My Sony Minidisc Player Collection!

[@keithmoore1518]

Thanks for the video upload of your minidisc player/recorder collection. I began collecting about four or five years before you in the 1990s. In my case, I had a true and honest need as I recorded weekly a 1-hour radio broadcast of the music program, "Music from the Hearts of Space", beginning in the mid-1980s using audio cassette tape and later switching to minidisc, I also made other CD transfers to tape and later to minidisc. I still use minidisc recordings in my car, on airline trips, and all fitness center workouts after all these years. Currently have 6 minidisc player/recorders and 9 HI-MD recorders all purchased used except the first of two MZ-R500 minidisc recorders purchased NEW (and they both still work). My 2 MZ RH10 and 1 MZ-M100 HIMD recorders all work but the LCD screens on all are out, with NO help from Sony as to parts for replacing the burnt-out LCD screens. My go-to HIMD recorder/players are the Sony MZ-NH700 (2) and the MZ-NH800 (2), one working and one not working so well. Sony is somehow still producing NEW blank minidisc in Japan for sale on eBay or Amazon but currently, they do not want to discuss any future Mini Disc hardware or software for the US Market. I believe I will be good for years to come, Good luck!

[@ianz9916]

I really like the look of the MZ-R37. I have a fully functional one of those. I also have an MZ-1 complete with three unopened 60 minute discs and the two sampler discs that came with the promotional pack. The MZ-1 will only play pre-recorded discs now but they do sound great. I'm in the UK and minidisc was much more popular over here so there is still quite a strong second hand market.

[@ArtCastaneda]

What a great review of retro tech!

[@eric_eagle]

Nice collection! I started with an R37 back around 2000. It is still in virtually mint condition as I was always very careful working with it. I have used it with my PC via optical cable, dropping track marks manually and then editing it in web minidisc pro. Also have a MXD-D3 deck that still works fine. Recently picked up an N707 for a daily driver because I like the futureproofness of AA batteries, and while the R37 also uses AAs, it just feels like a more delicate bit of equipment. Personally I’m not an audiophile, I just have always liked the tech. I find Sony’s ATRAC to be a minor wonder of engineering. Plus I like physical media, and the kind of cool Neuromancer style alt-future vibe of the whole format.

[@qfapodcastabouthowardstern]

My first was the R900 and it was a tank. I loved it so much I was in hog heaven knowing I could max out 4x the recording time on a single disc and take my entire collection on the go with me if necessary--and took so little space. Time moved on unfortunately but the design asthetic still can't be matched in 2023. They were ideal for recording live gigs when you got the right mic attached. My phone's nice but I still miss the MD.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

I got an NF520D for free by crying a lot in front of my friends when my Sharp 702 stopped working. The guy who gave me the Sony player had just picked up an IPod and figured he could just put all the same music on to that. So I ended up getting all his discs too! Shortly after that I had some hard times, life threatening illness I'm still healing from... Anyways I had tossed all that MD stuff in a card board box and threw it on top of an outdoor freezer in Alaska. When I finally ended up getting into that box I really didn't think anything would work. Everything had been through -40 winters and plus 90 summers. Sun, rain, sleet and snow. Boy was I wrong! The Sony not only works and plays perfectly the battery still reads at 100% after listening to it ALL NIGHT LONG, ALL NIGHT!!! 😄

[@sjm4306]

Cool story, thanks for sharing!

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

@@sjm4306 my pleasure..Since I am buying some stuff on EBay I'm using your code.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

@@sjm4306 did you get the money? I spent over $100. Oh and by the way, You Tibe unsubscribed me. I don't know why. Might eanna check it out.

[@endadalton]

Fantastic video. I love that people love MiniDiscs.

[@claytonpozzer]

Also i love minidisc technology. Iam a ex sony technican 😚

[@azhighwayz2310]

That's pretty cool! I just recently found my AIWA AM-F5 in a box with my Minidiscs. The Li-ion battery is dead but there is no corrosion on the contacts. It's not in terrible shape considering I took it on every deployment with me for 8 years or more. The battery door gets a bit stuck and needs a little coaxing to open but everything else still works. The adapter needs some TLC though.

[@djdigital3806]

I used to own a MZ-R37. Yesterday I found a new in the box MZ-M200 with microphone and remote for $75 at a pawn shop. Seen it on eBay for $1,000. Love the minidisc format.

[@wernerbrandes9207]

I’m s it the same feeling to buy some one else’s used Sony if you no longer have the same model? I regret selling my WM-F2078 sports Walkman long ago.

[@aaronfox6874]

Thank you for the video, I had a MD player in the early 2000s. I am looking to get another one now but all of the models are so overwhelming, this was really helpful!

[@vivizhou9953]

Wow! Great collection!

[@Robs01]

Dude, I sent you HIMD player with the slanted mp3 logo on it. So glad you put a new screen in it and it does play back.

[@sjm4306]

Yeah, thanks it is much appreciated! It's a beautiful player just a shame that even the screen I sourced for replacement will one day fade.

[@Robs01]

@@sjm4306 shame isnt it. Just get another screen haha. I think I sent you it about two years ago now as I was tracking the mail making sure you got it ok. From the UK

[@sjm4306]

I do plan on designing an adapter so I could replace the screen with an oled that is cheap and widely available but it'll take some time for me to reverse engineer the protocol and design something small enough to fit inside.

[@mellowyellow8984]

Nice intro to MiniDisc for me. Only started playing with a Sony JB930 deck and a stack of 50 of those cute discs. Very informative on the portable side of MD. Thanks!

[@wernerbrandes9207]

That’s a great model you have. I bought the previous 920 model, it was that or the ES model, the R-core transformer and the alphabetic remote convinced me. Using it to edit my DJ set was a dream, chopping and moving 1/85 of a second to find the right blend point of the new edit to drop in was rewarding to listen to. No one could tell. Display is fading though. Great nostalgia! Great to see other comments of the same passion.

[@Leonardnl]

Nice video!!! I love Minidisk!!! Specially now with the new web Minidisc application. So easy now to transfer music to the md player.

[@sjm4306]

I know right, after so many years of putting up with sonicstage the web app is a godsend. Only improvements would be to allow groups and get hi-md recorders working in hi-md mode.

[@Leonardnl]

@@sjm4306 yes indeed.

[@808v1]

I love Sony's design style in the 80s/90s/early 2000s, their portables especially...super solid, compact and just oozes technology. I collect those UMPC Vaio UX's

[@sjm4306]

I remember lusting after the UMPC Vaios when I was younger. Sony had a way of designing their hardware to be timeless. Even now many of their devices that are considered obsolete still look very futuristic and sleek.

[@Sabundy]

I would love to have some of these myself 😃. Such a cool collection

[@aTrulyPowerfulSpirit]

Nice. I recently got my MZ-N710 which looks exactly the same as your N810 just w/o the radio function. Mine is also aluminium but I like the blue design even better. Same goes for other models. Got a bunch of discs yesterday and just started playing around with them. I never got into MD back in the day but now I plan on keeping some around just for variety and for doing field recordings.

[@sjm4306]

Thanks, I was looking for a blue 710/810 but the silver popped up for cheap so I grabbed it. Seems the rule of thumb is the silver variants are more common and thus cheaper and easier to find, kind of a shame.

[@tri0xin]

Wow, awesome collection, wish I woulda watched earlier.. I've bought a couple of models on ebay lately, forgot there were so many models. I've had a Mz-r50 since almost new.. late 90's. Used to make mixed discs from records I had, was really cool. Also I remember when minidisc first released in the early 90's going to a high end stereo place in our local mall(Valley River Center in Eugene).... and drooling over the tech. It was so darn expensive then!

[@epix8818]

Hi there! Thanks a lot for your great videos and I share your Minidisc passion! Most things can be fixed but indeed the oled screens are a bummer! I wonder if you ever thought about retro engineering using modern parts. Oleds have evolved so much since and are more reliable nowadays.

[@sjm4306]

I am actually currently involved in a project to do exactly that, design a drop in display module that uses a modern oled

[@epix8818]

@@sjm4306 oh that’s fantastic! Would love to hear about it, if I can support you in any way let me know!

[@idontsmile666]

The mz-r37 is my personal favourite as its the only portable I have, I got it broken and the only fix was to loosen the laser guides and clean the battery contact, I works well and sounds really good, I have never tried recording on a portable as I have a much better machine in my stereo rig which is an mds-sd1. Hoping to get a small cheaper player as my mz-r37 is kinda my favourite device at the moment.

[@UNCLENICK6982]

GREAT VIDEO. Great help when I purchased my first MD.

[@auxmike718]

The older ones were all metal and truly beautiful.

[@GDJOLLY]

I have Panasonic MD player/ recorder bought 2004 still working good .. and with brand new 25 Sony minidiscs

[@CBitsTech]

Great video. The longer the better. Full of interesting info, thanks. I have few of those, and want a few others. Wish I had started years ago like you.

[@sjm4306]

Thanks, I am the king of rambling off on tangents so I often have to edit down my videos. I wish I had started earlier so I could afford the higher end units like the rh1 but who knows, I may stumble onto a deal one day.

[@CBitsTech]

@@sjm4306 I think we're all looking for a deal, but doubt it will happen; too many people with deep pockets. Still we have some nice and reliable units already. Ramble on! I'm still new so I enjoy the editing but it takes ages. Got carried away on a bunch of videos the other day and was still editing at 4:30am! Tired the next day.

[@HitnRunTony]

That’s a great collection. The only one I still have I believe is a NetMD MZ-NF610

[@JigglyPKMN]

I have an MZ-900 that I use almost every day. Amazing player.

[@sociologie4507]

Thanks. I just bought a MZ-RH910 because of your video. I was too afraid of buying those other Hi-MD units with the screen that is prone to breaking. I also have a MZ-2P!

[@bullenharben9905]

I record all my oldschool UK hardcore mixes onto mini disc. I then edit them with track marks so that I can burn them on to audio grade CD's so I can play them in the car. It's an old setup I suppose, but it all works fine. I bought my first one when the second wave came out in 98 & it still works. I've had a fetish for them ever since.

[@sjm4306]

Me too, I will always love md. Still listen to my md mixes despite having many moderm mp3 players and smart phones.

[@bullenharben9905]

@@sjm4306 you can find any UK hardcore , techno, jungle on KZbin & it can find its way to your CDJ's via mini disc. I was stupid enough to sell all my vinyl years ago, along with my 1210's. This is how I got it all back & more without hunting down rare & expensive vinyl. Check out my playlists

[@ByteSizeThoughts]

Really cool collection. Im waiting for my parents to send me my MZ-NH600 that I bought over 15 years ago or so. Hopefully it still works!

[@derecwilsom4546]

That dark and orange n707 is really sweet. Damn you for making me look on ebay. :)

[@sjm4306]

Wahaha, my plan is working (dont forget to use my ebay affiliate link in the description if you end up buying something ;-)

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

Pretty sure the E is for Evil. Pinky to lip. 😄

[@スカイハイ-q9e]

Nice collection. Greetings from Tokyo 🗼

[@zigzag8111]

Every time a buy a Md player I swear it's the last but then I'll see another I like 😔 I've got six now and over 200 discs. When I first started I purchased an old n505 to mess with and accidentally got addicted.....I also own a Sony MD bookshelf stereo too.

[@sjm4306]

It's definitely an addictive hobby. I got my first md portable when I was a teen and still am collecting to this day (though slowed down a lot with how prices have shot up).

[@bestopinion9257]

That's quite a collection. :) I have only that blue N707 but I'm looking for the second one. Most probably R900.

[@sjm4306]

The r900 is a nice player with a solid metal feel and good audio, just kind of loud mechanically speaking in comparison to other units.

[@brianlavergne7984]

Love your channel 👍Thanks for your great videos. I have a few units as well of course a few need some repair. I have an mz-700. Looks brand new seems to play fine just can't hear anything through the headphones. I've tried plugging headphones into remote and without remote. Any ideas? For repair? Thanks again Brian

[@brandona.4600]

I feel so overwhelmed trying to decide but this video was helpful

[@sjm4306]

It is definitely an overwhelming hobby to get into with just how many different models were released with different feature sets and wildly fluctuating prices. IMO it's well worth it though, the feeling you get when you record/burn a disc and sit down with a nice pair of headphones and really listen to an album.

[@brandona.4600]

@@sjm4306 I finally decided on one I liked with your help- a r909 in that nice retro futuristic silver color! I loved the beautiful design and and ability to record from line in. I do see the importance of netmd and will make sure that’s on my next player but but silver and red from line in were top priorities. I think next will be N707. Thx again for this video!

[@bobbleczar]

Hey I learned a bunch from this. I'm still unclear on if you have a Type-S NetMD recorder if you can make SP discs for play in older (like MZ-R70) players.

[@sjm4306]

Yep, a type-s recorder can make sp discs. The one thing Sony nailed correctly was keeping full backwards compatibility right down to the very end, even the last hi-md units could play/record sp.

[@bobbleczar]

@@sjm4306 - Thank you! This is a huge help for my collection.

[@catgirl_eva]

I should really get back into Minidisc. I have all these MD players and discs, but it all just sits in my computer room and collects dust.

[@sjm4306]

Definitely enjoy them while you can. It'd be a good idea to at least check if everything still works and do a little maintenance.

[@bullenharben9905]

Ferrero rocher containers make handy storage for any discs you may have that don't have cases. The smaller rectangular ones are what you want.

[@rcboosted]

That's quite a collection. Very interesting idea on using the faded RH10 as dedicated recorder. Do you know if the RH10 external battery case fits on the RH910? Maybe even the R900? they look very similar.

[@sjm4306]

Thanks, the rh10 battery case will fit the rh910, but not the r900 (they changed the pin spacing and screw location).

[@slvrcross]

Loved this video! Just scored an MZ-R37 for $40. I'm in love.

[@pootnannies]

this was awesome. i'm waiting for my mz-n710 to come in the mail. i've become obsessed with minidisc even though i don't have one.

[@sjm4306]

I love the n710, such a quirky unit that sounds great.

[@pootnannies]

@@sjm4306 I was able to get it to play but the recording doesn't work. do you have any advice as to cleaning the record head?

[@sjm4306]

No recording usually means damaged ribbon flex on the record head. This can be spliced if you are good with soldering. Another possibility is the alignment is off and needs readjusting, which is finiky and difficult to do. And finally worst case is someone shoved a disc in incorrectly and mangled the head which would then need to be replaced as they are very delicate.

[@pootnannies]

@@sjm4306 the N710 is a pain to open. you have to desolder the ribbon cable for the write head in order to get access to the underside. i think the contacts on the ribbon cable basically melted off. i must've used an iron tip that was too big. i don't know why Sony didn't use a connector for that part.

[@sjm4306]

100%, they use connectors for everything else so it seems like a no brainer for them to put one on the overwrite head ribbon.

[@williamdavies1192]

Great collection!

[@rikkifoxx189]

I've got the last Sony MZ-RH1 but my favorite stays the MZ-N707 with standart battery.

[@sjm4306]

The 707 is one of my favorite models as well. I wish I could find an rh1 but prices have skyrocketed.

[@rikkifoxx189]

@@sjm4306That's true and that's why I bought seven MZ N707 because I'm afraid that some of them don't work in the future. (LOL !)

[@sjm4306]

Can never have too many 707's rofl!

[@jdcatabas2260]

Damn, I'm so jealous of your collection! I've never seen any Hi-MD blanks that were manufactured by anyone else other than Sony, which makes me assume they were the only ones making 'em. Maybe one of the reasons why they're so expensive is because they were the sole manufacturer of Hi-MD blanks?

[@sjm4306]

Yeah as far as I know by the time himd came out the market for md was almost dead so only sony made himd blanks (oh I wish other manufacturers jumped into making their own himd portables and discs but that never came to pass unfortunately).

[@johnmcilwraith7161]

TDK made 80s. I bought 3 Sharp portables off a man locally where I live in Edinburgh and he also gave me around 100 74s and 20 TDK 89s for £25 about two years ago. Bargain or what!!

[@johnmcilwraith7161]

80s not 89s

[@808zhu]

Which one's the best in terms of quality, reliability, design, etc?

[@mrheldify]

What would a excellent condition mzr700 be worth these days?

[@sjm4306]

Prices are shooting up these days due to covid. I've seen r700's go anywhere from $75-150 depending on condition, accessories and color.

[@carlosdiniz339]

Hello Maybe you can help me, I have an MD MZ-R700PC and the headphone control is defective RM-MZ4R, I can connect another remote like the model RM-MZR55 with display on the MD, it works. thank you

[@sjm4306]

Not all remotes are cross compatible with all players. For instance the rm-mz4r was a pack in for the mz-n707 netmd recorder, a few generations newer than the mz-r700 you are trying to use it with and thus probably not compatible. In fact I have a few remotes with lcds that only work with certain newer or older models and it's annoying how sony didnt keep the remote specification fully backwards compatible for all md generations.

[@ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣΓΚΕΡΛΕΣ]

Hi. Can you share any details of the modification you did to the mz-r37? Where did you find a tutorial to do it? Thank you.

[@sjm4306]

I didn't follow any tutorials, I just took it apart and disabled the lid detect switch and iirc defeated the lid lock motor mechanism somehow. It'll probably be easier if I open it back up to figure out how I did this and make a video showing that.

[@danielturcu000]

Even if the wires of the magnetic head would not have been broken, it is very hard to calibrate again. I succesfully done on a HiMD unit in a 6 maybe 7 hours which i bough for parts. After several days of tests, when I belived I've done complete the Minidisc that I burned had interruptions inside the songs. But finally It work very well..

[@sjm4306]

Yeah, after this video I swapped the head with one from a unit with a dead laser and it was quite finicky. I was able to get it to work in the end thankfully.

[@unicyclematt]

Great collection 👌I have an MZ-N910 like yours, but it sometimes randomly registers button presses. Like the 'group' icon will start flashing for no reason. And if I skip tracks sometimes it thinks I've pressed the track mark button as well. I took it apart and re-seated the ribbon cable to no effect. Any ideas? Thanks

[@sjm4306]

How does the front display/button board look? I suppose if dust/debris gets inside the front lid it could also cause spurrious button presses.

[@unicyclematt]

@@sjm4306 thanks. It wasn't too bad. I removed the small amount of dust, but most of the buttons are the dome type that sit on top of the board and were covered with tape. Not sure if I can clean under those. The track mark button is a proper switch. I'll try some cleaner and see how it gets on.

[@unicyclematt]

@@sjm4306 also, thanks for your great minidisc teardown videos. They gave me the confidence to have a go at fixing two of mine. An MZ-E60 (I found the piece of metal keeping the "door closed/open" switch pressed was bent), and a sharp MD-MT90 which had an intermittent headphone jack. I resoldered all the connections and now it's perfect. Nice to be able to get the minidisc collection out during lockdown.

[@SteveRCPilot]

Any thoughts on a Sharp MT 831 that gives the TOC error when trying to save a recording? It runs as if its recording but after it TOC errors and nothing is recorded.

[@sjm4306]

There 2 potential culprits: a weak laser or a damaged/misaligned magnetic overwrite head (or ribbon to the head). If it reads discs perfectly then you can probably rule out the first option.

[@Sb129]

Are most of these easy to fix? Working MD players command steep prices but as-is 'junk' ones are still like below 50 for now but even then I see more non working ones creeping towards 100

[@sjm4306]

It's honestly a gamble that can go in either direction. I've gotten ones that either need light cleaning on the battery terminals or just work despite being listed as junk. On the other hand I've gotten ones that have dead lasers or screwed calibration that I will likely never be able to fix due to rarity in replacement parts or lack of calibration sw/hw. At least for those units the rest of the parts can be used to fix another similar model though so it's rarely a complete waste.

[@Series1969]

Great video. I just bought the MZ-R700 and also bought a minidisc recorder for my home stereo. Both are my first minidisc players and so far I love them. I was wondering if I bought a remote with a display on it. Will it work with mt MZ-R700?

[@sjm4306]

For the most part, most lcd remotes will work with most md models.

[@ianz9916]

@@sjm4306 The backlight only works on some models even when the rest of the remote functions work.

[@sjm4306]

It's usually when mixing players and remotes from too far apart when stuff like this happens. I know my r37 when used with a netmd era remote with lcd will respond to most buttons but there's no display on the remote lcd. However the same player with an r50 era lcd remote works perfectly.

[@slimwithden2716]

Awesome vid! Thankyou you helped me buy a mini disc player 😁 just wondering if if u know a way to access soundstage or similar app, as it's coming with a CD-ROM but I don't have a CD-ROM drive in my laptop 🤔

[@sjm4306]

Glad I could spread the md love! You can google sonicstage and there's a quite few download links. The facebook minidisc group also has the installer in their files section.

[@MegazoneMusic23]

I have the SONY in the upper right of your video the R30!!Sony MZ-RH1 Incidentally the Sony MZ-RH1 the last MiniDisc player/recorder that Sony made.

[@sjm4306]

Still on the hunt for an rh1 but gonna wait for a good deal as I am definitely not gonna pay the several hundred dollars they are listed for now.

[@Sebastian.Mastermind]

Hi I have almost the same mds like you. Hope someday can I do a video to show them too. I've 60+ MD players/recorders

[@sauliuspaulauskas7194]

Hi, i will wait for your video

[@dack6528]

Tried to record on my Sony MZ-N510 - NetMD, when I plug in it says PC--MD but does not show in Sonic Stage any ideas.

[@sjm4306]

Have you manually installed the usb netmd drivers? (installing sonicstage doesnt install the drivers iirc)

[@dack6528]

@@sjm4306 Thanks for the help. But, still can't get it to work.Been trying for hours.

[@dack6528]

This is what it says:- Windows found drivers for your device but encountered an error while attempting to install them. Net MD The hash for the file is not present in the specified catalog file. The file is likely corrupt or the victim of tampering.

[@sjm4306]

The default windows drivers are wrong, if you are running windows 10 then you need to disable checking driver signing for it to go through correctly with the drivers supplied by sony

[@dack6528]

@@sjm4306 Any chance doing a vid on how to install drivers.

[@unitedunitedunited_]

This collection is my dream

[@MehmetAliAYDIN]

Great collection! Can i ask you something? I have MZ-R37 and its always says "BATT LOW". I changed and tried a lot of batteries but same. What is the problem? Device uses different batteries? Thanks

[@sjm4306]

Thanks, usually this is caused by dirty or corroded battery contacts which increase resistance, making it look like the battery voltage is lower than it actually is. For the R37, you'll need to open the unit to get access to the inner contacts to clean them thoroughly.

[@MehmetAliAYDIN]

sjm4306 Thank you for reply! I will try :)

[@mmuzzwell3654]

I have a question. I have a MZ-R50 here with a faulty LCD. It also has some kind of bios problem. But the LCD issue. The ribbon connector has some kind of annoyingly fragile contact surface where it interfaces onto the main board. I think it is carbon. Does anyone know of how to either repair this or replace this? Is the LCD end of the connector hard wired (soldered) or can I just buy a new (however many) ribbon for it. This is a common problem btw. Any help very much appreciated.

[@sjm4306]

You could probably fix the ribbon contact surface with a conductive ink pen.

[@mmuzzwell3654]

@@sjm4306 Thanks for the reply. I did hear of this solution. I think it probably is the only option. I heard through research that the conductive strips are either carbon or lead based. I think the LCD end is hardwired so it would be almost impossible to replace the ribbon itself. So I guess I need to mask off with very fine slithers of tape and then use one of those pens. The tracks are very thin 0.25 mil max. Worth a shot. Thanks again, and for the content 👍

[@mattyboywalker9094]

Is it true to play home made mini discs like putting on albums on to discs you made yourself you need one that says LP on it ?

[@sjm4306]

Nope, any md recorder will burn songs/albums onto discs. Older ones can only burn/play SP recordings though (80 mins for an 80 min disc) while mdlp recorders can compress audio to fit 2x or 4x on a disc (but those LP recordings can only be played back on an mdlp unit of course).

[@LookyahConcepts]

Wanted to know what would be the best the most resonable player to play live recordings I made on a N 707.

[@sjm4306]

Depends if the recordings are sp or lp. I'm actually fond of the n707 as it's a very capable player and recorder but it looks like they've gotten pretty pricey nowadays.

[@LookyahConcepts]

@@sjm4306 im pretty sure I used both at the time. Price not as a few others ive seen. What was the significance of sp and lo in finding a player?

[@sjm4306]

In general, sp only recorders tend to be cheaper and bulkier as they are earlier models.

[@LookyahConcepts]

@@sjm4306 how do you feel about mz N1, its type R also?

[@johnoofsatchurch]

I have a mz-r700 it says it’s recording but when I end the recording it won’t play back and if I eject the disk and put it back in it says blank, I looked it up and it said something about a procedure where you need to heat up the laser, Any idea of what to do or what this issue could do? I use a digital optical cable to record. If you have any advice it would be very helpful but I have decided if I can’t get this thing fixed I am selling it and buying a new one.

[@sjm4306]

The magnetic overwrite head's ribbon is likely damaged. You'll have to carefully inspect it for breaks and use the wire splice technique to fix it.

[@johnoofsatchurch]

@@sjm4306 I am very bad at fixing stuff is there a link you could send that leads to a presentation on how to do that? I am considering selling it on eBay for not working to because I don’t think I’ll be able to fix it but if it looks not to bad I’ll give it a try

[@sjm4306]

14:48 in this video I made awhile ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXTMYZutrdB4jas). General process is to find the break in the ribbon, scrape away the insulation, and solder thin multistrand wire to bridge the break. Note that you will need to be pretty decent at soldering to do this.

[@johnoofsatchurch]

@@sjm4306 I just watched the video and that is to hard for me so I will just be selling it. Thanks anyway

[@johnoofsatchurch]

My new one just arrived from Canada, and I figured out how to record on it, I am loving it.

[@stevegaudreau67]

I have the MZ-N510 and for some reason when I put in the disc I can hear it spinning but nothing happens. I can access all the functions, it doesn't give me any error signs. It just spins. What up wit Dat?

[@sjm4306]

If you leave it for long enough does it eventually give any errors or shut off by itself after a few minutes? It could be a problem with reading the disc (either a weak laser or the sled is stuck and cant move freely).

[@fencal2]

@@sjm4306 Hey I have this same problem, just with a N710 instead. Mine just shuts off by itself after a few mins. I've swapped the laser over too from a working unit but that didn't work either. Do you have any advise?

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

Can you do a video on your other Walkmans that aren't MD? Getting into collecting them and would love to see more and info on them.

[@sjm4306]

I have a few videos up already on my sony walkman/mp3 players. I'll likely do a video on the rest of my portable audio players in my collection in the near future. That and I need to do a video on my palm computer collection!

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

@@sjm4306 yea, those are great videos. How do you find out info about the models? I've googled a certain mp3 model and the info I find is almost no existent.

[@sjm4306]

I often randomly come across them through google or youtube (mostly from small sites/collectors). What model are you particularly interested in? I may know something or where to find out about it if it's one that I was interested in as well.

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

@@sjm4306 Trying to pick up a NW-S203F (Black. Silver is honest impossible to find)

[@sjm4306]

Yep that's a rare one, sony didnt release many as it was towards the end of the premium mp3 player era. Sadly I've seen people start scavenging them for the screen so they can put them in a mz-rh1 to replace a burnt out screen. This obviously made them even rarer.

[@spvlogs6346]

Hiii I couldn't able to find a md player in my country(India) Can you help me If you can sell it to me one player,or share some details from where i can purchase this Expecting a reply

[@sjm4306]

I'm in the US so shipping would probably cost nearly as much as the player. Your best chance is to import from japan or europe from sites like ebay or sendico.

[@Zionfarm]

Which model would you say is the newest?

[@sjm4306]

My newest models are the hi-md ones (my rh10's and rh910). The last portable sony md recorder to ever be release is the rh1 which is now absurdly expensive to buy, as it's considered to be the holy grail of collectors despite having the same dying oled screen problem as the rh10.

[@reminiz]

Love the video, would be keen to see you mod one of the LCDs with maybe an SMD LED for an edgelit solution? Also surely there’s new OLEDs that could work in the RH10/M100s? Ive seen a heap on Aliexpress but have no idea how to match the pin-outs and voltages...

[@sjm4306]

Now that would be interesting, wonder if even an electroluminescent panel would fit as that would look very slick. As for the oleds, sony probably used a proprietary communication protocol that no modern off the shelf display would be compatible with, but I plan on reverse engineering the protocol and see if I can design a ribbon adapter to allow a modern screen to drop in replace the old one. I know it's a pretty niche need but it'd be cool to sell a kit to get these beautiful himd players back up and fully working.

[@dontworry4120]

Do you know what I can use, to be able to play the video of my mini disc

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

I found a Walkman mp3 I think you would be interested in doing a video on. Is there a way to email you?

[@gigpot]

Hi! idk if I'll get a reply, but what are your thoughts on a Sony MZ-R900 or a Sony MZ-N707 (>_

[@sjm4306]

The 707 is my go to portable, I love the AA battery convenience and runtime, it's built like a tank, recording options are good (netmd usb, optical, mic, analog), and it sounds good. As for the 900, it's one of the best units in my collection in terms of sound quality and it's very slim with decent battery life (though I tend to use the AA battery attachment as gumsticks are a pain to use in general).

[@gigpot]

@@sjm4306 Thanks for the advice, it's very helpful, I want a stay at home unit for the most part right now so I think maybe the 900 is a good starting off point for me.

[@brianlavergne7984]

Sorry just saw your response thanks do you do you do repairs ? If so could I send it to you? Thanks

[@kimyumi0076]

Do you sell some of the discmans?

[@sjm4306]

Occasionally, but these I cycle through and use myself so I probably wont be selling them soon.

[@amberisvibin]

I'd really recommend trying out linux-minidisc or webminidisc, they allow SonicStage-like NetMD uploading of tracks on Linux or through Chrome, respectively

[@sjm4306]

Yep, I've used both and they are an absolute god send. The only thing lacking I've found is they don't yet support recording in himd mode (though a himd recorder can still be used to record in sp/mdlp modes).

[@yournumber2fan]

do you repair for viewers? I have a mz n1 that won't charge and cannot find anyone where in Australia to fix. I'd pay for shipping there and back and repair

[@sjm4306]

I do on a case by case basis, though recently I've had to cut back due to lack of free time

[@GMXnyc]

Do you know how means NV error in the MZ-N1 model and how to fix it?

[@sjm4306]

Sounds like someone wiped the calibration data in the non-volatile memory chip or could be an unlucky corruption. You will need to run calibration in the service menu following the steps in the service manual (requires a blank never written to recordable md and a pressed album md, though this last one can be omitted if you never plan to play pressed discs).

[@GMXnyc]

@@sjm4306 hey thanks for your answer. the MD does play some times fine but still show NV error i do have a blank disc. but not a pressed one. i did try to reset the NV the version is 1.100 but i'm not sure if i did properly. still NV error. those albums are crazy expensive but ill try to get one. by the way your collection is impressive. i use to have the MZ-R70 blue back 2000's now i do have 3 but got those used. thanks for your reply

[@sjm4306]

The 1.100 is probably the firmware version and has nothing to do with nv calibration data. Like I said you do not need a pressed disc to calibrate if you never intend to play pressed discs (you would just calibrate with a regular new blank recordable disc and then bypass the pressed disc calibration). It's been a few years since I've done this so the order I'm remembering may be swapped but refer to the service manual for exact instructions. It's also possible the nv chip is somehow damaged and would need to be replaced.

[@GMXnyc]

@@sjm4306 thanks i will try to follow the calibration data. i don't want to mess up. So the NV chip is hard to find and replace it if in case is damaged?

[@sjm4306]

It's a standard eeprom chip, the only thing is I have no idea what other data is on the chip that the recorder may need and when you buy a new chip it will come completely blank.

[@brianlavergne7984]

Hello i have a mzr700 . It looks new but no sound comes out any ideas??

[@sjm4306]

Are you trying to play a disc recorded in mdlp? The r700 can only play older sp discs, and trying to play mdlp will result in silence. Instead if you are sure it's a hardware problem, on older models this is a common issue (either one or both audio channels through the hp jack are out). This can be caused by cold solder joints between the jack and pcb (easy to reflow with fresh solder to fix), or more annoying sometimes the surface mount leadless headphone amplifier chip near the jack has cold joints (need to reflux and carefully reflow with a hot air gun).

[@brianlavergne7984]

@@sjm4306 this unit says mdlp on it it should play mdlp. Ive tried all different recordings and nothing. After freaking a bit it seems to be a common problem . Any videos on this fix? And would you consider this an easy fix ? I'm not that mechanically inclined like you as I've had interest in doing repair but haven't dove in as my fear for really messing it up worse has prevented me from trying it. I noticed youbhad one as well when you showed your collection.

[@sjm4306]

Ah I had a brainfreeze and mixed up the r70 and r700. Yes the r700 is mdlp. The problem with the r700 is it has a design flaw with the hp amp chip being too close to the jack and over time plugging/unplugging cracks the soldering on the chip. This can sometimes be fixed if you have a hot air gun to carefully reflow the solder. It's a bit fiddly, so if you want I can try if you cover shipping and $20 for my time. The n707 I recently fixed had a similar issue that I was able to fix in a video with this method.

[@brianlavergne7984]

@@sjm4306 thank you so much for replying I would very much be interested in your repair work. I also had two other units that could maybe use your knowledge and wisdom. I have mzr-909 it's in great shape but one issue is a sticky eject button that sometimes takes multiple pushes to get it to close. It's minor but annoying. The last one is Mz-n1 . This one might be a laser issue sometimes it will just be running and running but no playing after a while it starts playing . If you have Whats app or email I can send a video of both. Maybe you could have some suggestions or maybe I could send all 3 and you can make videos for your channel. I have an extra mzn 505 that you could have or maybe use the laser in the n1. Where are you located? I'm in 🇨🇦 vancouver . I could pay cash or I also have a brand new sony mic attachment or hi md brand new sealed as for of payment . Sorry for the long windedness. Let me know Thanks again Brian

[@sjm4306]

Hi Brian, shoot me an email at [e-mail] with videos and we'll see what I can do to help. I'm in the USA btw.

[@claytonpozzer]

I was made a battery of my kenwood on 3d printer, with a cheap lithium cell inside 😉

[@jesikebiking]

Thank you ever so much for all the great information

[@user-fv7lr3ue3v]

Your first one as the same as I have, but it's not working. ..😭.I wish I could send to you to be fixed

[@Kajman1613]

+ Koss porta pro - perfect ☺

[@georgemifsud1425]

pls how to cleaner the laser i heve a sony mine dc i from malta

[@sjm4306]

Very carefully use a qtip with at least 90% isopropyl alcohol, gently swab the lens and clean with dry end in the same manner.

[@EbNorth]

Prices today are wild. Its like you have Gold.

[@sjm4306]

It's sad in a way since no one wanted these back when ipods were gaining popularity so they were practically given away but those days are long gone.

[@oliviaoleo8040]

Where do you get these other than eBay?

[@sjm4306]

Local sales listings sites like facebook marketplace and craigslist are probably your best bet other than ebay.

[@oliviaoleo8040]

@@sjm4306 Great Thanks. I have a Sharp MT-831W. It does not power on, dont have the gumstick battery, but have the AA sidecar case and original AC adapter. AC Adapter outputs ~5.18V but when plug in nothing happens. Powering with AA laso is same. What would be a good way to troubleshoot? Thanks again.

[@sjm4306]

Can you find the service manual for the model online? It'll usually show test points to measure and what the voltages should be so that's a good starting point to figure out where the fault is located.

[@oliviaoleo8040]

@@sjm4306 Found the manual here www.manualslib.com/manual/1052098/Sharp-Md-Mt831h-Gl.html?page=7#manual Didnt know how to locate the TPs on the PCB

[@merskyz9687]

Which one is the best to get?

[@sjm4306]

My favorite gumstick model is the MZ-R900 and my favorite AA battery model is the MZ-N707. What anyone considers the "best" is mostly subjective though, with the exception of a few models like the MZ-R55 which are prone to failure due to design flaws. If you have a lot of cash to burn you could go with the later HiMD models like the RH series but stay away from the ones with OLED displays as their death is inevitable if they even still light up by now.

[@cosmolv]

Ou... Exelent collection 👍

[@sjm4306]

Thank you!

[@cosmolv]

@@sjm4306 You must be in our minidisc facebook comunity 😏 More than 3000 people waiting for you 😎

[@sjm4306]

That sounds like fun! Do you have a link? I did a quick search and several popped up.

[@cosmolv]

@@sjm4306 Sended a mail to you with link ;)

[@sickly_b]

Excellent vid - cheers!

[@向东-n3f]

Cool !

[@AhmadHassan-nv7qs]

I can buy this md walkman if I want to buy it

[@sjm4306]

Sorry these are a part of my private collection and not for sale.

[@UNCLENICK6982]

Where can I get MD CD-RW?

[@sjm4306]

There is technically no such thing as md cd-rw, but if you mean a rerecordable md then every recordable md is rerecordable. They never made a single write only md like cd-r. They sell used/new mds online on sites like ebay but prices are steadily rising so get them sooner rather than later.

[@Rockin_Kat]

Which players in your collection has best sound? Non Hi-MD...

[@sjm4306]

My favorite sounding are the mz-r900 and mz-n710. I'm not an audiophile, but they sound clearer and have crisper bass to me.

[@Rockin_Kat]

@@sjm4306, thank you.

[@sauliuspaulauskas7194]

love minidisc exelent video

[@-DIEU-TE-CHERCHE-9923]

Merci pour la vidéo, Je sauvegarde mes MiniDisc via un Dictaphone qui les transforme automatiquement en MP3. L'Aventure continue, clic sur le smiley.

[@jammasterj13]

Best MD collection ever

[@sjm4306]

I've added a few more since I made this video, may have to do an update!

[@DhavalSakaria]

i bought a Sony minidisc player in 2004 with a $149 whooping price.

[@sjm4306]

They've held their value pretty well judging by current ebay pricing putting even the cheapest models in good working condition around that mark.

[@matiwrubli]

This channel is great :)

[@sjm4306]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@reminiz]

One last comment! Have you ever had the “NO DISC” Error on a player? Anyway you’ve fixed this on any of your units?

[@sjm4306]

The exact cause depends on what happens before it says no disc. Does it struggle to read the disc and then after half a minute gives up or does it quickly give up?

[@reminiz]

sjm4306 there’s a mechanical noise then it gives up shortly after. I would say only for a few seconds.

[@reminiz]

Mechanical noises for 8 seconds after hitting the play button then stops.

[@sjm4306]

If you carefully push the laser out and try to load and play a disc does the laser return to the center. I ask this because I've seen countless minidisc/cd players where the laser gets stuck because the lubrication dries out and obviously since it cant move the player figures there's no valid disc and gives up.

[@willyfermin]

Hermosa Colección.

[@johnr4459]

portables i only have a mz r909 in blue, had it a lot of years and its complete and mint, i have 7 decks 6 of which i bought off ebay spares or repair and fixed them all, well apart from 1 which the seller couldent understand why no sound came out of it, i did, he was trying to play mdlp discs in a sp player, his loss, bargain for me.

[@sjm4306]

Lol I love when I get a fully working unit for cheap because of the sp mdlp mixup.

[@PCUser1024]

"Thumb wheel" is called Jog Dial.

[@sjm4306]

Yep, I love when sony throws a few of them in for me to play with!

[@gauchetpierric7635]

Hello do you have a reseller contact in Japan?

[@sjm4306]

Nope, just watching ebay listings over the past decade or so for deals to pop up.