Price Paid:  $266.00 from NorthernLightFX.com

Summary:
This player does record from any "analog" (using standard RCA cables) or optical source very well and the sound reproduction is almost exactly like the original source. If you wish to only buy one MD deck, make it this one as even the CD player built in sounds fine.

Strengths:
MDLP, ATRAC Type R compression for the best quality possible with MD so far, works well with my Gemini mixer and RCA minisystem, great recordings in a snap, excellent features

Weaknesses:
No digital output (not a necessity for me), no NetMD capability (also not a necessity for me), the remote control isn't the best one but it does its job, no AutoPause (not a necessity for home listening but a necessity for DJ purposes).

Similar Products Used:
First MD product I have own but I have used other Sony MD decks where I work.

Price Paid:  $299.00 from www.minidisco.com

Summary:
I've been a minidisc enthusiast for many years, almost as long as the format has existed. I consider myself an audiophile, and I'm of the mind that the best minidisc recirdings are virtually identical to redbook CDs...but that's another story. This recorder doesn't have audiophile aspirations; rather, it's designed for convenience, pure and simple. If you use minidiscs in a portable player and want a quick way to make MDLP recordings to take on the road, this is for you. (By the way, it's a much better approach to buy a home unit like this and a separate portable player, than to buy a portable recorder. Trust me...this is the route with least problems). Note: I don't use Net MD, and this player doesn't have it.

Strengths:
Great recordings in a snap, MDLP capability, optical input.

Weaknesses:
No Net MD (not a weakness for me).

Similar Products Used:
Sony, Aiwa.

Price Paid:  $299.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
If your purpose is recording at high speed to MD, this is the one winner recorder for that purpose. But if you are looking for more audiophile approach, you might just as well forget about it. It is a reliable recorder and I'm sure there are other would say otherwise. For the money it is well worth the price. Good job Sony!

Strengths:
4x speed recording. Playback is decent. ATRAC Type R and MDLP capability.

Weaknesses:
No digital output. No digital output for CD side and can't play CD-RW.

Similar Products Used:
MDSJB930 and 440

Price Paid:  $239.00 from YourInsider.com

Summary:
During usual reviewing using a number of top albums, Ash Free All Angels, Muse Origin Of Symmetry, Radiohead OK Computer & The Bends. The overall impression is a clear and detailed presentation, but it lacks power and weight. Acoustic guitars are crisp and sharp, the metallic jingle sounds just right in pace, but yet lacks under-drone. Bass drums are left a little thin and light, but remain controlled and attacking. Cymbals and other such instruments are clear and sizzling, they do sound great. But the overall impression is it sounds clear and attacking, but lacking in real grunt, I doubt the system I use’s the cause.

The playback with MD’s are great, all the presentation lacks on the whole is the grand mastering of bass, but it looses little through limitations of the CD player.

Recordings from the unit are great, but it offers no surprises in general with CD playback. But it’s convenient, great to use, looks classy, and overall a great recording tool. It would probably work for anyone, but may only appeal to enthusiasts because of its’ high price.

Strengths:
Excellent features; MD recordings identical to CD