raven_blesses's Full Review: Sony Net MD Walkman MZ-S1 Personal MiniDisc Player
Functionality
Possibly the best all around performance for years to come available for under $150 online and offline currently available for anyone willing to take the next step forward in advancing technology in the audio entertainment industry.
I have found it to be a reward in itself to use while studying or using the tape car kit adapter to counteract those rainy days of bland music with your favorite car tunes (driving music).
Software:
The software provided for formatting music to the mini disc is as good as any if not better than what you will pay extra for using on your PC or Mac. However, if you are using MP3s which are of poor quality you are going to have some problems. My best suggestion to remedy the situation is to not use low quality MP3s that have poor sound quality prior to downloading to the mini disc.
Durability: Abuse/Neglect Test
The Sony S2 Sports Net MD Walkman has surpassed the roughest and toughest test possible, a week through my backpack. The abuse test in the small pockets being lugged around with occasional smashing from being dropped in and out of being transported. The neglect test in my main bay of my backpack commonly containing about fifty pounds of books and survived without a single scratch. *Disclaimer I do NOT endorse or condone or suggest that you intentionally submitting your Sony S2 Sports Net MD Walkman to this test because it may be broken.*
Ease of Use
This is a potential are where improvement may be needed for the average user the would operate a computer or television, but for me I really enjoy the variable functions because it allows for me to have the custom play modes that I desire. For example the "Easy One Hand Joystick Operation" with unique thumb-control key on the grip permits using functions of the Net MD Walkman while jogging and is backlit so it is perfect for those night joggers.
Sound
Is rather impressive considering the sound quality of the primitive cd or md music formats usually did not have such a great replay sound value, but things have changed and Sony is leading the way into the future of portable libraries of music that you can carry on the virtually scratch proof/indestructible format that minidisc have been long noted for. The prices of mds have been dropping rather slowly but soon enough it will be more affordable.
Features
New S2 Sports Design
High Speed Net MD Walkman® Player/Recorder provides ability to transfer internet downloads and music ripped from your CD's, creating your own MiniDisc music mixes for on-the-go enjoyment.
Ability to Record MP3s or CDs at up to 32x Speed.
The breakthrough with Net MD products is high speed transfer from your PC to MD, providing up to 32x speed transfer directly to the recorder. The title/track information you create in the jukebox automatically will be transferred to the Net MD Recorder.
Easy One Hand Joystick Operation with unique thumb-control key on the grip permits using functions of the Net MD Walkman while jogging or participating in other activities
Backlit LCD Display provides information about the player's functions, with display of song title, disc title, playback status and battery function; easy to see even in low light with amber backlit LCD display.
Splash Proof Water-Resistant Design with high-impact plastic housing is designed for outdoor fun, with rubber gaskets, bushings, and waterproof seals that help keep out water, moisture, and dirt.
Reflective Hand Strap Supplied helps you to hold unit more securely during activity and provides an extra measure of safety.
Reflective Casing and Rugged Buckle Mechanism provides the extra toughness needed for outdoor use.
Ultimate Skip Free G-Protection technology offers more protection against virtual shock and providing skip free playback performance under the roughest conditions. It adds shock protection to the pick-up mechanism, thereby minimizing the loss of position.
Utilizes Affordable MD Media for Over 5 Hours of Music Storage on One 80 Minute Disc Net MD Walkman players let you play MiniDiscs recorded in SP (Standard), LP2 or LP4 modes, for as much as 320 minutes (over 5 hours) of music with excellent sound quality; MiniDiscs are re-recordable, scratch-resistant, low-cost high-capacity media.
Up to 54 Hours Continuous Playback in LP4 Mode (1 "AA" Battery) is made possible by advanced technology that extends battery life beyond previous limits.
Internal Battery Compartment Holds One "AA" Type Battery.
"Easy Skip" Group/Folder Function allows for easy navigation between multiple file folders transferred from playlist.
Plays Back in Atrac3, Supports Multiple Internet Audio Formats (MP3, WMA, WAV).
Compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 98/98SE/2000/Me/XP
Music Management Software Supplied to manage and store your digital music files (MP3s and your CDs), make custom playlists, and transfer music directly to your Net MD player.
New NET MD Simple Burner Quick RIP™ CD Dubbing Application (Supplied).
Allows you to swiftly and easily dub music tracks from your CDs directly to the Net MD Walkman player with no need to store files or manage music on the hard drive.
Ability to Record from Multiple Sources including PC, portable CD player, home CD unit and radio, making this a most versatile system.
MDLP Long Time Stereo Recording and Playback (up to 320 minutes/over 5 hours of music) on one 80 minute disc lets you record 2x (LP2) or 4x (LP4) longer on an 80-minute MiniDisc to provide as much as 320 minutes (over 5 hours) of music with excellent sound quality.
Digital Mega Bass Sound System uses digital processing technology to produce rich, deep bass tones with extremely low harmonic distortion.
Remaining Recording/Playback and Battery Time Indication On Unit LCD alerts you to the time left on the MiniDisc for additional recording or to conclude playback, as well as information about remaining battery life.
Multiple Playback Modes: Normal-all repeat, 1 track, 1 track repeat, shuffle, shuffle repeat, program, program repeat; Group-all repeat in a group, 1 track in a group, 1 track repeat in a group, shuffle in a group, shuffle repeat in a group, program 1 in a group, program repeat in a group; or lets you play through a MiniDisc from start to end.
Tech Specs
Format: Digital Audio MiniDisc System
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
Data Compression Method (Coding): ATRAC/ATRAC3 (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding)
Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz ±3dB
Wow and Flutter: Unmeasurable
Input:
DC In, 3V
USB (mini-B)
Optical Line In (stereo mini jack)
Outputs:
Headphones/Remote: Stereo mini jack
Power Requirements:
AC Adaptor (AC-ES305) (supplied)
NC-WMAA Rechargeable Battery (optional)
"AA" Alkaline Battery x 1 (optional)
Battery Life (approx.)
SP (Normal Stereo) Record Continuous Playback:
1 x "AA" Alkaline 9 hrs Record, 40 hrs Playback
LP2 Record Continuous Playback:
1 x "AA" Alkaline 13 hrs Record, 49 hrs Playback
LP4 Record Continuous Playback:
1 x "AA" Alkaline 16 hrs Record, 54 hrs Playback
Color: Sports White
Weight: 7 1/2 oz (215g) without battery
Dimensions: 3 1/2" x 4" x 1 1/2" (97.3 x 104 x 40mm)
Accessories
AC-ES305 AC Power Adaptor
Hand Strap
MDR-W014 Stereo Headphones
USB Cable
CD-ROM Including OpenMG Jukebox ver. 2.2 w/Net MD Simple Burner
Blank Re-recordable MiniDisc x 1
Optional Accessories
POC-15AB/15B Optical Digital Cable
Active Mini Speakers
NC-WM2AA Rechargeable battery
PA-9C Car Connecting Pack (DCC-E230/-E345 Car Battery Cord)
Limited Warranty
Limited Warranty - Portable Audio
SONY ELECTRONICS INC. ("SONY") warrants this Product (including any accessories) against defects in material or workmanship as follows:
LABOR: For a period of 90 days from the date of purchase, if this Product is determined to be defective, Sony will repair or replace the Product, at its option, at no charge, or pay the labor charges to any Sony authorized service facility. After the Warranty Period, you must pay for all labor charges.
PARTS: In addition, Sony will supply, at no charge, new or rebuilt replacements in exchange for defective parts for a period of one (1) year. After 90 days from the date of purchase, labor for removal and installation is available from Sony authorized service facilities or a Sony Service Center at your expense.
This warranty does not cover customer instruction, installation, set up adjustments or signal reception problems. This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of, or to any part of the Product, including the antenna. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper operation or maintenance, connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other than a facility authorized by SONY to service the Product. This warranty does not cover Products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS, or consumables (such as fuses or batteries). This warranty is valid only in the United States.
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty service.
This warranty is invalid if the factory applied serial number has been altered or removed from the Product.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. SONY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. In addition if you enter into a service contract with the SONY Partnership within ninety (90) days of the date of sale, the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts does not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
For your convenience, SONY ELECTRONICS INC. has established telephone numbers for frequently asked questions:
To locate the servicer or dealer nearest you, or for service assistance or resolution of a service problem, or for product information or operation, call:
Sony Direct Response Center
1-(800)-222-7669
or write to:
Sony Direct Response Center
12451 Gateway Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33913
For an accessory or part not available from your authorized dealer, call:
1-(800)-488-SONY (7669)
Overall
I would recommend the purchase of this Sony S2 Sports Net MD Walkman because of all of the wonderful attributes it has in the functions, durability, ease of use, sound, tech specs, excellent battery life, standard accessories, and optional accessories. The warranty is nothing more than the industry standard 90 day labor is free & after that it is at your expense and free replacement if defective during the first year.
Record MP3s or CDs at up to 32x from multiple sources (PC, CD, radio, and more) Plays back in ATRAC3, supports MP3, WMA, and WAV formats Easy one-hand...More at Amazon Marketplace
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