Portable MiniDisc Players

Features:

• New High Definition Digital amp IC (10dB less noise than MZ-E710 at low volumes).
• New "Quick start" function keeps audio data in memory, reducing startup time from dead stop to about 0.4 seconds.
• Aluminum body.
• ATRAC Type-S.
• 6-band equalizer.
• VPT ("Virtual Phone Technology") Acoustic Engine (cannot be used simultaneously w/6-band equalizer).
• One touch eject.
• Available in silver, blue, pink and brown.

Included Accessories: MDR-EX51 earbuds, backlit 9-character Roman/Kana LCD remote, NiMH cell, charge stand, external AA cell case, carrying pouch, AC adapter

Links:

• Sony page
• GAZ Webshop (Japan) selling MZ-E620 and MZ-E720.

Specs: 5mW+5mW into 16 ohms

Reviews:

Features:

• ATRAC DSP Type-S.
• Headphone cord retracts into LCD-remote.
• Group mode functions.
• Available in silver, blue, green and pink.

Links:

• Aiwa Japan page
• Minidisc T-Station page

Reviews:

Features:

• E.A.S.S. GP shock protection
• Backlit LCD remote

Links:

• Aiwa/Sony (Japan)
• AVWatch (Japan)

Reviews:

Features: Targeted at teenagers and young women in their 20s, users can create their own original MD player by placing a printed film, photo, or illustration inside the large front panel on the AM-HX300's main unit. MDLP long-time playback mode, MD Group function compatible, battery charger stand, program search function that automatically lists the names in Japanese kana and alphanumeric order (allowing users to view the titles on the remote control unit's LCD panel and select a favorite song), sentence repeat function, 25-track programming, 40-second/80-second (LP2)/160-second (LP4) skip-preventing memory.

Links: Aiwa's official Japanese page for the AM-HX300. T-Station has some further information on the AM-HX300.

Specs: 3.8mW+3.8mW output.

Reviews:

Features: Playback starts in approximately 0.6 seconds after start (unit achieves this short time by reading and storing the music data in the main unit's memory when the disc is first inserted, retained whether the power is turned on or off). MDLP long-time playback mode, MD Group function compatible, battery charger stand, program search function that automatically lists the names in Japanese kana and alphanumeric order (allowing users to view the titles on the remote control unit's LCD panel and select a favorite song), sentence repeat function, 25-track programming, 40-second/80-second (LP2)/160-second (LP4) skip-preventing memory.

Links:

• Aiwa's official English page for the AM-HX400 (local copy).
• T-Station has some further information on the AM-HX400.
• Minidisco sells this unit.

Specs: 3.8mW+3.8mW output.

Reviews:

Features: Smallest and lightest portable MD player as of May 2001. MDLP compatible. Includes clip-type headphones that wrap behind one's ears, with pause and play buttons located on the headphone housing. 40-second anti-shock protection (160 seconds in LP4 mode), unit is recharged by being placed in recharging stand, sentence repeat function, LCD can be disabled to extend battery life, backlit LCD remote control,

Links: Aiwa's official English page for the AM-HX150. A Japanese press release covering the AM-HX150.

Specs: 8mW x 2 output. Times listed are for SP/LP2/LP4 modes.

Reviews:

Features: World's smallest and lightest portable MD player, with longest playback time (as of April 2001). MDLP and Group Function compatible. 40-second anti-shock protection, remote control has 10-character backlit LCD, sentence-repeat function, unit is recharged by placing it in recharge stand, power-saving mode to extend battery life (by disabling the LCD), programmable alarm functions, available in silver, black, and blue.

Links: Aiwa's official English page for the AM-HX100. The T-Station also has a page on the Aiwa AM-HX100.

Specs: 8mW per channel. 100V AC when using included AC adapter. Times listed are for SP/LP2/LP4.

Reviews:

Features: MDLP support. All-titanium body (first for Japanese market) with double the rigidity of aluminium. Sentence repeat function (to assist language learning): using any 0.5-second silence as an identifier, unit will repeat the "sentence" 9 times. "Digital tone processor" allows for bass/treble adjustment (-6 to +6). Alarm function (settable from 1 to 180 minutes), 25 track program play, power save mode ("PS"), as on previous Aiwa players. 10 chararcter backlight multi-jog remote. Track select during playback has been updated: when viewing the track list during playback, the tracks are displayed in sorted order (Japanese titles sorted in Japanese character sort order).

Accessories included: LCD remote control, stereo headphones, battery charger stand, AC adapter, nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery, battery case, carrying case, clip for remote control unit, rechargeable battery carrying case.

Links: Aiwa's English and Japanese pages for the unit. JIJ Announcement (Japanese).

Specs: 8mW+8mW headphone output. 20-20,000Hz, +-1dB (with 10 ohm load). 1 bit DAC.

Reviews:

Features: 40-second anti-shock protection, backlit LCD remote, "Digital Tone Processor", "sentence repeat" function, alarm function (1 minute to 3 hours), 1-bit D/A converter, 25-track program mode, 3-point battery check indicator.

Links: Aiwa's Hong Kong website has a page for the AM-HX77. T-Station has an Aiwa AM-HX77 info page.

Reviews:

Features: Power-save function extends battery life (see battery table below). 25-track programmable playback function, digital tone processor (bass/treble control), 40-second anti-shock memory, and several alarm functions. A "sentence repeat" mode will loop a portion of audio that has at least half-second moments of silence at each end, supposedly this feature is useful when learning another language and using MiniDisc.

Links: Aiwa's official page for this unit. Josh Pelland wrote up a great in depth review of his player.

Specs: 8mW per channel.

Reviews:

Features: Available in three colors, power save feature allows unit to run for an extended period of time, backlit LCD remote control, alarm function, 40-second skip protection, three step base boost.

Links: Aiwa's English page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features: 25 track program play mode, 40-second anti-skip buffer, alarm function, program search, backlit LCD,

Reviews:

• Tim Yocum writes a review of the AM-HX55.

Links: Aiwa's English page for this unit. R.M.Morrien has started an Aiwa AM-HX55 page, with some good photos of the unit. Minidisco has a rotatable 3-D spinning image of this unit.

Specs: headphone output 8mW per channel (load impedance 16 ohms), NiMH battery DC1.2V, 1 AA alkaline battery DC1.5V, 100 VAC household current.

Features: Was smallest, lightest portable player with longest battery life for a short period of time (July 1999). Display of both the disc name and track number on the remote, programmable playback, backlit LCD remote control, 40-second skip preventing memory, alarm function,

Links: Aiwa's English page for this unit. Dave Bell has made a Aiwa AM-HX50 review. Ian McFarlane has made a review of the Aiwa AM-HX50 player. HiFi Choice magazine (UK) has a review.

Specs: Frequency range of 20 - 20,000Hz, ±1dB (with 10 ohm load), headphone output 8mW per channel (load impedance 16 ohms),

Reviews:

Features: "Outdoor type" player, with carrying strap, neck strap, and corner bumpers. Unusual "Time Alarm" function can be set at designated time intervals, from 10 minutes to three hours, in one-minute increments. An electronic alarm sounds at the designated time. This function can also start MD playback at a selected time. Backlit remote with 10 character display shows MD disc name, track name and number, and functions. Program play (25 track), 40 sec shock memory.

Links: Aiwa's English and Japanese pages for the unit. MiniDisc World's review for this unit.

Reviews:

Features: ATRAC 4.5 Back-lit remote, song name search, 25 program play, 40 second shock memory. 8 hours playback on internal rechargeable cell.

Links:

• Aiwa's English page for the AM-HX30 portable player.
• The AM-HX30 is awarded the Etown Editor's pick position for best portable MD player.

Reviews:

Features: Built in AM/FM/TV tuner (Euro/US models [do they exist?] have world band AM/FM tuners). Backlit remote, jog dial for track or radio station selection. Double speed playback option.

Tips: To set the radio's tuning band (Japan, Europe, US) try these steps: 1) Press ENTER. Within one second jog + on the TUNING jog shuttle. 2) Press PRESET + or - key to cycle through JPN,USA,EU. 3) Press ENTER to lock in your choice. [from cholden9_5@hotmail.com]

Links: Aiwa's English page for the unit.

Specs: Headphone amp: 10mW+10mW

Reviews:

Features: Jog dial for track selection, double speed playback mode, backlit remote. Program (up to 25 tracks), repeat 1, repeat all, and shuffle play modes. Silicon rubber cushions on ear caps for better fit and bass reproduction. 1 bit D/A. Battery life: Rechargeable LiIon: 7 hr, AAx3: 19 hr, both: 26 hr. Recharge time: 2hr.

Links: Aiwa's English page for the unit. Japan Direct's clear photos of the unit.

Specs: Headphone amp: 10mW+10mW

Reviews:

Features: Reportedly a clone of the Sharp MD-S10. ATRAC 1(?) 3 second shock memory. One step bass boost. PLSS (personal listening setting) changes sound so that headphone noise does not disturb others. Opens with button, not slide. Remote displays: track number, play mode (random, repeat), bass boost, PLSS, battery empty. Rechargeable 4.8v (NiCad?) battery life: pre-recorded MD: 100 minutes, recordable MD: 90 minutes. AC adapter can charge battery and operate the unit simultaneously. Full charge: 5 hours. Button press confirmation beep may be toggled by holding the DSL/PLSS button for 3 seconds while in playback or stop mode. Pushing the play button repeatedly toggles the play mode (normal, repeat, random).

Specs: THD: 0.07%, Headphone amp: 15mw+15mw

Reviews:

Features: Appears to be clone of the Casio XG-3. Top (clamshell) disc loading. Uses one AA battery or AA-shaped NiMH rechargeable battery (included) Backlit in-line remote. Unit has all controls on remote, main body has only "hold" button and "open" slider. Two level Bass Boost. Battery save feature (the 10 sec. buffer is switchable to autoPS (auto power save, or buffer off) or PS off (buffer on)). Includes headphones (standard style, not ear buds seen in Best Buy ads), drawstring bag, and AC adapter for playback and in-unit battery charging.

Variants: Unit has been rebadged and sold by several others, including Goodmans (UK) who sold it at two different times, each with different model numbers(!) (the GMD16RB and MD100).

Mis-features: No recharging while playing, no "mono" indicator on display (but plays mono discs fine), 3 (!) hours on an LR6 (AA) battery, 5 on the NiCad battery (?!).

Links: Apparently imported (and manufactured?) by Venturer Electronics 725 Dennison Street, Ontario L3R 1B8 Canada. Unit appeared in a Best Buy advertising flyer. Best Buy sells the MDP1 for $79 (for a brief period of time in November 2000, the unit was available for $49 with free shipping!).

User comments: Upon listening, it sounds great, plays great, and is pretty good all-around. My only gripe is that is has pretty short battery life. For anyone who is just getting into the MD hobby, or a budget-minded pro who wants a travel companion, this is the unit to get! If anyone would like to contact me, I can be reached at ffourtwenty@hotmail.com. -Dave Cruz

Reviews:

User Manual: MDP-1

Features: 40 second shock memory [powersave off/on], 2 step bass boost, backlit remote, repeat, random, track skip and search.
MD info on remote: [Total # of tracks, total play time, disc name] or [Current track #, track time, track name].
Unit info on remote: 4 segment power, bass boost, play mode, volume, shock buffer status and 6 character text. No LCD on body. Unit accepts NiMH in AA formfactor, or AA cell.

Links: Christopher Vallo's review of the unit. The Casio XG-3 MD player is spotted at Circuit City (search for "casio xg3").

Reviews:

Features: 40 second shock memory [2 step, settable], 24 track program play. 3 step bass boost.

Links: Puwa-risu's excellent Japanese MD site has info on this unit.

Reviews:

Features:

• Mindblowing 315 hour battery life (nearly two weeks continuous running!)
• 3 blinking LEDs indicate playback mode and battery condition.
• 4 Equalizer settings: "energy", "crystal", "subway", "heartful".
• "Active Clear Bass" 2 step bass boost.
• Available in green, pink and blue.

Links:

• JVC Press release
• AV Watch (Japan)
• Minidisc T-Station page

Specs: Amp: 3mW+3mW

Accessories: LCD remote, earphones, NiMH cell, charging stand, carrying pouch, AA cell case, manual

Reviews:

Features:

• Mono speaker built into case.
• Digital amp.
• 3 blinking LEDs indicate playback mode and battery condition.
• 4 Equalizer settings: "energy", "crystal", "subway", "heartful".
• "Active Clear Bass" 2 step bass boost.
• Simultaneous recharging (in charge stand) and playback possible.
• Available in green, pink and blue.

Links:

• JVC Press release
• AV Watch (Japan)
• Minidisc T-Station page

Specs: Amp: 3mW+3mW, Speaker amp: 95mW (Mono)

Accessories: LCD remote, earphones, NiMH cell, charging stand, carrying pouch, AA cell case, manual

Reviews:

Features: MDLP capable, group mode functions. Unit incorporates small speaker in charging stand. "A-B Repeat" function allows arbitrary section of disc to be repeated (intended for language learning). 7 step bass and treble controls. Multicolor "Rainbow Illumination" LED built into charging stand indicates when unit is charging. Sleep timer and timer alarm promote and prevent (resp.) missed train stops. Disc "one touch eject" mechanism. Colors: Silver, Blue, Pink.

Links:

• JVC announcement for unit (mech. trans).
• Minidisc T-Station page for unit.

Accessories: LCD remote, headphone, NiMH cell, charging stand (with speaker), AC adapter, carrying pouch

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW, 20-20kHz +/-3dB

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and Group function support. Unit's body changes color as it charges. 40-second anti-shock protection (160 seconds in MDLP 4X mode), A-B Repeat function, 7 step Bass/Treble adjustments, Redesigned LCD remote, "Top-open" clam shell disc insertion.

Links: JVC's official Japanese page for the XM-PX501. MiniDisc T-Station has further information on the XM-PX501.

Included Accessories: LCD remote, headphones, NiMH rechargeable cell (BN-R129), Charging stand, AC adapter, carrying pouch

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW, Dynamic Range: 20-20kHz (+/-3dB)

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and Group function support. A small speaker has been incorporated into the charging stand, to allow music playback without headphones. 40-second anti-shock protection (160 seconds in MDLP 4X mode), A-B Repeat function, 7 step Bass/Treble adjustments, Redesigned LCD remote, "Top-open" clam shell disc insertion.

Links: JVC's official Japanese page for the XM-PX601. Minidisc T-Station has further information on the XM-PX601.

Included Accessories: LCD remote, headphones, NiMH rechargeable cell (BN-R129), Charging stand with built-in speaker, AC adapter, carrying pouch

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW (EIAJ/DC), Charging stand speaker amp: 170mW (EIAJ/AC), Dynamic range: 20~20kHz (+/-3dB)

Reviews:

Features: MDLP support, Digital A.C.BASS circuitry, 7-level adjustable bass/treble control, backlit remote, 40 seconds anti-shock protection, alarm function, auto power off, charging stand lights up to indicate battery charge.

Links:

• JVC's official Japanese page for the XM-PX50.
• JVC UK press release.
• The JVC Appreciation Page has some photos of the XM-PX50.

Specs: Headphones amp: 3mW+3mW at 10% THD, 16 ohms

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-PX50

Service Manual: XM-PX50

Features: Lightest MD portable as of October 2000. Aluminum body, MDLP support, Digital A.C.BASS circuitry, 7-level adjustable bass/treble control, backlit remote, 40 seconds anti-shock protection, alarm function, auto power off, charging stand lights up to indicate battery charge.

Links: JVC's official Japanese page for the XM-PX50. The JVC Appreciation Page has some photos of the XM-PX50.

Specs: 5 mW headphones output.

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-PX70

Features: First MDLP portable player. Aluminum body and aluminum "lipstick" remote. Auto power off, defeatable beep.

Links: JVC's Japanese page for the unit.

Reviews:

Links: JVC's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

Links: JVC's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features: Available in pop candy colors ("navel orange", "blueberry", "lemon yellow"). LCD on remote. Repeat/Random play modes. Remote beep on/off. "Active Clear Bass" boost employing DSP. "Train" mode (less disturbing to those sitting nearby). 40 second shock memory.

Links: JVC's Japanese page for this unit (machine translation). A photo of Sanrio's Hello Kitty version of the unit.

Specs: Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

Features: Magnesium alloy body, Lipstick style aluminum remote.

Links: JVC's Japanese page for this unit. An English translation of JVC's XM-PX5 player announcement. Tony Wang contributes an informative JVC XM-P5 review, and also sends in a substantial Panasonic SJ-MJ75 vs. JVC XM-PX5 comparison gallery.

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-PX5

Features: 40 second shock memory. "Active clear bass" (adjusts the boost level according to the signal level, giving strong bass without distortion, even when the volume setting is high). 10 character backlit LCD remote.

Links: Japanese announcement of Victor XM-P77

Reviews:

Features: 40 second shock memory, ``Active Clear Bass'' (adjusts the boost level according to the signal level, giving strong bass without distortion, even when the volume setting is high). LCD remote with ``jog control'', 10 character backlit main LCD and an unusual ``Favorite Track'' function that lets you set where you'd like an MD to start playback. Battery life: NiMH: 7 hrs, with AA cell added: 16 hrs.

Links: JVC's Japanese page for the unit. A user's comments on the unit with links to more photos. JVC Belgium's XM-P55 page. Tony Wang contributes an informative JVC XM-P5 MD player review.

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-P55

Features: 40 second shock memory, "Active Clear Bass" (adjusts the boost level according to the signal level, giving strong bass without distortion, even when the volume setting is high). LCD remote with "jog control", 10 character backlit main LCD and an unusual "Favorite Track'' function that lets you set where you'd like an MD to start playback. "Push eject" mechanism for disc removal. Body accepts two cells simultaneousy: a NiMH gumpack rechargeable and an AA cell. Battery life with both cells: 16 hrs (also operates on either cell alone).

Links: JVC's Japanese and European pages for the unit.

Reviews:

User Manual: XM-PJ1

Features:

• Digital (1-Bit) amp.
• DMC-S77: Main body's front panel "active illumination" indicates playback and charging states. User settable to "Mellow" (slow), "Vivid" (fast), etc. illumination modes (plus "off").
• "Digital Clear PWM" power circuit produces lower noise.
• Mind blowing 230 hr battery life (NiMH+AA).
• Charging base with control buttons (stop, play, FF, volume, mode) and stereo speakers (DMC-S77's base also includes sleep timer and alarm clock).
• 2-line LCD remote.
• Jet-search (quick selection of desired track)
• Play modes: A-B repeat (for study and language learning), Intro, Random, Repeat (1, all, random, group)
• 180(!) second shock memory.
• Alarm and sleep timer (both units).
• Beep on/off.

Variants: DMC-S77's has fancy front panel illumiation and its base includes a timer, the DMC-S55 does not. DMC-S33 also belongs to this family of portables (similar, but has simple charging base).

Included Accessories: LCD remote w/clip, In-ear phones, Charging stand, NiMH battery w/case, AC adapter, external AA cell case, carrying case

Links:

• Kenwood
• AV-Watch
• Minidisc T-Station DMC-S77 page
• Minidisc T-Station DMC-S55 page

Reviews:

• Christopher's review on Minidisc T-Station.

Specs: 4.3mW+4.3mW into 16 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz (+0/-6dB)

Features:

• Digital (1-Bit) amp.
• Charging base.
• 2-line LCD remote.
• Jet-search (quick selection of desired track)
• Play modes: A-B repeat (for study and language learning), Intro, Random, Repeat (1, all, random, group)
• 180(!) second shock memory.
• Alarm and sleep timer (both units).
• Beep on/off.

Included Accessories: LCD remote w/clip, In-ear phones, Charging stand, NiMH battery w/case, AC adapter, external AA cell case, carrying case

Links:

• Kenwood
• AV-Watch
• Minidisc T-Station DMC-S33 page

Specs: 4.3mW+4.3mW 20Hz-20kHz (+0/-6dB)

Reviews:

Features:

• Digital (1-Bit) amp
• Impressive 200 hour max (AA+NIMH) battery life.
• 5-pattern digital sound EQ, including user-preset.
• 2-line remote
• Folding charge stand.
• 20 minute quick charge 8hr LP4 playback.
• Alarm & sleep timer (1-120 minute settable).
• Group mode
• Jet-search (quick selection of desired track)
• Play modes: A-B repeat (for study and language learning), Intro, Random, Repeat (1, all, random, group)
• 180(!) second shock memory.

Included Accessories: LCD Remote w/clip, In-ear phones, recharge stand, AC adapter, NiMH cell, carrying case, external AA cell case

Links:

• Kenwood
• AV-Watch
• T-Station

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and group function support. Charging stand (without speakers). "D-Class" (digital) amplifier employed in DMC-"Q" series units (a full digitization of the audio circuit) reduces distortion and decreases power consumption. "D.P.A.C. (digital pulse axis control) function incorporated for high quality audio playback." Alarm timer (1-120 minutes), useful for avoiding missed train stops. Sleep timer (1-120 minutes), turns unit off automatically. Repeat, shuffle and intro play modes. "A-B" repeat allows reptition of audio sections up to 40 seconds long (handy for language learning, etc). Backlit LCD remote has 2 lines for displaying [track number and playback time] [disk name] [track name] [group name] [KENWOOD] [playback mode] in various combinations. Selectable (on/off) beep. Differences from DMC-Q55: no Digtal 3D effect, no Kanji support on remote, one type of headphone (earbuds).

Links:

• Kenwood Page for unit (mech. trans.)
• AVWatch coverage (mech. trans.)
• Minidisc T-Station coverage.

Included Accessories: LCD remote and clip, attachable AA cell holder, NiMH rechargeable battery (w/carrying case), headphones, charge stand, AC adapter, carrying pouch.

Specs: Headphone amp: 4.3mW+4.3mW (into 16 ohms), Charge stand amp: 35mW+35mW (into 6 ohms)

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and group function support. Charging stand (without speakers). Comes with two types of headphones: ear buds and "clip-on" phones. "D-Class" (digital) amplifier employed in DMC-"Q" series units (a full digitization of the audio circuit) reduces distortion and decreases power consumption. "D.P.A.C. (digital pulse axis control) function incorporated for high quality audio playback." Digital sound EQ and 3D effect with two user definable settings. Alarm timer (1-120 minutes), useful for avoiding missed train stops. Sleep timer (1-120 minutes), turns unit off automatically. Repeat, shuffle and intro play modes. "A-B" repeat allows reptition of audio sections up to 40 seconds long (handy for language learning, etc). Backlit LCD remote has 2 lines for displaying [track number and playback time] [disk name] [track name] [group name] [KENWOOD] [playback mode] in various combinations as well as Kanji titles. Selectable (on/off) beep. Differences from DMC-Q77: comes with two kinds of headphones, no speakers in charge stand.

Links:

• Kenwood Page for unit (mech. trans.)
• AVWatch coverage (mech. trans.)
• Minidisc T-Station coverage.

Included Accessories: LCD remote and clip, attachable AA cell holder, NiMH rechargeable battery (w/carrying case), headphones, charge stand, AC adapter, carrying pouch.

Specs: Headphone amp: 4.3mW+4.3mW (into 16 ohms), Charge stand amp: 35mW+35mW (into 6 ohms)

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and group function support. Folding charge stand with built-in stereo speaker (akin to the DMC-P55). "D-Class" (digital) amplifier employed in DMC-"Q" series units (a full digitization of the audio circuit) reduces distortion and decreases power consumption. "D.P.A.C. (digital pulse axis control) function incorporated for high quality audio playback." Digital sound EQ and 3D effect with two user definable settings. Alarm timer (1-120 minutes), useful for avoiding missed train stops. Sleep timer (1-120 minutes), turns unit off automatically. Repeat, shuffle and intro play modes. "A-B" repeat allows reptition of audio sections up to 40 seconds long (handy for language learning, etc). Backlit LCD remote has 2 lines for displaying [track number and playback time] [disk name] [track name] [group name] [KENWOOD] [playback mode] in various combinations as well as Kanji titles. Selectable (on/off) beep.

Links:

• Kenwood Page for unit (mech. trans.)
• AVWatch coverage (mech. trans.)
• Minidisc T-Station coverage.

Included Accessories: LCD remote and clip, attachable AA cell holder, NiMH rechargeable battery (w/carrying case), headphones, charge stand, AC adapter, carrying pouch.

Specs: Headphone amp: 4.3mW+4.3mW (into 16 ohms), Charge stand amp: 35mW+35mW (into 6 ohms)

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and Group function support. "Jet search" function allows 2X playback, 40 seconds anti-shock memory (160 seconds in MDLP 4X mode), seven-level bass and treble adjust, when docked in cradle unit's remote displays the remaining time needed for a full charge, remote capable of displaying track titles, "Intro play" mode can play the first 0.3, 1, or 2 seconds of each track (configurable).

Links: Kenwood's official Japanese page for the DMC-J33. Kenwood's original Japanese press release (trans) announcing the DMC-P33.

Included Accessories: Inner ear headphones, Backlit LCD remote, NiMH rechargeable cell, external AA cell case, rechargable battery carrying case, recharging stand

Reviews:

Features: MDLP and Group function support. "Jet search" function allows 2X playback, 40 seconds anti-shock memory (160 seconds in MDLP 4X mode), seven-level bass and treble adjust, when docked in cradle unit's remote displays the remaining time needed for a full charge, remote capable of displaying track titles, "Intro play" mode can play the first 0.3, 1, or 2 seconds of each track (configurable), charge stand includes built-in speakers and a timer function, allowing it to be used as an alarm clock.

Links: Kenwood's official Japanese page for the DMC-P55. Kenwood's original Japanese press release (trans) announcing the DMC-P55.

Reviews:

Features: MDLP, active power saving circuit activated when shocks to unit are not detected, 40 seconds anti-shock protection, defeatable audible headphones beep when pressing buttons, backlit remote, charge pond.

Links: Kenwood's Japanese press release for the DMC-M55. T's MD Comparison page lists the DMC-M55.

Reviews:

Features: Magnesium alloy body. "Battery Reminder Warning" reverses LCD information to indicate low battery level. 40 second shock memory.

Included Accessories: LCD remote, headphones, NiMH rechargeable cell, AC charger, battery, dry battery case, rechargeable battery case, carrying case

Links: A Japanese news announcement has information on the units. Kenwood press release.

Reviews:

Features: LCD on main body and remote. "Battery Reminder Warning" reverses LCD information to indicate low battery level. AA shaped rechargeable allows normal AA cell to be used when NiMH quits. 20 second shock memory.

Included Accessories: LCD remote, headphones, NiMH rechargeable cell, AC adapter, rechargeable battery carrying case

Links: A Japanese news announcement has information on the units. Kenwood press release.

Reviews:

Features: 10 second shock memory. Auto play mode starts play on disc insertion. Newly developed remote weights 8.2g, Uses AA cell sized rechargeable, or can accept Alkaline cell. LCD display also on main body. Button confirmation beep can be turned on/off. Dynamic bass boost (adjusts the boost level according to the signal level, giving strong bass without distortion, even when the volume setting is high). Hand strap can be attached, but is not included. Appears to be original to Kenwood (not a clone).

Links: Japanese announcement of Kenwood DMC-K3. Kenwood's Japanese announcement for the unit.

Reviews:

Features: All control buttons on main body are organized in a raised circular area for ease of operation while in a pocket or bag. Small LCD on body, plus backlit LCD remote. Playing time: 1 AA: 6 hours, NiMH cell (AA shaped): 5 hours, both together with external BC-C45 dry cell case: 14 hours. Recharge time: 4 hours. Available in red, silver and blue. Unit is unique to Kenwood (not a clone).

Links: Kenwood's Japanese announcement of the unit with pictures in all three colors.

Reviews:

Features: ATRAC 3.5 (CXD2536CR), sound quality reportedly among the best of the MD players. EL-Backlit LCD remote displays: up to 6 characters of title information, volume setting, remaining battery, repeat mode (1/all), as well as animated "running indicator" of spinning disc in 3D perspective. Remote uses shift key to reduce remote button count, for example: volume and display controls use the same keys. Normal stereo mini-jack for headphones (like the Sharp units). Battery life: 9.5 hours continuous playback on Lithium Ion rechargeable, 20 hours when combined with 3 alkaline cells (using separately available drycell case). 3 step digital bass boost. Unusual double jack for headphone/remote. Batteries charge in unit when connected to AC adapter. Uses Kenwood NB-L9, which is apparently OEM of Sony LIP-12 battery. Available in black or silver accent colors (case is silver). No English summary in operating manual. Unit is unique to Kenwood.

Precaution: Manual states: ``This unit is designed for domestic use only, and it is very dangerous to use the attached AC adapter abroad. Never use it outside of Japan.'' (However, if you have some other way to charge an LIP-12 (using an MZ-R2, MZ-R30, etc), then no problem).

Misfeatures: No shuffle play mode.

Links: Kenwood Japan's Page.

Availability: Nic Boyde and Sawada Denki sell this unit.

Reviews:

Features: Thought to be a clone of the shortly available Sharp MD-MT531/631 units. Aluminum body, MD jacket size.

Links: Onkyo's Japanese page for this unit.

Reviews:

Features:

• Digital amp.
• Normal, X-bass1, X-bass2, and Train modes can be combined with Surround-1, Surround-2, Surround-3 and unsurrounded modes giving 16 DSP modes in all.
• "Intro-scan" plays first 10 seconds of each track.
• "Favorite-track memory" remembers up to 16 favorite tracks from several MDs (how many?) and unit can be set to play only those.
• Backlit "skinny" design LCD remote.
• "Eco" (economy) mode turns LCD off.
• MDLP and Group mode support.

Variants:

• SJ-MJ18 available in 20 different front panel patterns (limited sales reservation period [16 June - 25 July])
• SJ-MJ17 has "Chess Board" motif front panel with 2 different button layouts.
• Fall 2003 update: Panasonic adds 10 more designs for fall and winter ("ZK11 through ZK20"), sales reservation period: 16 Sep - 8 Dec 2003.

Included Accessories: Backlit LCD remote, earphones, NiMH cell, recharging stand, AA cell battery case, carrying case, instruction manual, warranty card

Links:

• Panasonic SJ-MJ18 page (Japan)
• Panasonic official SJ-MJ18 page.
• Panasonic official SJ-MJ17 page.
• Minidisc T-Station SJ-MJ18 page.
• Minidisc T-Station SJ-MJ17 page.
• Chinese tech news article on the unit.

Specs: headphone amp: 3.5mW+3.5mW

Reviews:

Features: Mind-blowing 193 hour battery life. LED indicator on body shows SP/LP2/LP4 playback mode. Charging cradle with LED indicator. Backlit "one finger" remote with battery level indicator. "Train" setting to reduce headphone noise that disturbs those nearby on the train. S-XBS (2 step bass boost). 1-track/all-track repeat and shuffle play modes. Intro-scan memory playback (plays first few seconds of each song). Couples to Panasonic "MD Network" components for label printing and [analog] audio transfer. Earbuds constructed with anti-bacterial material. Available in silver, blue, pink and yellow.

Links:

• Panasonic's page for the unit (mech.