Features: First wide bit stream portable (but wide bit stream available only when using base). Portable has 10 second shock memory. IR ``card'' remote. Edit point accuracy of 60ms with rehearsal mode. 2 second time machine recording. Digital syncho start recording. Sampling rate converter. ``Stick controller'' remote. Base has headphone as well as speaker jack. Active speaker jack volume level can be controlled with I/R remote. Undo. Date and time stamp recording. Program play. Timer rec/playback with external timer. Buttons and display prompts in English. No jog dial or power jack on remote. (Note that the portable unit is not equivalent to the MZ-R50, they are completely different units).

Parts: MD-Mechanism Type: MT-MZR50-143, Optical Pick-up Type: KMS-280A/J2N

Links: Sony's page R5ST announcement and its hasty English summary. Nic Boyde's pictures and information on the unit. John Lawrence's review of the unit. The Korean MD page posts a Korean review and good closeup snapshots of the MZ-R5ST.

Specs: S/N (with base) >92dB analog, >96dB digital. Dynamic range: >92dB (analog), >96dB digital.

Reviews:

User Manual: J/E

Service Manuals: MZ-R5ST, training