Now that Sony has announced its' plans to revitalize this format, the MiniDisc is here to stay.That's fine with me because I've been sold on it since the day I bought my first MiniDisc player five years ago.
Even in the extended record speeds it produces sound that blows the current crop of mp3 players out of the water.
If you care about putting 9 million hours of music on something you can put inside a pack of cigarettes, buy an mp3 player. However, if you want something that is going to sound as good as the original CD, and still allow you to put 2 or 3 hours of music on inexpensive re-recordable discs, MiniDisc is the way to go.
I own the blue MZ-R70. I reviewed it in the fall of 2001. You may have already read my first review.It works fine. Recording from MP3s works really well, even though you have to be sitting there while recording. When I bought this unit, Mine came with the AC 3-Volt adaptor, the Headphones, carrying case, remote, owner's manual, and a 3 year warranty. Of course, now, it's over its warranty, but still works fine.
If you read carefully, like me, you WILL be able to find the service manuals online, through SONY. I have printed out a manual for my MZ-R70, MZ-R55 and MZ-R50. All are really helpful when I need to know the inside of the machines. I am an electronics buff, and like to take care of my Mini-disc players, while knowing all about them.
The 3-volt "supplied" power supply is compatible with the MZ-R55 also. Nice to know, especially when you like to have more than one power supply.
I am not crazy about the plain-looking remote that comes with the unit, but it does its job just the same. It would have been better with a clip on the back, to hold it onto my coat or shirt.
The headphones work great, and hold lots of deep digital bass. I can enjoy both the accoustic side of songs, as well as the deep bass. Another thing, I like the bass control from level 0 to level 2 bass. Good when you have a headache but still want to hear music.
I still don't have any problems with recording, whether it's on a cheap disc or an expensive SONY shock-resistent disc. I think it's all in the way some people take care of their mini-disc players. Mine has always been well taken care of.
You can't believe all the reviewers and what they say. As far I'm concerned, SONY hasn't made a bad product at all, when they released the MZ-R70. Of course, it's becoming out of date, on account of updating to newer models, but this item is still great.
