Classic for the masses
Written: Apr 02 '02
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Pros: Reliable operation, full input/outputs
Cons: Dust gets into LCD panel, Track seeking is noisy
The Bottom Line: If you see it, grab it. Robust mechanical design that'll last as long as your Leica. A cost reduced model with high end basics, such as audio quality.
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| mcjwang's Full Review: Sony Walkman MZ-R37SP Personal MiniDisc Player |
Purchased: November, 2000
Review date: April 2nd, 2002
I've been using my trusty MZ-R37 for one and a
half years now, and I wish to comment on the great
design.
First, the flaws that might bother you. The
track-seeking noise is very loud, but a foam pouch
will make it better. A lesser annoyance is dust
gathering in the LCD window.
The cost reduction measures taken is not overall downgrading, but removal of features you might not need, such as an LCD remote and a scroll wheel. Nice extras, but livable without. Make no mistake, it still has the essence of a high quality audio recorder. In fact, it is derived from the best...
As another reviewer noted, the mechanics of the
R37 are the same as the R50's, which is a classic
from 1998. The R37 is a refined version made in
the year 2000 (date of manufacture labeled on the
back: February 2000). While R50 uses a special and expensive li-ion battery, the R37 lasts longer with 2 AA
batteries. I use 2 Panasonic Nickel Metal Hydride,
which cost US$4 and can be charged in the unit in
2~3 hours. R50 had an over-emphasized bass that
resulted in distortion, but the R37's sound is
just perfect to me, good bass and clear treble
without distortion.
Being so cheaply priced, I did not handle it
"delicately" as I would with a fancy unit. I
always stuff it in my pocket where it could catch
dust (non-intentional), but no problems except a speckled LCD
window. The scratch-resistant all metal body still
looks new, contrasting with the worn plastic covers and front panel. I call this worry-free design, a most valuable feature. So far it has been demonstrated that it is designed for real world usage. All the jacks, with separate mic in, line out, and line in jacks, are still in good contact.
All in all, if you can still find this unit and
can live with the 2 minor flaws I mentioned, GET
IT! It is a robust design, a piece of heavy duty
machinery, that is sure to outlive the newer,
fancier, fashion-oriented, shrink-it-to-the max
Sony or Sharp units.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 145
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Epinions.com ID:
mcjwang
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