MiniDisc Boombox Systems

Features: MD/CD/Cassette/Tuner. MDLP/Group function compatible. 2X CD->MD recording. 2X MD playback speed feature. Record/playback auto reverse on cassette. Synchronized dual MD/Cassette recording. 3-way timer, sleep mode, CD-R/RW compatibility

Links: Aiwa's official English page for the MR-X3.

Specs: 4.5W+4.5W output. FM frequency range of 76-108MHz (world band). Two 77mm cone-type woofers.

Reviews:

Features: MDLP mode abnd Group function, double-speed dubbing from CD to MD (for copyright protection reasons, the same CD cannot be recorded in double-speed mode within 74 minutes of the start of such recording), sleep timer function, CD-R/RW playback support for CD player.

Links: Aiwa's official English page for the MR-X1.

Specs: 2.5W+2.5W output, 77mm cone type woofers, world-band FM radio (76-108MHz), 100V AC.

Reviews:

Features: Understated, KLH-like good looks. MDLP and group function support. 2X CD->MD dubbing. Virtual QSURROUND for 4 channel effects with 2 speakers. 3-way timer (record/playback/sleep). FM synthesized tuner. Music "genre" eq settings ("ROCK/POP/JAZZ"). T-Bass (bass boost?) function. Auto-loudness function. Constructed of MDF. (Aiwa: Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): This manmade material is composed of super-fine fibers that are bonded through heat and an adhesive agent under intense pressure. It offers high rigidity and uniform density, making it the optimum material for speaker cabinets as it does not distort the sound and reduces resonance of the cabinet itself. )

Notes: (A footnote on the page hints at one incompatability of the group function: An MD recorded with the MD group function may not play back if the tracks have been edited with audio equipment not compatible with the MD group function.)

Links:

• Aiwa English page for the unit.

Specs: Amp: 10W+10W, Speakers: 100mm cone. World band tuner (FM: 76-108MHz, AM:530-1719kHz 9/10kHz step)

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Cassette/Tuner. MDLP, QSurround, timer/alarm, CD-R/RW playback support, 2X CD-to-MD recording speed, simultaneous recording from CD to MD and cassette, multi-jog dial for easy titling,

Links: Aiwa's official English page for the CSD-MD77.

Specs: 15W output (7.5W per channel), world-band radio (76-108MHz), 100VAC.

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Radio/Cassette boombox. 2X CD-to-MD dubbing, CD->MD synchronized recording, double-speed playback, multi-jog dial for titling, can title MD tracks while recording, alarm/sleep/timer, QSurround, support for CD-R/RW playback, preprogrammed equalizer. Due to copyright protection, the same CD cannot be recorded in double-speed within 74 minutes of start of double-speed recording.

Links: Aiwa's English page for the CSD-MD15.

Specs: 2.5W per channel output, 77mm cone. World-band radio FM (76-108MHz). 100VAC 50/60Hz household current, 12VDC batteries (C x 8).

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Cassete/Radio. 2X CD-to-MD dubbing speed. World-band radio (76-108MHz). One-button auto recording of a song to MD. QSurround for simulated surround sound effects, sleep timer, multi-jog dial for MD titling.

Links: Aiwa's official English page for the CSD-MD25.

Specs: 15W high-power amplifier.

Reviews:

Features: virtual stereo "QSOUND", three-way timer alarm clock function, synchro-recording with digital source connected, double-speed playback, can title MD track while recording, unit automatically turns off after being idle for one minute.

Links: Aiwa's page for the MR-P1.

Specs: 6 hours battery life on six AA batteries. 1.5W per channel, world-band radio, 100VAC.

Reviews:

Features: CD, MD, cassette. QSurround feature, full-funcion MD recorder, able to title MD tracks while recording, monaural recording, multi jog dial, 3 music genre settings, timer recording.

Links: Aiwa's English page for this unit.

Specs: FM/TV (channels 1-3) 76-108 MHz, AM 522-1629kHz, 10W per channel output, 100mm cone type speakers (2), 100VAC.

Reviews:

Features: World-band FM, "single hit recording" function, synchro-recording button, QSurround, sleep timer, multi-jog dial for easy title input, capable of playing back some/most CD-R/RW discs, available in blue or pink.

Links: Aiwa's English press release for this unit. The T-Station has further information on this unit.

Specs: 8 cm cone speakers, 7.5W+7.5W, 100VAC

Reviews:

Features: 1 MD recorder, 1 CD player 1 cassette recorder, digital AM/FM tuner. Full function wireless remote control, 3 preset equalizer (Rock/Pop/Jazz), QSurround (simulated surround sound), FL Display, 30 programmable station presets. Timer and sleep timer functions.

Links: Aiwa's US English page for this unit.

Specs: 8 Watts per Channel Output Power.

Reviews:

Features: CD to MD synchro recording. Shuffle or 30 track MD or CD program play. 30 station presets. Jog dial, sleep function. 230VAC power. World tuner.

Links: Aiwa's page for the unit. Aiwa's English announcment.

Specs: Tuner: FM: 76-108MHz, AM: 531-1602kHz. MD: 20-20kHz +0.5/-1.5dB. Amp: 8W per channel.

Reviews:

Features: Alarm clock, synchronized dubbing between various media types, MD/CD/Cassette/Radio all controllable via remote, will input both Katakana and alphanumeric characters, includes all standard MD editing capabilities, simulated "Surround" sound feature, both headphone and line in are located on the front,

Links: Casio's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs:

Reviews:

Features:

• AC/DC powered (first MD/CD/AM/FM boombox capable of battery operation).
• Analog tuner section with mechanical dial.
• Volume controls are +/- buttons, has bass boost but no tone control.
• Internal clock provides sleep timer, record timer, playback timer, and time of day.
• Program play mode (up to 24 tracks) for CD and MD.
• Auto power-off (5 min after CD or MD finishes).
• Remote included.

Links:

• Casio Brazil page.
• Casio's page for the MDH-1 mini boombox

Reviews:

• Aivar Grislis's MD-L posting

Mis-features: No DC IN jack.

Features:

• MDLP compatible
• 2X MD->MD copying (4X CD->MD copying)
• "Layer illumination" provides multiple illumination modes (combination of side and back lighting) with 5 presets and 36 possible user selectable patterns
• DSP generated "virtual sound" provides 3 settings: NATURAL, SMOOTH, and DEEP

Links:

• JVC page for the unit (mech trans).
• AVWatch page for the unit.

Specs: Amp: 6W+6W, Speakers: 9cm x 2. (Unstated, but JVC generally provides world-band FM)

Reviews:

Features: MDLP capable with group functions. Unit incorporates 2 MD drives (A drive is read-only, B drive is read/write) allowing 1x MD->MD copying (via an apparently intentional analog step). CD->MD 2X copying also possible. 5 step bass and treble controls. Titling via jog wheel on main unit or using cell phone style alphabetic input on remote. Large 2 line LCD. Synchro ("one touch") recording for MD and CD copying. "Top-Open" electric CD door. Auto power off, dimmer and child-lock functions. Many MD playback modes: A/B program playback (up to 32 tracks), repeat (1 track/all tracks/program/1 group/all discs [A+B]) random (A and B independent). CD playback modes: program play (up to 32 tracks), repeat(1/all/program) plus random. Timer modes: alarm clock, timer record, sleep timer, wakeup volume. Tuner: 15 AM and 30 FM presets. External antenna terminal.

Links:

• JVC Japanese page (mech. trans.)
• Minidisc T-Station page.

Specs: Amp: 6W+6W, World-band FM tuner, 9cm bass reflex speakers

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and group mode support. 2X CD->MD copying. "Tape Refresh" function allegedly revives the sound of old cassette tapes. Allegedly alluring 16 color front panel display. Available in Blue/White, White/Silver, Grey/Black, Silver/White colour schemes.

Links:

• JVC Japan page for the unit.
• Minidisc T-Station page for the unit.

Specs: Amp: 4W+4W (EIAJ), Speakers: 8cm x 2

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Tuner. MDLP compatible. 2X CD-to-MD recording speed. If radio station broadcasting names are inputted into the unit, MD recordings from the radio will be titled by the station name. Two storage compartments found on the top of the unit store the remote and a few MiniDiscs.

Links: JVC's Japanese press release announcing the RD-X3MD (machine translation). A second JVC page outlines in more graphical detail the features of the RD-X3MD , including an animation showing the storage pockets found on the top of the unit.

Specs: 3.5W x 2 speaker output, 8cm woofers. AC100V.

Reviews:

Features: First MDLP boombox. 2X CD->MD copy. Also (presumably 1X) simultaneous CD to MD and tape copying. Multicolor display. Can be set to beep when recording ends. 2 step ``Tape Refresh'' function cleans up sound of old cassettes for playback or recording to MD.

Links: JVC's Japanese page for the unit.

Specs: Amp: 4W+4W (EIAJ). JVC page does not say whether unit has world FM band or is Japanese FM band only. AC only operation.

Reviews:

Features: JVC's "Clavia" model.

Links: JVC's Japanese page for this unit. The T-Station has further information on this unit.

Specs: 9cm speaker woofers. AC100V. FM range of 76 - 108MHz.

Reviews:

Features: (Japanese brochure goes on and on about its speakers, power, and "room size sexy bass". This unit may be loud).

Links: JVC's Japanese announcement of the unit.

Specs: 28 Watts. World Band FM (87.5-108.0 MHz

Reviews:

User Manual: RD-MD5

Features: 3MD and 3CD changers provide: Triple recording (records 3 CDs to 3MDs, one to one), Best Hit Recording (selected songs from 3 CDs can be recorded onto one MD), Long Recording (long radio programs, etc, can be recorded onto 3 MDs in succession. There is momentary break during disc change) Surround sound modes: Live, Phantom, Excite. Preset Graphic equalizer modes: Pop, Beat, Clear, Flat.

Links: JVC's announcement of the product. English summary of the annoucement.

Specs: 20 watt output with 10cm all range speakers.

Reviews:

Features: Radio/Cassette/MD/3CD boombox. Integrated 3 CD changer. Three recording modes: 1) "one-touch" entire CD recording, 2) "program recording" of up to 20 tracks, or 3) one song recording (the one currently playing) to MD. One touch Cassette->MD synchro recording. Radio->MD recording, preset AM/FM station names are automatically recorded. 15 AM/FM station presets. 5 mode MD editing and titling with jog dial. 3 independent CD trays. "One push long play" plays 3 CDs in succession. CD program play can be set while looking at the disc with the disc tray open. MD and CD play modes: 1/all repeat, program play. Suround modes: live, BGM, "excite", "simulate". Bass boost. Sound menu: beat, pop, clear, flat. Auto reverse cassette deck. Remote included. AM: 531-1629kHz, FM: 76-108MHz (world tuner). Amp: 10w+10w. Speaker: 10cm full range. 100VAC, 39W.

Links: JVC's page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features:

• MDX-K3: 4x CD->MD dubbing, MDX-K1: 2x CD->MD dubbing
• MDX-K3: includes auto-reverse cassette.
• Daily/Weekly timer recording.
• "Melody timer" notifies when high speed dubbing has completed.

Links:

• Kenwood page (Japan)
• AV Watch (Japan)
• Mindisc T-StationMDX-K3 page
• Mindisc T-StationMDX-K1 page

Specs: amp: 4W x 2, speaker: -K3: 8cm, -K1: 7cm. FM: 76-90MHz

Reviews:

Features: Kenwood "Rampage" line. MDX-J9 is world's first NetMD "Radio-MD" (boombox). MDX-J9 version is NetMD capable, MDX-J7 is not. Operates on AC or drycell batteries. 2X CD->MD recording. Thin, foldable body design borrows styling elements from previous MDX-G7 system. LCD can display Kanji titles and doubles as a clock when the unit is switched off. Employs "Mulia" ("Muria"?), Kenwood's own NetMD compliant Windows software for downloading and control. "Supreme-2" software package (or audio decoder?) provided for PC based playback of audio files. FM section is Japanese-band only. Units can also be used as powered speakers for USB-based audio output from PC.

Included Accessories: Card-sized remote control, AM antenna, MDX-J9: USB cable, "Mulia" NetMD software.

Links:

• Kenwood's Japanese Press Release for the unit (mech. trans.)
• Minidisc T-Station page for the unit.

Specs: Max Output Power: 2W+2W, Speakers: 7cm woofer, 2.5cm tweeter, Standby (off) mode power consumption: 0.75W FM Band: 76.0-90.0 mHz (Japanese FM-band), AM Band: 531-1629kHz

Reviews:

Features: MDX-J5 capable of playing CDs of MP3 and WMA tracks. MD/CD/Cassette/Tuner. MDLP/Group function support, capable of 2X CD->MD recording. Alarm clock, CD-R/RW compatibility. When using alarm clock, snooze button functionality is achieved simply by touching the body of the unit. LCD screen, capable of displaying MP3/WMA filenames on MDX-J5.

Links: Kenwood's official Japanese page for the MDX-J3. AV-Watch (Japan) has a page covering Kenwood's announcment of the MDX-J3/J5 units.

Specs: 4W+4W output. FM frequency range 76-90Mhz. 8cm full-range woofer.

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Tuner. MDLP compatible, 2X CD-to-MD recording speed, One-Touch Edit/Record, ExBASS boost, programmable timer, auto-power off after 30 minutes of inactivity. World-band FM tuner. Metal body. Available in silver, white, and yellow.

Links:

• Kenwood's Japanese press release covering the MDX-G1.
• The T-station also has a page for the MDX-G1.

Specs: 3.5W x 2, 8cm full-range speakers.

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Cassette/Tuner. MDLP compatible, 2X CD-to-MD recording speed. One-Touch CD-to-MD recording, CD-TEXT, 30 FM radio presets, timer record function, treble and bass adjustment, bass boost.

Links: Kenwood's official Japanese page for the MDX-G3 (see also specifications page). T's MiniDisc Comparison Tables list specs for the MDX-G3.

Specs: 4W x 2 output. 8cm full-range speakers. World-band FM tuner.

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD/Tuner, USB input (for playback of PC audio only -- cannot record from PC via USB). MDLP, speakers fold behind main unit body, carrying handle doubles as a support for standing up the unit, 2X CD-to-MD recordings speed, one-touch CD->MD recording. Runs on AC or drycell batteries. Japanese FM band (76-90MHz) only.

Links:

• Kenwood's official Japanese page for the Rampage MDX-G7 (mech. trans.)
• Kenwood's flash presentation for the unit.
• Minidisc T-Station page for the unit.
• Specs (mech. trans.)

Reviews:

• Tim Corcoran's review of the unit.

Specs: 2W+2W output, Japanese radio band only (76-90MHz).

Features: MD/CD/tuner. 2X CD-to-MD recording speed, One-Touch Edit recording, CD Text display, built-in timer, auto power saving mode activates after 30 min.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese press release for the MDX-01. Kenwood's Japanese press release for the MDX-KT302 (Hello Kitty version).

Specs: 3W output.

Reviews:

Features: One-touch record, three timer functions, available in five different colors (silver, violet, yellow, red, and green).

Links: Kenwood's Japanese page for this unit. The T-Station has further information on this unit.

Specs: 8cm full range speakers

Reviews:

Features: 3-CD changer, MD recording functions: blank search, auto-marker, synchro-recording "best hit"-recording, one-touch edit recording (while listening to CD, one button press will return to the beginning of the track and record that track to MD). Up to 80 characters per track can be titled. Date and time stamp recording. Katakana input. CD functions: program play, dj-seamless, dj-loop, dj-pointer. AM/FM presets for 30 stations. Timer functions: alarm (wakeup) with snooze function, timer recording/playback, sleep. Speaker: 8cm full range. Remote control included.

Specs: Bitstream A/D converter, 20-20kHz +/- 3dB, S/N (playback) over 85dB. Tuner: AM band: 531-1629KHz, FM band: 76.0-108MHz (world tuner). Amp: 7.5w+7.5w. Power: 37 watts, 100VAC.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese Page for this unit. KNG sells this unit.

Reviews:

Features: Second generation ``Rampage'' boombox. 1MD + 3CD changer. MD section has 20bit D/A and A/D. CD section has 20bit D/A. World band FM tuner. Date and time stamp recording. One touch edit. Best hits recording/playback. 4 stage bass boost. MDX-E7LTD version can be used with the keyboard cyber titler.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese page for this product. Cosmo's announcement of this product.

Specs: S/N: >96dB Amp: 10W+10W. Speakers: 3.5cm tweeter, 10cm woofer (LTD edition has different woofer and bigger woofer magnet.)

Reviews:

Features: AM/FM/CD/MD/cassette boombox. Capable of high speed CD to MD dubbing, AC or dry cell powered. battery operation.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features:

• 6X CD->MD dubbing (but Panasonic reports "74 minute CD can be copied in approx. 15 minutes").
• "Pop up operation stand" concept -- control buttons on base and large LCD on main body.
• Multi-jog dial for navigating menus and controlling volume.
• Body position adjustable through 15°.
• "Live virtualizer" (DSP?) "clearly reproduces vocal sound".
• Available in silver or white.

Links:

• Panasonic press release (Japan)
• AV-Watch (Japan)
• Minidisc T-Station page

Specs: amp: 3W x 2, 7cm polypropylene speakers, FM: 76-90MHz (presumed)

Reviews:

Features:

• Will play MP3 CDs and display ID3 tags in display
• "Pop up operation stand" concept -- control buttons on base and large LCD on main body.
• Multi-jog dial for navigating menus and controlling volume.
• Body position adjustable through 15°.
• "Live virtualizer" (DSP?) "clearly reproduces vocal sound".
• Available in silver or white.
• Accessories: remote, remote batteries, AC cord, AM loop antenna

Links:

• Panasonic press release (Japan)
• AV-Watch (Japan)
• Minidisc T-Station page

Specs: amp: 3W x 2, 7cm polypropylene speakers, FM: 76-90MHz

Reviews:

User Manual: RX-MDX61

Features:

• MDLP modes with Group functions.
• MP3-CD support with ID3 tag display.
• CD->MD copying at up to 4X speeds.
• Play, sleep, record timer.
• Play modes: random, repeat, 1-group, 24 track program.
• Backlit LCD panel.

Accessories: Remote, AC cord, AM loop antenna

Links:

• Panasonic announcement
• Panasonic page

Specs: amp: 3Wx2, FM: 76-90MHz

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features: CD/MDLP boombox. Operation keys grouped together and set in base for ease of use. Main body tilts up vertically from 0 to 15 degrees. 4X CD->MD copying (1-track/all). MD group mode functions. Backlit LCD indicator panel. MD play modes: program play (24 track), repeat (1 track/all track/program/group), random play, 1 group play. CD play modes: program play (24 track), repeat (1 track/all track/program), random play. Tuner displays station names. Clock/timer modes: wakeup timer, sleep timer, timer fader (fade-in only), timer recording, alarm timer/countdown timer. Auto-off function. IR remote. Couples with Panasonic "MD Network" components for label printing and [analog] audio copying.

Links:

• Panasonic page 1 and 2 (mech. trans 1 2).

Specs: Amp: 3W+3W, FM band: 76-90MHz, TV ch. 1, 2, 3, AM: 522-1629kHz, Speaker: 7cm x 2

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features:

• MDLP modes
• CD->MD copying at up to 4X speed.
• Other record modes: 1-track CD->MD recording, "turn back" recording(?), synchro-recording.
• Play, sleep, record timer.
• Play modes: random, repeat (1, all, program), 24 track program.
• Backlit LCD panel.

Accessories: Remote, AC cord, AM loop antenna

Links:

• Panasonic page
• Minidisc T-Station page

Specs: amp: 3Wx2, FM: 76-90MHz

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features:

• MDLP Support
• "Turn-back" recording (time machine recording?)
• High-speed CD recording (LP2 mode: 2x, LP4 mode: 4x)
• "MD Title Station" copies titles from second MD unit when connected.
• CD 1-track recording (records one track and pauses)
• Auto-CD recording (whole CD recording)
• Synchro-CD recording
• NoMono-recording
• MD and CD Play modes: 24 track program play, repeat play (1-track/all-tracks/program/group), shuffle play.
• Sound Virtualizer (?)
• Bass-reflex speaker
• Panasonic H.D.E.S and H.E.S.
• Timer modes: wakeup-timer, sleep-timer, timer-recording, sleep and timer-fade functions.
• LCD backlit display
• 3 line alphabet selection display for titling.
• Auto-off (turns unit off 10 minutes after CD/MD finished playing)
• Remote-control
• CD-Text titles copied to MD while recording.
• 4 preset DSP based equalizer settings: "Heavy, Clear, Soft, Vocal".
• Unit sits on adjustable base, allows any direction/angle to be set (20 degree vertical adjust range (+15/-5), 90 degree horizontal adjust range (45 left/45 right)).
• Available in silver, blue, and black.

Links: Panasonic's original press release for the RX-MDX55. Panasonic's offical Japanese page for the RX-MDX55.

Specs: Amp: 5W (JEITA), Japanese FM: 76.0-90MHz

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features:

• AA Battery and AC powered
• "Turn-back" recording (time machine recording?)
• High-speed CD recording (2X?)
• "MD Title Station" copies titles from second MD unit when connected.
• CD 1-track recording (records one track and pauses)
• Auto-CD recording
• Synchro-CD recording
• Mono-recording
• MD and CD Play modes: 24 track program play, repeat play (1-track/all-tracks/program), shuffle play.
• Sound Virtualizer (?)
• Bass-reflex speaker
• H.E.S circuit (?)
• Timer modes: wakeup-timer, sleep-timer, timer-recording, sleep and timer-fade functions.
• 10 color (?) LCD backlit display.
• Auto-off
• Remote-control

Links: Panasonic Japanese page for the unit.

Specs: Amp: 5W+5W (JEITA). Japanese band FM (76-90MHz), AM: 522-1629kHz. AC power 26W

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features: Similar to RX-MDX70, but without cassette drive and AA battery power.

• "Turn-back" recording (time machine recording?)
• High-speed CD recording (2X?)
• "MD Title Station" copies titles from second MD unit when connected.
• CD 1-track recording (records one track and pauses)
• Auto-CD recording (whole CD recording)
• Synchro-CD recording
• Mono-recording
• MD and CD Play modes: 24 track program play, repeat play (1-track/all-tracks/program), shuffle play.
• Sound Virtualizer (?)
• Bass-reflex speaker
• H.E.S circuit (?)
• Timer modes: wakeup-timer, sleep-timer, timer-recording, sleep and timer-fade functions.
• 10 color (?) LCD backlit display.
• Auto-off
• Remote-control

Links: Panasonic Japanese page for the unit.

Specs: Japanese band FM (76-90MHz), AM: 522-1629kHz. AC power 23W

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features: Comes in yellow, silver, and blue. HDES (High Density Encoding System), monaural recording mode, preset equalizer, sleep and wake modes, auto-CD recording, "MD Network" compatible. Titling remote. Panasonic MD-Network support

Links: Panasonic's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: 14W power output, AM/FM/TV tuner.

Reviews:

User Manual: RX-MDX5

Features: non-MDLP

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features: Radio/MD/CD boombox. Direct CD->MD digital dubbing/editing. "Direct Edit" (individual buttons for common edit functions). Pallet of 2x15 characters (displayed in sets of kana, alphabetics, digits, and symbols) used in combination with jog dial for titling. ``Synchro Title'' feature allows copying of CD titles and station names to MD. ``Cobra-top'' motorized up/down flip-top, cousin of R2D2. Remote included.

Specs: Amp: 5.0w+5.0w, Tuner: FM: 76-90MHz / AM: 522-1629KHz / TV: 1-3, CD player: 1bit MASH D/A converter. Speaker: 8cm cone. Power: 100VAC.

Links: National/Panasonic page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: J

Features: MD/CD/Cassette/Tuner boombox. 2X CD-to-MD recording speed, MDLP, One-Touch Edit recording feature, connectable to Sanyo PC Link Kit (PCK-MDG200) for controlling unit from PC desktop and also accessing CDDB info for automatic naming of tracks, bass boost, preset equalizer (Rock/Jazz/Pop/Classical), digital clock with timer function. Builtin microphone (mono only?). Copy CD->MD, CD->Cassette, MD->cassette and cassette->MD

Variants: MDC-3300 appears to be the Euro-badged PH-MD9

Links: Sanyo's Japanese press release for the PH-MD9.

Specs: 76-90MHz FM frequency range. 4W x 2 output, 10cm full range speaker (x2), AC100V.

Reviews:

Features: AM/FM/MD/CD/Cassette boombox. Jog-dial for Volume, Equalizer, Bass and titling. Backlit (Fluorescent) display. Clock-timer (wake-up, timed record and sleep functions). Auto-reverse cassette with unique high-speed CD to tape dubbing (sadly no high-speed CD to MD). Full function remote control. Large, attractive dot-matrix display.

Specs: AC input: 100/120/230VAC FM : 87.5 - 108 MHz (0.05 MHz steps) 76 - 90 MHz (0.1 MHz steps) AM: 522 - 1710 (9 KHz steps) 520 - 1710 (10 KHz steps)

User comments: Oscar Fowler: Nice size (not too big/small). Sound is decent (for a boombox). Shows timestamp of MD recordings if available (relatively rare feature), and timestamps its own recordings. The CD->tape recording functions are very impressive. For example, you can set it so that it never truncates songs when switching tape sides during a record - it'll skip the end of the first side of the tape and start the song at the beginning of the next side. Too bad I don't use tapes anymore... Above-average manual in both English and Spanish. Final verdict: I'm very impressed with the features of this unit. I would definitely recommend getting one if you want a boombox that plays everything. Peter Ravn: Can automatically insert track marks after 1.5s drop in sound input, or at fixed intervals (2,3,4 ... 30, 45 min.). Has REC-IT feature that with one button press records the entire CD track you're currently listening to to the end of the MD. CD to MD recording is done digitally.

Links: Sanyo Europe's page for the unit. Fisher's page for their clone. Hue Beavers gives his comments on the Fisher PHMD-100 boombox.

Reviews:

Features: MD-U4R is Dachshund inspired design, MD-U4T is thin techno design. Units are apparently identical in function and feature PC connectivity for editing and track naming. Station presets: 20. Clock: Digital clock with date functions, one day/one-event on/off timer, sleep timer. Accessories provided: AC adapter, 2 recording cables, AM antenna, "MD Disc master" software on CD-ROM, PC-link cable.

Links: Sanyo's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: Frequency response: 20 to 20,000 Hz (3dB), Radio frequency ranges: AM: 522 to 1611 kHz, FM: 87.50 to 108 MHz (? Japanese page says FM: 76-90MHz), Runs on AC or 6 x AA.

Reviews:

User Manual: PC-link software operation manual (Japanese)

Features: MDLP and group mode support. 2X CD->MD dubbing. "Hypertrack" edit allows CD tracks to be selected for recording while listening. "Top Position" function allows one-button recording of the first CD track to MD (useful for CD singles). "AI timer" for clock and timer functions (wakeup timer, sleep timer, and timer recording [wherein recording start time, stop time, input source and volume may be set]). IR wireless remote uses cellphone alpha input technique for titling. Fluoroluminescent display shows MD/CD track and time info. Available in silver, blue and pink. AC operation only. 8cm full range speakers (4 ohms).

Included Accessories: Remote, AAx2 (for remote), AC power cord, AM loop antenna

Links:

• Sharp Japanese announcement (mech. trans. 1 & 2)
• AVWatch (Japanese) coverage (mech. trans).
• Available from Minidisco for US$350 (w/shipping).

Specs: Freq. resp. 20-20kHz, +1/-3dB. AM: 522-1629, FM: 76-108MHz (worldband). AC consumption: 23W

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and Group function support. CD->MD recording speed at 2X. CD-R/RW playback support, remote capable of titling discs, 40 channel FM presets, alarm clock and timer record,

Links: Sharp's Japanese press release for the MD-F220. Sharp's official Japanese page for the MD-F220. The MD T-Station has further information on the MD-F220.

Specs: 2.5W+2.5W output. FM frequency range of 76-108Mhz. 8cm full range speaker.

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Features: MD/CD/Tuner (F150 also has cassette). MDLP, multicolor optical display (7 different colors) with four different modes (Initial, Fixed, Weekly, Random), 2X CD-to-MD recording speed, timer recording function.

Links: Sharp's official Japanese press release for the MD-F120/150 models.

Specs: 10W output for F150, 5W output for F120, 8cm full range speaker (x2), world-band radio (76-108MHz),

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Features: 2X CD to MD recording, Sound Enhancer, availale in four different colors with matching display and remote colors (blue, red, purple, silver), world-band tuner.

Links: Sharp's Japanese page for this unit. The T-Station has further information on this unit.

Specs: Speaker output 5W+5W, low .23W power consumption when unit is off.

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Features: Dual MD drives (one is play only, one is rec/play), CD, cassette. High speed (2X) CD to MD and MD to MD copying (in MD to MD case, disc and track titles are also copied). Several "one touch" editing functions to simplify copying and editing. Mono recording mode. Timer recording (one time per day). World band FM tuner.

Links: Sharp's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features: One-touch easy recording features between media types, spin-dial for quick titling of MDs, can title tracks while recording, capable of recording to MD in mono.

Links: Sharp's Japanese page for this unit.

Specs: Low power consumption of .3W in power off state, 24-bit ATRAC, speaker output 10W.

Reviews:

Features: 2 MD drives, MD1 is play only, MD2 is play/record. Allows easy dubbing/editing from one MD to another, copying name and disc titles as well as audio. One touch recording for CD->MD, MD->MD, Tape->MD, CD->Tape, and MD->TAPE. Timer: 1 on/off per day.

Links: Sharp's Japanese page for the unit. Sharp's other Japanese page for the unit.

Specs: Tuner: FM: 76-108MHz, AM: 522-1629KHz, Freq. resp: 20-20kHz (+1/-3dB).

Reviews:

Features: World band tuner. One-button CD->MD recording. IR wireless remote. Display is Kana compatible. Integrated timer (provides timer recording). Silver.

Links: Sharp's Japanese page for the unit.

Specs: 20-20KHz +1/-3dB, Tuner: FM: 76-108MHz, AM: 522-1629KHz. Amp: 10 watts. Mono recording capability. AC power consumption: 30W.

Reviews:

Features: MD/CD boombox. Fancy ``Electromotive Sealing Panel'' moves to reveal operating controls underneath. One touch CD to MD copying. Easy editing with ``Hyper Track Edit'' function, allows selection of CD tracks to record while listening to them. ``Pole position'' function moves track to desired location after recording(?). ATRAC compression and expansion done with high accuracy 24 bit calculations. Sampling rate converter. Timer recording and wakeup functions (1 operation/day). I/R remote control.

Specs: MD: 20-20kHz (+1/-3dB), FM: 76.0 - 108.0 (world tuner), AM: 522-1629, Speaker: 10cm full range X 2. Amp: 7.5 + 7.5W.

Links: Sharp's Japan Audio Fair '97 page showing pictures of their MD boombox and portable prototypes Sharp's Japanese page for the unit.

Reviews:

Features: Similar to MD-Z10. Radio/MD/CD boombox. Direct CD->MD digital dubbing/editing. Normal MD track editing plus "program move", which would appear to allow you to rearrange the track order of up to 20 tracks in one step. Jog shuttle dial for entering text and editing. Auto-mark function. Stereo/Mono-recording. Titling: 40 character input per song, katakana input. Date and time stamp recording. Program play (up to 20 tracks across multiple discs), random play, all song repeat. Record/playback timer, sleep timer. 10cm full range speaker. Remote control included.

Features unique to ZV30: Microphone input jack. 3 CD changer, 6 mode SRS surround sound. 40 AM/FM presets.

Specs: Tuner: AM band: 522-1629KHz, FM band: 76.0-108MHz (world tuner). Amp: 7.5w+7.5w. Power: 36 watts, 100VAC.

Links:

• Sharp Japanese page for the unit
• Sharp UK page for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: MD-ZV30

Features: Radio/MD/CD boombox. Direct CD->MD digital dubbing/editing. Normal MD track editing plus "program move", which would appear to allow you to set the track order of up to 20 tracks in one fell swoop. Jog shuttle dial for entering text and editing. Auto-mark function. Stereo/Mono-recording. Titling: 40 character input per song, katakana input. Date and time stamp recording. Program play (up to 20 tracks), random play, all song repeat. 10 AM/FM presets. Record/playback timer, sleep timer. 10cm full range speaker. Remote control included.

Specs: Tuner: AM band: 522-1629KHz, FM band: 76.0-108MHz (world tuner). Amp: 7.5w+7.5w. Power: 36 watts, 100VAC.

Reviews:

Features: Radio/MD/CD boombox. Direct CD->MD digital dubbing/editing. Jog shuttle dial for entering text and editing.

Links: Sharp's Japanese Page for the unit.

Reviews:

Features: Industry's first MD/CD/radio all-in-one unit. One-touch CD->MD dubbing.

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Features: MDLP, Panorama Sound mode, "video console" connection, 2X CD-to-MD recording, one-touch CD->MD recording, Synchro Record, CD-Text support, broadcasting station name display.

Links: Sony's Japanese press release for the ZS-M37.

Specs: 76-90MHz FM frequency range. AC100V.

Reviews:

Features: 2X CD-to-MD recording speed. World-band radio (76-108MHz). Newly developed "Panorama Sound" possible with four speakers built into the unit. Connectable to game console systems with a special cable. Available in a wide variety of colors.

Links: Sony's official Japanese press release for the ZS-M30.

Specs: Two 8cm and two 2cm speakers. AC100V (unit cannot be powered on batteries).

Reviews:

Service Manual: ZS-M30

Features: 2X CD/Tape to MD dubbing through use of HCMS (high speed copy management system), world-band FM, One-Touch CD to MD recording, Mega Bass boost, preset equalizer (rock/pop/jazz/vocal), CD-TEXT support.

Links: Sony's Japanese press release for this unit. The T-Station has further information on this unit.

Specs: 10cm full-range speakers (20-20,000Hz), 5W+5W.

Reviews:

Features: One-touch MD recording capability, "10 Key" titling (akin to alphanumeric entry on mobile phones), CD-Text transfer, World-band FM tuner(!), backlit display, remote control, MegaBass, FM station title labelling. Available in 4 colors.

Links: Sony's Japanese announcement for this unit.

Specs: FM frequency range of 76 - 108MHz, two 8cm speakers, headphone out 5W+5W, AC power only.

Reviews:

User Manual: ZS-M35

Service Manuals: a, ZS-M35

Features: Capable of titling while recording. "To Top" and "To End" functions will restart currently playing CD track and record it to head or end of MD respectively. Motorized slide down panel. World band FM tuner (76-108MHz) model available.

Links: Sony's Japanese announcement of the unit.

Reviews:

Service Manual: ZS-M50

Features: Slim design MD/CD system. A single button press will digitally copy an entire CD to MD. "To top/to end" button will copy an entire CD track to the end of an MD if pressed while listening to a CD track. MD tracks can be titled while recording. Easy to use "MD edit area" with large type electroluminescent display. Tuner has "auto preset" which automatically displays station names for up to 12 stations. When recording from radio, the station name is written on the MD track title. Date and time stamp recording.

Links: Sony's Japanese press release. Sony Europe's ZS-M7 page. MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit.

Specs: Amp: 7W+7W (EIAJ/4 ohms). Speaker: Full range 8cm cone. Power: 100VAC. Tuner: FM: 76-90MHz, AM: 531-1629KHz.

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User Manual: ZS-M7

Service Manual: ZS-M7

Features: Similar to ZS-M3 (below): Radio/MD/CD boombox. CD->MD digital recording (one touch recording and edit (program) recording). CD: shuffle play, program play (up to 20 songs), 1/all repeat, music calendar. MD play mode: shuffle play, program play (up to 20 songs), 1/all repeat, music calendar. All normal editing functions done with separate divide/ combine/ move/ erase/ name buttons, katakana titling input. Tuner: 12 AM/FM presets, AM stereo/FM stereo/TV VHF mono (Japanese ch. 1-3), Auto station name display "A.B.I." (Japan only?). Timer: clock/timer, sleep function, timer/sleep sound power setting(?), timer start. Mega bass, full range 8cm cone speaker. 7w+7w, power consumption: 30w, 100VAC. Remote included.

Features unique to ZS-M5: Electrically operated slide panel on top moves away to reveal editing buttons. When covered unit looks "smart". (Appears to be cleaned up and compactified version of ZS-M3, much more suitable for bedside use, etc., but no apparent functional differences, other than disappearance of mic input).

Specs: 20-20kHz +1/-2dB. FM/TV: 76-90MHz, AM: 531-1629kHz

Links: Sony's Japanese announcement page this unit.

Reviews:

Features: Radio/MD/CD boombox. CD->MD digital recording (one touch recording and edit (program) recording). CD: shuffle play, program play (up to 20 songs), 1/all repeat, music calendar. MD play mode: shuffle play, program play (up to 20 songs), 1/all repeat, music calendar. All normal editing functions done with separate divide/ combine/ move/ erase/ name buttons, katakana titling input. Tuner: 12 AM/FM presets, AM stereo/FM stereo/TV VHF mono (Japanese ch. 1-3), Auto station name display "A.B.I." (Japan only?). Timer: clock/timer, sleep function, timer/sleep sound power setting(?), timer start. Mega bass, full range 8cm cone speaker. 7w+7w, power consumption: 30w, 100VAC. Remote included.

Specs: 20-20kHz +1/-2dB. FM/TV: 76-90MHz, AM: 531-1629kHz

Links: Sony's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features: ATRAC 1. MD recorder/player and AM/FM receiver in one unit. Backlit LCD display. Credit card size remote. Editing functions: track divide, combine, swap, erase, song title, disc title (21 character limit). Shock resistant memory. Digital clock/timer. Digital AM/FM tuner with auto stereo channel scan. 24 station memory presets (12 AM, 12 FM). Common Cavity Common Resonance (CCCR) speaker system (Bose speakers, licensed by Sony). Power: 7.5 watts X 2.

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User Manual: ZS-M1