mediageek's Full Review: Sony Walkman MZ-R500 PC Personal MiniDisc Player
First, I must admit and declare that I am a big fan of Minidisc--having used the format for about 6 years--and so this review is written from the standpoint of a minidisc fan. This model was recently discontinued, but is still available from discounters and liquidators (I got mine at Ubid.com for $65). It's a great entry level price, but I actually wouldn't recommend this unit to first-time minidisc users. However, I happily recommend it to anyone familiar with minidisc looking to get an extra unit or break into MDLP.
I bought the MZ-R500 fully aware of it's limitations. I already have a really good older Sharp MD recorder for doing live recordings with a microphone, so I didn't need that capability. What I was looking for was a small, portable recorder with MDLP capability. I use it both as a walkman and connected to my computer for recording MP3s to MD.
This is my first portable MD unit with MDLP mode. I have already come to appreciate being able to put 2 - 5 hours of good stereo audio on a $2 minidisc using my MD/CD changer (MXD-D5C). I got the R500 so I could listen to the MDLP discs I recorded on my home deck while walking around or on the road.
The overall sound quality of the MZ-R500 is very good, whether over headphones or when its output is connected to a home stereo. No complaints here at all. Its MDLP mode recordings and playback are also excellent -- nearly on a par with my home deck.
The MZ-R500 has analog and optical digital inputs so that you can record from a PC, CD player or other stereo device. If you're recording MP3s I highly recommend getting a soundcard with an optical digital output (like the Soundblaster Extigy or Audigy). The built-in sound output of most PCs is really awful and will be the source of poor sound quality. With a direct digital link you'll be surprised how good your MP3s will sound.
Indeed, I was struck by how good my MP3s sounded when recorded on the MZ-R500. Strangely, I find that they sound best when recorded in MDLP2 mode rather than regular 74 minute mode, even though the latter is supposed to be higher quality. And I would agree that full-quality 74 minute mode is best for live recordings or dubbing CDs. But it seems like the limitations of MDLP2 mode really complement the limitations of MP3.
Earlier in this review I said I don't recommend this as someone's first MD recorder. That's primarily because it lacks a microphone input. High quality live recording is one of the best reasons to go minidisc -- it's something nearly all MP3 players lack -- and so if you're new to the format you want to have this option available to you.
Also, I found the controls for this unit a bit unintuitive, and I'm pretty familiar with most of the features and quirks of minidisc hardware. One of the most annoying "features" is that you can't change the time counter while playing or recording. So either you see how much time you've recorded OR you can see how much time you have left on the disc, but you can't easily switch back and forth. On top of that too many controls are buried in menus that are also not intuitive to use. I haven't used them, but I hope the newer Sony NetMD models are easier to use.
But, if you can get past these small caveats, this is a great little unit, especially if you can find it for less than $100. In fact, I'd say don't pay more than $100, since for $150 you can get one of the new NetMD models that connects directly to your PC with a USB cable (though there are problems with the NetMD architecture that are beyond the scope of this review).
Finally, I'll note that I was slightly disappointed with the plastic case on this unit. I knew it was the entry level model, but I've always appreciated the solid metal feel of other Sony MD units I've had. Still, the MZ-R500 is far from flimsy and seems hardy enough. Only the test of walking around and clumsily dropping it a few times will show if it is sturdy enough.
If you're an experience Minidisc user looking for an extra portable and you find it for under $100 -- don't hesitate, just buy it. If you're new to MD, spend a few extra bucks to get a microphone input and a unit with more intuitive controls.
Portable mini-disc player with recording capability Digital gain control ensures quality recording Automatic Volume Limiter System for even, consisten...More at Amazon Marketplace
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