Nice offering, but lacks refinement
Written: Dec 23 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good sound, decent construction, easy to use.
Cons: Older model, relatively short battery life.
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| mkduffer's Full Review: Aiwa AM-HX30 Personal MiniDisc Player |
After toting around my Sony MZ-R70 around for a couple of weeks, it became apparent that the longer I used it as a primary playback unit, the more likely I was to do something silly like drop it and break it. Also, I had accidentally pressed the record button several times, taping over songs inadvertently. This was a minor issue, as I now use the write-protect notch religiously. Since I like taking my music everywhere I go and player units tend to be smaller and lighter, I decided that I'd best do some shopping for a portable player only. At the time, the two most likely candidates were the Sony MZ-E55 and the Aiwa AM-HX30. I had considered several other units, but for the amount of money I was willing to spend, these two seemed to offer the most bang for the buck, so to speak. After taking a long hard look at the specs and prices, I decided to check out the Aiwa. The Aiwa was less expensive and of the two units, the Aiwa was the only one that offered programmable capabilities. That is to say, I can specifically choose the order I wish to play the songs in. As it turns out, this is another non-issue, because by using my recorder, I can always arrange the tracks in the order I prefer ahead of time.
In any case, I ordered the Aiwa. Landed it for around $150. Size wise, it's considerable larger than the MZ-E55. Of course, when you are talking about MD players, considerable larger could mean a difference of less than a centimeter. Hardly anything to get your panties in a bunch over. Functionally, it was very similar to the Sony. On this point, I suspect that to a large degree, function dictates form. Most of the new, small playback only units have pretty much the same layout, with the buttons all in line on one side of the player. As with most minidisc players, the sound quality of the Aiwa is superb. All in all, I consider this a very serviceable unit, more than capable to handle the task at hand. The shortcomings I see with this unit come more from the fit and finish.
Basic features:
* Remote Control with Backlit LCD Display
* 25 Track Program Play
* Up to 21 Hours Playback Time (Rechargeable Battery and Box)
* 3-Point Battery Life Indicator
* DSL- Dynamic Super Linear Bass (2-Step)
* 40 Second E.A.S.S.
* Random Play
A note about the internal battery. It has to be removed from the unit to be recharged in a plug-in charger that is provided with the unit. I've never actually measured the time it takes to recharge, but I'm certain it's less than 4 hours. It uses the same "gum pack" style 1.2v 1400mah NiMH battery that is used in the Sony MZ-E55 or Sharp MD-ST55 and many other units.
The Gripes
The ear bud headphones that come with the unit have a soft outer covering that help them to fit better in your ear and allow them to reproduce great bass, however the coverings have a tendency to slip off and are difficult to reinstall. Like most ear buds, they tend to hurt after a while.
Like most units out there, in addition to the internal rechargeable battery, the AM-HX30 has an external battery compartment that attaches to the main body. As is typical, the external compartment is attached by a thumbscrew that screws into the main body of the player. For some ungodly reason, the engineers at Aiwa decided to offset the screw from the center of the body. That is to say, rather than the screw being in the center of the compartment, it is off to one side. This may seem like a minor point, but the uneven pressure that results causes the battery compartment to attach crookedly. I rarely used the external compartment, however, since this unit only runs 8 hours on the internal battery, I could see how a heavy user could have issues with this.
New, out of the box, the unit is very sharp looking. The brushed aluminum chassis, the chrome buttons and the riveted nameplate makes the unit look very sturdy, almost industrial. Unfortunately, the looks can be somewhat deceiving. To reduce the weight of the MZ-E55, the engineers at Sony used magnesium alloys for the clamshell case. This produces a lightweight, but strong enclosure. The Aiwa engineers opted to manufacture their chassis out of thin aluminum. Not as light and not as strong. I've been very careful with my unit, but I do carry it around in my pants pocket. In the few months I used my Aiwa, noticeable dents were starting to appear in the case. By contrast, I've owned a Sharp MD-ST55 almost twice as long and it doesn't show any similar signs.
The bottom line
In spite of all its shortcomings, I like this unit. Unfortunately, the prices for portable minidisc players are coming down and this unit, released in late 98, is getting a little long in the tooth. I think if you can find it for around $120, it's a pretty good deal, anything less is gravy. I consider this unit to be comparable to the JVC XM-P55 and street prices on those seem to be running around $100-$120. Personally, although I like this unit, I think I'd spend a little more and get something along the lines of a Sharp MD-ST55, a JVC XM-PX55 or the Sony MZ-E55. My unit went to my Dad as an introduction to the wonderful world of minidiscs.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
mkduffer
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Location: Kamuela, HI
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 1 member
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