EmailBest Reviewed
Minidisc Players
- Portable MiniDisc player/recorder Sony MZ-RH1 *Est. $335
- MiniDisc player/recorder Sony MDS-JE480 *Est. $135
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Portable MiniDisc player/recorder
- Portable
- Records on 1 GB discs
- Player-to-PC transfers quirky
- Expensive
MiniDisc players have been almost entirely eclipsed by MP3 players, but according to experts, MiniDisc recorders are much better than MP3 players for making live recordings of concerts and lectures. Sony offers just one portable model, the Sony MZ-RH1, which reviewers say is an excellent recording machine. This model records on 1GB Hi-MD discs (*est. $7 apiece), which can hold up to 45 hours of compressed music and can be re-recorded thousands of times. Reviewers say the SonicStage software required for player-to-PC transfers has some quirks, but is improved over earlier versions, and Mac-compatible software is now available as well. Furthermore, Sony has removed most of its restrictions on uploading recordings, so you can use the MZ-RH1 to transfer content of older MiniDiscs to a computer. If you're looking for a cheaper, non-portable MiniDisc recorder, owners also like the Sony MDS-JE480 (*est. $135).
The best review of the Sony MZ-RH1 portable MiniDisc player can be found at MDCenter.nl, whose writer goes into great depths about this unit's performance. We also consulted user reviews at Amazon.com and a brief writeup by Consumer Guide.
Our Sources
1. MDCenter.nl
This is the most complete and comprehensive review of the Sony MZ-RH1 MiniDisc player/recorder. Evers goes into great detail, with lots of photos and the results of a battery of tests. His conclusion is that this MiniDisc recorder includes all of the important features missing from earlier versions, and retains all of the strong points of its predecessors.
Review: Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD walkman, Marck Evers , Apr. 20, 2006
2. Amazon.com
Most of the owner-written reviews here for the Sony MZ-RH1 are good. Of the 17 reviews, most are happy with recording quality. A handful report durability complaints or have trouble with software.
Review: Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Walkman MiniDisc/MP3 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
In a review that sounds a bit too much like promotional copy, Consumer Guide editors highlight the Sony MZ-RH1. However, this writeup has little insight beyond basic specs, and no evaluation of performance.
Review: MD Players & Recorders Reviews and Prices, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
