kiko's Full Review: Sony Walkman MZ-R500 PC Personal MiniDisc Player
I bought the MZ-R50 while I was in Japan 2 summers ago. I feel that I might have made a mistake by buying early since new audio products have followed it--the much smaller, MZ-R55 with indiglo remote stick, and Rio MP3 players.
However, the MZ-R50 has not gone out of date nor will it anytime soon. The size of the player is small enough--though its size compared to the 55 is relatively bigger, only because of the larger battery stick. The functions of the R50 are essential, and comparing to the R50 there's not much room for more advanced functions. The difference between the 55 and the 50 is the scrolling analog dial that allows the user to change song titles.
Also, the R55 audio stick has an indiglo feature that allows the user to view playback info during the playtime. You can play, forward, reverse, move, add a track to the songs. Basically, I often keep the MD in the pouch and use the remote stick. The functions on the MD are mostly unused.
As for recording, there are two methods: through the optical line out jack, or the analog out jack...The prior allows for digital transfer of songs (ie playing a cd track from a stereo to record onto md, do not confuse this with the RIO which you can transfer DATA onto the memory).
The optical cable must be purchased, however, for a price tag of around 15 dollars.
The latter recording method allows for analog transfer of songs--this is similar to recording cds onto tapes. You can play a song and then plug its output into the line in jack on the md.
The analog function allows the user to record MP3s but by analog transfer through the computer. There is hardware, though, that can be purchased for around 70-100 dollars that a person can use to record digitally, the MP3s from the computer. This is merely a soundcard that allows for the optical out. I have considered buying this, but the value-added cost does not justify the purchase. Also, the quality of the analog is fine--though there is always some static.
Recent improvements in Mini discs has allowed the user to record up to 80 minutes of songs. That is about 17 songs which can be recorded. They look great and there are many different types. Hello Kitty ones which are very cute!
I recommend the MZ-R50 as a great product, but I would have rather spent more money on the upgraded version if it had been available
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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