Sony MZ-N510 Review

Overall Rating

Connectivity, ease of use,established format

No line-out facility

Sony MZ N 510 Portable Mini Disk Player Review

In regarding the Sony MZ N 510 as an 'entry level' NET capable MD recorder does not do the product justice. There's no doubt the device was introduced as an alternative to an MP3 player/recorder, however the fact that it has multi-input use is where this device really scores. Admittedly, I have been a convert to Mini Disc from the off, it's a natural adjunct to CD, 'full size' decks have been delivering stunning sound for some considerable time, offering recording playback quality very close to that of 'hi-fi' CD recorders - without their penchant for 'Audio-Grade' blank CDR's.

Like all portable devices the first thing you need to do is ditch the headphones that come with them. This is an area where the manufacturers, predominantly Japanese with their own 'definition' of how things should sound., could do so much better. One does not exactly retain 'street-cred' when you don your best Beyers or Sennheissers do you? To really appreciate the sound quality this is a must, use your best 'cans!

That said, the device in question has one really noticeable 'flaw' and that is there is no 'line-out' (available on up-range products) which is disappointing. That would have been the icing on the cake, being able to play these 'extended-play' mini discs through your dedicated hi-fi. Unless you are fortunate to have a NET capable full size machine you might find this a bit tiresome - I do. Choosing the recording/transferring mode that allows 'normal' ( don't be confused by that word - to Sony 'normal' in NET MD speak means 'extended play' ) recording and playback for use on another MD player takes almost an age, compared to higher rate compression files. It's respectable, no doubt, just a slight irritation given the 'high tech' nature of the other features. Hearing 'extended-play' discs on more revealing equipment can expose that ever so slight compression that the sound does undeniably suffer, however it's a small price to pay if compilations are your thing!

There are some who find the Sonic Stage software somewhat daunting when one begins to use it. In general terms I would agree with those comments however it really is a product that grows on you and especially when used with Windows XP it will reward you if you are patient! The 'Music Drive' as Sony like to call it, has a need to duplicate your music files for use in Sonic Stage and the compression stages. If hard-drive space is at a premium, then maybe this also can be a problem. SCMS (serial copy management system) as applied to DAT machines, hi-fi CD recorders seems to have to be included these days. It's understandable with piracy at such alarming levels, however how has the PC based re-writer survived this issue?

Compatibility with recording formats has to be considered also. The packaging proclaims that the device is capable of (re) recording all the popular PC audio formats, i.e. MP3, WMA, WAV etc. This is ostensibly true, however not totally accurate. If you are a competent and regular user of Windows Media Player (series 6 and over ) you will notice that this very excellent and prolific device can be your total 'portal' for all digital-audio matters (again particularly with Windows XP). It can also be a total tyrant! You will notice (experiment if you haven't!) that Media Player will allow you to vary the recording properties of the WMA files. Windows 'lossless' is absolutely fantastic for 'archiving' those CD's you just must do, however the codec in Sonic Stage will not under any circumstances convert these files to ATRAC. To avoid this, record all 'media' using 192 kpbs and leave it at that - it will pay you in the end, because Media Player is probably one of NET MD's best friends. This is the way to ensure that you will be able to import files without problem into Sonic Stage without stretching your hard-drive to the limit.

Conversely, the format that gives you almost totally effortless file transfer with high speed is MP3! If using your PC to 'house' your burgeoning music collection, however acquired, then combining the Sony with an 'off-board' sound card is a marriage made in heaven! Treat yourself to Creatives Soundblaster MP3 external sound card and hook that up to your PC through its USB port. This approx £40 outlay will totally amaze you when compared to your 'on-board' sound card, given that you might need to change your external speakers! The device has optical in and out, analogue in and out, headphone socket and capability of recording ANY source as an MP3 file ( again with variable quality). Use this and the excellent Creative software, mix and match with Media Player and then introduce your handywork to Sonic Stage for the transfer to MD. Fantastic and totally reverse-compatable, to say nothing of being able to re-write all these files to CD!

In conclusion a totally capable and worthwhile addition to any serious music-lovers armoury of must-have devices. IPOD's on the way, it's very sexy no doubt, Mini Disc on the other hand is proven and every bit as chic!

Should you like any further tips on using this machine, email me rdcoupland@yahoo.co.uk

R.D.Coupland
April 28, 2004

Members' Comments onrdcoupland's Review

• rdcoupland on 17th Jul 2004

  Since I wrote this review there have been significant improvements from Sony in the supplied software now updated to Sonic Stage 2. The user interface is much improved in both appearance and function and Sony have kindly removed the limit on the number of times tracks can be checked out from your pc to the Mini Disc recorder. This almost flys in the face of the SCMS however is a welcome development. I feel it would have been regarded by Sony as something (perhaps) of a hypocritical stance to maintain this feature and introduce a direct link from the software to their new 'pay to play' Connect music download service. It should also be noted that the item has been discontinued in some areas, having been replaced by the MZR520 or its variants. That said, there are plenty of these fine machines available through sites such as this and needless to say their prices have fallen.
  Many critics of MD still seem reluctant to embrace the ATRAC format however it is sonically on a par with the best MP3 (and MP4 for that matter) and well capable of matching the capabilities of WMA lossless files for playback quality. My reccomendation would remain that if you wish to get the best from MD then Sonic Stage should be your first choice for 'ripping' if that is your aim. I've also recently experienced the so called Ipod 'revolution' and failed to be impressed. There's a conviction that they will become the 'standard' for portable music, I for one say 'let's hope not!'
  
  Sony are of course fighting back with Hi-Md a device which also allows high quality music transfer and storage - alongside other digital media capabilities. At prices well within the 'target' zone of the Ipod buyer, this format is far superior and proven.
  
  In conclusion I would like to thank all the correspondents who have made contact with me since the review was published. I am currently enjoying exchanges from folks from both sides of the globe, notably from Canada and India, where MD is a little known quantity. Thanks again to the Review Centre for publishing my views.
  
  Should you wish any further information or assistance, please email me at rdcoupland@yahoo.co.uk - where my email address book has several new friends! I'm hoping to review HiMd in the near future.

• username123 on 8th Feb 2006

  But can you rip minidiscs to PC with it?

• rdcoupland on 11th Feb 2006

  to username123 You cannot rip direct to pc through Sonic Stage, unless the tracks have been recorded elsewhere on another Network MD Walkman. Having said that, tracks can be transferred in real-time by using an external soundcard device such as Creatives' SoundBlaster Mp3. This allows you to connect virtually any modern device with a phono or mini jack output and record tracks in mp3, for future manipulation. Check out the SoundBlaster Mp3 external sound-card. Apart from being a very useful connecting device it's a mighty fine sound device.