Sony MZ-N510

I had never heard of the MD until a few days before Christmas (right when those companies want you to buy stuff). So I go out and get a nice little Sony MZ-N510 portable mini disk player on boxing day. I must say, the little player is pretty good. For me, I should've gotten the lower end one (I can't remember what it's called). I have USB 1.1 and a really slow computer which is most likely the reason that my uploads to the minidiscs were slow. Either way, this is a pretty cool device.

There are some glaring problems that I don't like about this player. The controls are a little stupid. Some of the buttons are stupidly placed, thus making use of the device a little complicated. Also, I couldn't get the Minidisc to hold more than 3 albums (around 30 songs) while I heard that other people were holding around 80 to 100 songs on one disc. There's also Sony's proprietary format known as Atrac. I HATE IT. Bad sound quality is the only problem with it (but the it's one problem that cannot be overlooked). Then there's the stupidly small LCD screen and also the fact that there's no backlight.

All in all, this Minidisc player isn't too bad but, but I would recommend an iPod over this thing anyday (btw, I got an iPod after returning this Minidisc player and am really glad).

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 [email protected]

R.D.Coupland

April 28, 2004

I have had my Sony MZ-N510 Portable Mini Disk Player since Chiristmas and it has served me well. I can take it anywhere and it beging jog proof is a good thing as well because I like to know that I can listen too music anywhere I go. At this moment I'm using it that's how much I use it.