital (-inf to +12dB) as well as analog input. Auto fade-in/fade-out on digital recording with adjustable fade times. Will automatically title tracks when digitally recording new ``CD-text'' labelled CDs (the CD player must be equipped to output CD-text information). 20 bit REC D.R.I.V.E (interpolation from 16 to 20 bits). Sampling rate converter. In addition to normal MD editing functions, provides "quick erase", and "quick move" functions which allow multiple tracks to be selected and then deleted or moved. Editing preview (rehearse) function. Undo function. Mono recording. Adjustable threshold for auto track marking function. Program mode playback available from remote only. Can be used with optional CT-G90 ``cybertitler'' keyboard/label maker (¥32,000).

Links: Kenwood's Japanese page page for this unit. Christopher Lloyd has made a good review of the Kenwood DM9090 deck. A brief Kenwood brochure (pdf) from Comdex gives preliminary info for their IEEE 1394 fitted DM-9090 MD deck. MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit.

Specs: (all EIAJ, at playback time) Freq. resp: 8-20kHz, S/N: >110dB, Dynamic range: > 98dB, THD: <.004% (@1kHz), Channel separation: >105dB (@1kHz), Wow, +/-.001% peak. Input impedence: line: 500mv/22kOhm, Output level, impedence: 2v/0.3kOhm, headphones: 20mw/32 Ohm, digital input: coax: 0.5vp-p/75 Ohm, optical -15dBm~-21dBm (660nm). Digital output: caox: 0.5vp-p/75Ohm, optical: -15dBm~-21dBm (660nm)

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-9090

Features: Sony ATRAC 3.5. 18 bit A/D (1 bit 5th order delta-sigma), 20 bit D/A (one bit 8fs oversampling dual DAC). 20 bit REC D.R.I.V.E (interpolation from 16 to 20 bits). Sampling rate converter. Undo function. Powers up automatically on disc insertion. 3 mode level meter. 12 character display. Mono recording. Title search function (allows one to look at titles and select a song while playing another selection). Editing preview (rehearse) function. Katakana titling input.

Links: Kenwood's English page for this unit. A What HiFi article dicusses the relative merits of the Kenwood DM-7090 and Sony MDS-JE500.

Specs: (all EIAJ, at playback time) Freq. resp: 8-20kHz, S/N: >105dB, Dynamic range: > 92dB, THD: <.007% (@1kHz), Channel separation: >105dB (@1kHz), Wow, +/-.001% peak. Input impedence: line: 500mv/22kOhm, Output level, impedence: 2v/600 Ohm, headphones: 20mw/32 Ohm, digital input: coax: 0.5vp-p/75 Ohm, optical -15dBm~-21dBm (660nm). Digital output: caox: 0.5vp-p/75 Ohm, optical: -15dBm~-21dBm (660nm)

Reviews:

Features: Sony ATRAC 4.5, 20 Bit A/D and D/A. CD-Text name recording. Kenwood MD mechanism (like DM-9090). Sampling rate converter. Edit cancel (undo) function. Edit functions include quick move and quick erase. Mono recording. Can be used with LCD remote control GRC-151.

Links: Kenwood Germany's page for the unit.

Notes: Possibly same unit internally as Kenwood's DM-SE7?

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-S500

Features: Sony ATRAC 3.5. 20 bit analog and digital input. Sampling rate converter. D.R.I.V.E. system (1 bit?) D/A converter. A-B erase.

Links: Kenwood Japan's page.

Reviews:

Features: Sampling rate converter. Synchro recording (start recording when audio appears at input). Title search. Built in wall clock based timer for recording and playback.

Variants: Smaller (93mm wide) Sharp MD-R1MKII supercedes original unit. Upgrade apparently includes 24-bit ATRAC (and 20-bit wide processing LSI?)

Criticism: Sampling rate conversion is a very convenient feature. It will be a must for MD decks before long. But be careful to check the performance. I found the specs of Sharp's sampling rate converter in IEEE trans. on consumer electronics. They are .. S/N 90dB, Distortion 0.005% (1kHz) That's about 14-bit accuracy. I've not yet checked the sound quality myself, but I'm afraid that it will affect the sound quality of low level music [when sampling rate conversion is used]. -Takeshi SASAKI

Links:

• Sharp English product page for this unit.
• Sharp English page for the MD-R1MKII

Reviews:

Features: Sony ATRAC 3. One bit D/A and A/D. 18 bit resolution A/D. Powers up automatically on disc insertion.

Links: Kenwood English page for this unit, Japanese page, and the new 20 bit version .

Reviews:

Features: Kenwood's first MD deck. Tray loading MD mechanism (apparently Kenwood's own). Succeeded by DMF-7002S.

Reviews:

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-SE9

Reviews:

User Manual: DM-SE7

Features:

• MD deck for Marantz Eclipse 22 micro system.
• MDLP
• Digital record level control
• Wireless remote

Links:

• Marantz Japan page
• AV-Land (UK)

Specs: SNR: >85dB

Reviews:

Features: 20 bit ADC, 24 bit DAC. ``Latest ATRAC''. Remote uses Japanese portable phone katakana input method. CD-Text display and record function.

Links: Japanese page Marantz MD19.

Specs: Freq. resp: 5-20kHz +/-0.3dB. SNR >100dB, Dyn. range: >100dB. Chan. sep.: >93dB @ 1kHz. Line out: 2VRMS, Line in: 250mV RMS

Reviews:

Description: MD player in Marantz SLIM design series. Can be interconnected with and controlled by other Marantz SLIM line components. Front door opens electrically (not mechanically). Synchro-recording, program and repeat playback modes. Mono recording. Timer recording (with external AC timer) Date and time stamp recording.

Included accessories: Remote control, RCA cables, optical cable

Reviews:

User Manual: MD2020 Courtesy Heiko Kuehling

Features: 20 bit DAC and ADC. ``Late generation'' ATRAC. Onkyo's first US MD deck.

Links: Onkyo's page for the unit.

Reviews:

Features: 20 bit resolution recording and playback. 20 bit A/D, 32x oversampling 20 bit D/A. Sampling rate converter. [Apparently] separate transformers for digital and analog sections. Synchro start recording. Program play, random play, music scan, repeat, AB repeat. Remote: RC-339MD.

Links: Onkyo's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 10-20kHz +/-0.5dB, THD 0.004% (@1 kHz, playback), Dynamic range: 97dB, S/N: 103dB (playback).

Reviews:

Features: Synchro recording.

Links: Onyko Page info (translated).

Reviews:

Specifications: SNR: 99dB Dynamic Range: 97dB

Reviews:

User Manual: SJ-MD100

Service Manuals: SJ-MD100, Supplement

Reviews:

Service Manual: SJ-HD515

Specifications: SNR: 99dB Dynamic Range: 97dB

Reviews:

User Manual: SJ-MD150

Service Manual: SJ-MD150

Features:

• MDLP deck
• Play modes: repeat (1,all,A-B), shuffle, program (24 tracks)

Links:

• Pioneer Europe page.

Specs: SNR: 96dB

Reviews:

User Manual: MJ-L11

Reviews:

User Manual: MJ-L77

Features: Add-On Mini Disc Player/Recorder, Matched to the NS-5 LifePlus system. Disc and Song Title Input, 6 Edit Modes, ASES (Auto Synchro Editing System), Sampling Rate Converter.

Links: Pioneer's official page for the MJ-L5.

Reviews:

Features: Digital recording level adjustment.

Links: Pioneer's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: Sampling rate: 44.1kHz or more, reproduction frequency characteristic: 8Hz-20kHz, reproduction Signal-Noise ratio: 100dB.

Reviews:

Features:

• MiniDisc player/recorder
• Urushi finish
• Legato Link D/A conversion
• Advanced Parameter Processing
• digital noise reduction
• automatic fader
• auto record start
• two-second buffer

Links: Etown has a review for this unit.

Specs: 20-bit A/D and D/A converters.

Reviews:

Features:

• Pioneer Exclusive Advanced Parameter Processing
• FS converter
• Pioneer SR remote control
• 1/All synchro recording with auto space cut
• name input
• time skip
• medley playback (fade-out: 2 second/cut: 10 sec)
• fader (5 sec)
• name clip
• Play modes: repeat (1,all,A-B), A-B repeat, shuffle, program (30 track).
• A-B erase mode.

Links:

• Pioneer USA's page for this unit.
• HiFi Choice magazine (UK) has a review.

Specs: FS Converter (32k, 44.1k, &48k), 20-Bit D/A converter., SNR: 100dB

Reviews:

User Manual: MJ-D508

Features: Uses a Pioneer developed ATRAC, which they call "ASRAC" (apparently improves bit allocation by considering the bit requirements of all 3 frequency bands). Incorporates Pioneer's "Digital Noise Reduction" (already available on some Pioneer cassette decks) and "Legato Link Conversion" (which synthetically produces frequencies up to 40kHz). Digital recording level control (-48dB to +12dB). Time skip function allows quick movement through audio material at 30s or 60s per click. Medley playback function fades across track changes. Name clip function allows track titles to be duplicated and edited. Synchro start recording. Name clip (copy and paste?) function.

Links: Pioneer's English page for the MJ-D707 (thought to be rebadged D7 for US import). Pioneer Europe's MJ-D707 pages. AJ's review of the unit.

Specs: freq resp.: 8-20kHz, SNR: 101dB (D7), 100dB (D707), Dyn. range: 94dB, THD: .005%

Reviews:

User Manual: MJ-D7

Features: 20 bit A/D and D/A. Sampling rate converter. Music syncho start recording. Katakana input. Available in gold or black.

Links: Cosmo annoucement in Japanese.

Reviews:

Features: Sharp ATRAC 5.0, 20 bit wide bit processing. Date and time stamp recording. Timer activated recording using internal clock. Sampling rate converter. Synchro recording. 1-bit A/D D/A converter. ``Program Move'' function will move a selected set of tracks in one fell swoop. Mono recording from digital and analog sources. No edit rehearsal function.

Links:

• Sharp Germany's page for the unit.
• Sharp Japan's English page for the unit.
• Dostick's page for the Sharp MD-R2 deck.

Specs: Freq response: 4-20KHz, S/N: > 100dB, Dynamic Range: 93dB, Wow: < 0.001%W peak.

Reviews:

User Manual: MD-R2

Features:

• ATRAC DSP Type-S.
• No NetMD.
• MD deck designed to complement Sony DAV-S880 and DAV-S550 Home Theatre system.
• Card type wireless remote.

Links:

• Sony Japan page
• Minidisc T-Station
• AV Watch (Japan)

Specs: Freq. Resp. 5-20kHz +/- 0.5dB, Hybrid DAC

Reviews:

Features:

• NetMD.
• ATRAC DSP Type-S.
• Timer recording and playback (w/external AC timer).
• Wireless remote (RM-D10J).
• Scale Factor Edit.
• Wide bit stream.

Links:

• Sony Japan
• AVWatch Japan
• Minidisc T-Station

Specs: Dynamic range: > 94dB. SNR: > 96dB. Hybrid-pulse DAC. 24bit ADC (really?)

Reviews:

Features:

• NetMD
• ATRAC DSP Type-S
• Combination Cassette/MD deck.
• Designed to integrate with Sony CMT-SE9 bookshelf system.

Links:

• Sony Japan page
• Minidisc T-Station page

Reviews:

Features: First ATRAC ``Type-S'' machine. NetMD and MDLP support. PS/2 keyboard input. Gold plated connectors. Torroidal R-Core transformer. Colors: Black and Silver. Only available in Europe?

ATRAC Type-S: "Type-S" apparently refers to a new chip containing an improved version of the ATRAC3 codec as well as the ATRAC1 Type-R codec; the combination of the two is called DSP Type-S. From Sony's information sheet: "The two new products MDS-JB980 and MDS-JE780 in the press announcement at CeBIT both adopt the newly developed DSP (Digital Signal Processing) IC chip "CXD2664R." The CXD2664R chip has two DSP functions; one is ATRAC DSP and the other is ATRAC3 DSP. The ATRAC DSP, the TYPE-R algorithm which is the version of the highest grade, is adopted, and the highest sound quality can be obtained at the time of recording. And the ATRAC3 DSP, the algorithm of a newly developed DSP is adopted. It can reproduce the track recorded in MDLP mode in very high sound quality at the time of reproduction. This works in the same way for the disc recorded by other MDLP products. Sony calls the DSP functions of the CXD2664R chip "ATRAC/ATRAC3 DSP TYPE-S". In other words, "ATRAC/ATRAC3 DSP TYPE-S" is a combination of "ATRAC DSP (TYPE-R highest Version)" and "ATRAC3 DSP (newly developed)."

Notes: No Control-A1 jack, as with prior Sony home decks

Links:

• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.

Specs: 1-Bit current pulse S-TACT DAC, 1-Bit Sigma-Delta ADC (24 bit sampling), Frequency Response: 5-20kHz +/-0.3dB, SNR >100dB

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-JB980

Features: ATRAC Type-S, MDLP support. Remote: RM-D10E

Links:

• AVLand (UK) page for the unit.

Specs: 1-Bit DAC, 1-Bit Sigma-Delta ADC (24 bit sampling), Frequency Response: 5-20kHz +/-0.3dB, SNR >96dB

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-JE480

Features: ATRAC ``Type-S'' (see description under MDS-JB980). NetMD and MDLP support. PS/2 keyboard input.

Links:

• Sony Japan page for the unit (mech. translation).

Specs: 1-Bit hybrid-pulse DAC, 1-Bit Sigma-Delta ADC (24 bit sampling), Frequency Response: 5-20kHz +/-0.3dB, SNR >98dB, Dynamic range: 96dB

Reviews:

User Manuals: MDS-JE780, MDS-JE780 (Courtesy Minidisco)

Description: NetMD Home Deck shown at IFA 2001 (Berlin). Appears to be a mockup. No deck looking like this has come to market yet (as of late 2002).

• Prototype: Mini Disc Deck with Net MD
• High-speed data transfer from PC to MD (max. 32 x with ATRAC3 in LP4 mode)
• PC-connection via OpenMG Jukebox
• MDLP (2 and 4 x long recording and playback)
• Group Function
• USB Interface

Links: Unit appeared at IFA 2001 (Berlin).

Reviews:

Features:

• ATRAC Type-R DSP.
• NetMD capable unit, supporting OpenMG/Magicgate standards.
• MDLP and Group function support.
• Includes OpenMG Jukebox Ver2.2 for audio encoding.
• No Line Input!

Links:

• Sony's official Japanese page (trans)for the MDS-NT1.
• Sony's orignal Japanese press release for the MDS-NT1 (translation of Sony's NetMD equipment and initial NetMD info).

Specs: 100VAC, Freq resp.: 5-20kHz +/- 1dB, SNR: > 96dB, D/A: Current pulse 24 bit delta-sigma

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-NT1

Features: MDLP compatible, Sony ATRAC Type-R. New "E-line" design. New "Group Function" allows for easier managing and organizing of songs on a MiniDisc. Songs can be grouped in up to 99 separate, titleable sets (such as by CD, genre, artist, etc.). Scale Factor edit allows digital adjusting of track volume levels. Keyboard input, timer record, PC Link Kit (PCLK-MN10) connectable. Remote control: RM-D47M

Links:

• Sony's Japanese press release announcing the MDS-JE770 (English translation).
• Sony UK has brief information on the MDS-JE770.
• Unbeatable UK allows pre-orders for the MDS-JE770, indicating that they expect to have the unit in July 2001.
• AVLand (UK) MDS-JE770 page.

Specs: AC100V

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-JE770

Features: MDLP compatible, Sony ATRAC Type-R. New "E-line" design. Scale Factor edit allows digital adjusting of track volume levels. PC Link Kit (PCLK-MN10) connectable. 2-line display. Different from MDS-JE770: no pitch control, no date/time recording, no timer recording, no control A1 II port, no group mode functions, no PS/2 keyboard port. Remote control: RM-D47M. Internally nearly the same as the MDS-S50. Differences from previous MDS-JE440: 1) PC-Link connectivity and 2) Group mode support.

Links:

• Sony Europe has full specs.
• Sony UK has brief information on the MDS-JE470.
• Unbeatable UK allows pre-orders for the MDS-JE470, indicating that they expect to have the unit in June 2001.
• Planet Minidisc page for the unit.
• Minidisco page for the unit.
• AVLand (UK) MDS-JE470 page.
• Hunter Wright describes how he modified his Sony MDS-JE470 to give it a digital optical output jack.

Specs: SNR > 96dB, Freq. Resp.: 5-20khz +/-0.3dB (Sony Europe). Hybrid Pulse DAC, 24 bit ADC (so Sony Europe says).

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-JE470

Service Manual: MDS-JE470

Features: ATRAC DSP Type R and ATRAC3 Audio Encoding, MDLP capable, uses the USB based PCLK-MN10 connection kit for PC to MD digital audio transfer and control, Sony Mega Storage CD Changer Control, Scale Factor Edit, Time Machine Recording. Driver CD supports both Windows 98 and Windows 2000.

Reviews:

• Taky Cheung gives his comments on the Sony MDS-PC3.
• my-minidisc.com in Germany writes a review of the Sony MDS-PC3.

Software Updates:

• my-minidisc.com offers a driver update for Sony's MDS-PC3 M-Crew software, English version 1.01E (Windows 2000/ME compatible).
• Sony's M-crew download site offers Windows Me and W2K versions of the control software (v1.3).
• You can also download M-crew version 1.05e from Sony's website.
• George Styles releases RIP MDS-PC3 (v0.2b), a free alternative to Sony's M-Crew software that offers improved MP3 file handling.

Links:

• Sony's official Japanese page for this unit.
• Another official Sony page for this unit.
• Sony also has a German page for the PC3.
• PC Watch has photos and Japanese info for the Sony MDS-PC3 (machine translation).
• Planet MiniDisc sells the MDS-PC3.
• Crutchfield is also selling the MDS-PC3.
• AVLand has a page with specs and information on the MDS-PC3.
• T's tables has photos from recent MD brochures for the Sony MDS-PC3.
• Check out Peter Boon's helpful guide on how to fix problems with obtaining a working audio signal with the MDS-PC3.

Specs: Sample Rate Converter 48/32kHz to 44.1kHz, 24-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter.

User Manuals: MDS-PC3, PCLK-MN10/M-crew software courtesy Graham Macdougall

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-SP55

Features: ATRAC DSP Type R and ATRAC3 Audio Encoding, MDLP capable, uses the USB based PCLK-MN10 connection kit for PC to MD digital audio transfer and control.

Reviews:

• W.H.G. Blakely writes a detailed comparison of the Sony MDS-JE440, JE640, and JB940 decks.

Links: Sony's official Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: Dynamic Range: >94dB SNR: >96dB THD: <0.01% Sample Rate Converter 48/32kHz to 44.1kHz, 24bit delta-sigma ADC, Hybrid pulse DAC.

User Manual: MDS-S50

Features: ATRAC with Type-R DSP, MDLP recording modes (ATRAC3), Scale Factor Edit, digital and analog record level control, variable coefficient digital output filter, digital record level adjustment, 6 second Time Machine recording capability, sampling rate converter. PC connectable using PCLK-MD1 or PCLK-MD2 kit.

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit (machine translation). A Sony MDS-JA333ES flyer (page1, page2) is scanned in.

Specs: 24bit Sigma-Delta ADC, 24bit current-pulse DAC (S-TACT IC, with 128x oversampling), SNR: > 106dB, Dynamic Range > 106dB, THD .0025%

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-JA333ES

Features: Upper middle class home MD deck. ATRAC with Type-R DSP, MDLP recording modes, and Scale Factor Edit plus variable coefficient anti-aliasing filter. A new USB based PC-Link kit, the PCLK-MN10 (MSRP: ¥15,000), was announced with this unit for audio transfer (via the deck's digital optical input) and control (editing, titling, playback, etc.) from a PC (audio input from MD to PC is [still] not supported). TOC Cloning possible.

Reviews:

• Alejandro León writes a review of the Sony MDS-JB940 home stereo MD deck.
• Markus Wahl's review of the MDS-JB940.
• Eugene Dolan 's review of the Sony MDS-JB940 MD deck.

Links: Sony's MDS-JB940, MDS-JE640 and MDS-S50 announcement (machine translation) Information and zoomable photos of the Sony MDS-JB940 at MDland (UK). Video Direct and Crutchfield's pages for the unit. Crutchfield's has a page for this unit. Planet MiniDisc has a list of the MDS-JB940 features and specs.

Specs: SNR > 100dB, Dynamic range: > 98dB, THD: <.003%, 24bit delta-sigma ADC, Current pulse DAC.

User Manuals: MDS-JB940, template for Keyboard functions

Features: ATRAC Ver 1.0 Type R, MDLP recording modes, 25-track programming, random and repeat play. Crutchfield's online catalog shows a different version of the MDS-JE440. TOC Cloning possible.

Reviews:

• W.H.G. Blakely writes a detailed comparison of the Sony MDS-JE440, JE640, and JB940 decks.

Links:

• Superfi UK posts brief info about the MDS-JE440, including a connector listing.
• Crutchfield is listing the Sony MDS-JE440 for US$200.
• Darren Tulk describes how to add digital optical output to a Sony MDS-JE440 Minidisc deck for about $10 in parts.

Reviews:

• IGN review of Sony's MDS-JE440 home deck.

User Manual: MDS-JE440

Service Manual: MDS-JE440

Features: ATRAC Ver 1.0 Type R, MDLP recording modes, digital and analog record level control, 6-second time-machine recording, mono recording capability, 25-track programming, random and repeat play, pitch control, PS/2 keyboard input for easy titling. TOC Cloning possible.

Reviews:

• W.H.G. Blakely writes a detailed comparison of the Sony MDS-JE440, JE640, and JB940 decks.

Links: Sony's MDS-JB940, MDS-JE640 and MDS-S50 announcement (machine translation) Superfi UK posts brief info about the MDS-JE640, including a connection table.

Specs: Dynamic Range: >96dB SNR: >98dB THD: <0.006% Power consumption: 9W 24bit delta-sigma ADC, Hybrid pulse DAC.

User Manual: MDS-JE640

Service Manual: MDS-JE640

Features: Part of the Sony LISSA system. The MDS-LSA1 itself does not have standard inputs/outputs... the hook-up between the system's receiver, CD player and MiniDisc deck is purely by i-Link, carrying both audio signals in digital form and all the control data. ATRAC DSP Type R and ATRAC3 Audio Encoding, MDLP compatible, optional PC-iLink (Firewire) connection kit for control via PC and the copying of ATRAC3 file to MD (kit also gives unit digitial and coax connectinons), Scale Factor Edit, Pitch Control, 4x High Speed Dubbing (when used with the CDP-LSA1), 30 Second Time Machine Recording.

Links: Sony Europe's Macromedia Flash-powered page for this unit. Sony's German page for the LSA1. What Hi-Fi has a Sony news brief article (Navigator version) which mentions the LISSA system. Sony Europ'es official press release for the LISSA system. AVLand has a page on the MDS-LSA1.

Reviews:

• HiFi Choide review.

Specs: 24-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter

User Manual: MDS-LSA1

Features: Model is Europe-only(?). Type-R DSP ATRAC. Special REC Level knob (not AMS) allows easy setting of both analog and digital levels (also settable from remote). Pitch control on front panel allows pitch change during playback (range of 2% to 112% of normal speed). Pressing PITCH CONTROL once changes to PITCH STEPS with 12 steps per octave, pressing twice changes to PITCH FINE with steps of 0.1% When current speed is different from normal speed, the PITCH CONTROL key lights on. (cf. JE530: No PITCH CONTROL key. The function works in a similar way, but it's accessible only from SETUP MENU.) Stereo/mono rec switch. Settable output level. No PC keyboard titling connector. FADER key on remote only. Remote: RM-D15M (same as one with MDS-JE520). TOC-cloning possible.

Reviews:

Service Manual: MDS-JB730