Sony DHC-MD373 Hi-Fi - Cool features explained

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I noticed after editing that the model on the back of the unit is incorrect. On the back of the unit it says Model No. HCD-MD373, but on the front of the unit and the operating instruction manual it says DHC-MD373. It's very similar to the Sony DHC-MD333.
This mini component system from Sony has a Mindisc recorder/player, CD player, and radio tuner, plus a few cool features I haven't seen before.
Other videos refered to in this video:
My Denon system (cassette deck, Minidisc, tuner): • Unboxing a Denon Minid...
Techmoan's CD Text explanation: • MiniDisc: Adding Track...
Buy my surplus Minidisc stuff on eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/usr/kartingcol
Here are the usual purchase links:
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Blue Microfibre Cloths amzn.to/3IFPW8Q
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:38 Rear of the unit
02:37 CD Text feature
04:28 Minidisc features
06:41 The story behind this unit
07:56 Labelling CDs (giving CDs names)
11:30 Progrmming CD tracks (playlist)
13:21 Recording from CD to MD (with CD-MD Sync)
16:35 CD Text CDs examples
19:24 Checking the CD label I added earlier
20:11 Recording permutations Radio - Cassette - Minidisc
20:33 Time Machine Recording - six second buffer
21:53 Close

[@ChopstickSamurai]

Great looking little system and the price was right. 👍🏼 If you hadn’t pointed out the cassette deck was a Denon I wouldn’t have noticed. They match perfectly!

[@CBitsTech]

Yes, it is great. Sounds great too, and so small. I'm hoping to get the matching cassette deck anyway, so the Denon one can go back to it's own system (maybe for selling on eBay).

[@subliminalvibes]

The nostalgia is real.. 👍😎 I had that exact model in the early 2000s. CD text was so handy when creating MDs. Many Sony CDs from that time had CD text.

[@CBitsTech]

I hadn't heard of CD Text before Techmoan talked about it. I explained it to my wife and she said some of her CDs had it. I don't use CDs much so hadn't noticed it. Since shooting the video I've learned more about CD Text.

[@subliminalvibes]

@@CBitsTech It's a lovely unit, and sounds great too. I'm the guy with my original MZ-R70 and I found this unit so handy when throwing something together to listen to on a train trip or commute. I'm still quick enough at entering track names using the remote on the R70 to get it done before the track has finished recording, but there's nothing quite like having it done for you! Haha. You can burn CDs from your high quality MP3 library that include CD text. I think using Nero burning software allows the option for CD text. That CD can then be used to create auto-labelled MDs. I'm in Australia these days and don't see much MD stuff at all. Cheers! 👍😎

[@CBitsTech]

@@subliminalvibes I see, so burn a CD from MP3 to include CD text, then transfer from CD to MD. Cool. For me, it's probably easier to boot to Windows 7 and drag my named WAV files into SonicStage. Someone else has asked about titling existing discs which relates to this, Stephano Brilli's Web Minidisc app can either add titles or quickly move named tracks from PC to MD via Chrome browser.

[@subliminalvibes]

@@CBitsTech Ah, yes, if you're using Sonic Stage you can do it that way. I've always avoided sonic stage. My suggestion can be WAV files too! You can burn individual WAV files to an audio CD and include CD text. That'll sound better on the final MD than using MP3 files. You'll have to make a video on your process. 👍😎

[@CBitsTech]

@@subliminalvibes Most, if not all of my WAV files are ripped from CD. Nowadays I rip the WAV files directly because storage is so cheap. Is there a good (legal) source of WAV files for download?

[@the3boys2s74]

Nice Little System 👍

[@NoMoneyG]

Since this is you & Techmoan's fault for getting me back into MD's, I have to say I'm loving it!😉😂 Love your vids! I bought an Onkyo shelf system last year from Japan specifically for the Hi-MD feature to burn them as I only have 1 portable Hi-MD player. Never got into them much as I was getting out of MD's at the time. But I'm having fun again with physical media & especially MD's. Thanks again!

[@CBitsTech]

Thanks very much. Those Onkyo systems always look amazing. From what I've seen they're good quality and high end. I think, after three years on my MD journey (and revisting cassettes) I've finally figured out what I like to use the different formats for. That might be the subject of a forthcoming video.

[@hifi-lofi]

What Onkyo system did you buy from Japan and is it all working ok?

[@yajiu]

Awesome video! I loved how you showed the in-depth features of the unit, especially the program mode. I’ve seen it there but never used it… great to see how everything transferred over so well. It’s amazing how much fun you can have rediscovering all the little features that were built into these units… they really did know what they were doing!

[@CBitsTech]

Thanks again! Regarding showing the in-depth features of this unit, I had been thinking of doing that sort of thing, and your encouragement me to try it in a comment you made a while ago. This was sort of a practice run, where I explained just a couple of features which other units might not have. Basically, i read the manual and noted any cool features, and tried them for the first time while shooting the video. I don't usually prepare for video shooting, just fitting it in when I can. Reading the manual first adds a lot to the time it takes, but I'm planning to do it again for simpler players at some point.

[@CBitsTech]

And yes, it's was fun, and they did know how to do it back then. Nowadays, features seems less well thought out.

[@yajiu]

@@CBitsTech well done mate! I know it takes more time, and is fiddly, but it sure was a great deep-dive into the unit! I’m hoping to get some time to do my videos on minidisc labeling and do a follow-up on my M-Crew video. I’ve got the deck repaired and M-Crew working but I’m having driver trouble with wav files right now… which are the main reason for using the software at all in my opinion! Anyway, loved the video, and I’m kinda jealous of that great score you got for free… even if it was 100kms away!

[@CBitsTech]

@@yajiu Cheers. You're having "driver trouble with WAV files"? Care to explain?

[@yajiu]

@@CBitsTech yep sure. I can transfer mp3 and wma files no worries, but on my old 2005 machine, I had to reinstall audio drivers for xp, which I don’t think I’ve done correctly. I may have installed the wrong drivers, difficult to know in unsupported software. Anyway importing wav at any bitrate, kHz or permutation results in disappointment. I’ve decided to try a different computer, a more modern one. It may render results. It’s been quite a process getting all this to work, on the up side I have learned a lot about the software, hardware and old systems that I will be able to pass onto the inter webs when the moment is ripe!

[@ArjunaKrishnaDas]

Had mine about 5 years in office then kitchen and love it. Very stylish, sophisticated and good sound. Haven't tried the MD yet but planning to get a few disks. The cassette deck is good too - way better than anything you can buy new. I now use it with Ocean DAB/streamer and Asda CD thru an Arcam rDAC into Linn Kans and a Fosi Audio 200W sub amp then Linn 12" sub. Next step will be to add proper 4mm speaker sockets and nail on the sub level converter.

[@CBitsTech]

I have no idea what you just said, but it sounds awesome :D Honestly, I had to google most of that kit to figure out what it was. You really know your stuff. I'm just beginning.

[@honeypower]

Had this model from the late 90s to early 2000s, loved it and was a big fan of minidisc. Under rated media i reckon

[@CBitsTech]

I agree (under rated media). This model is great. I gave it to my wife to use in the dining room while working, so I don't get to use it myself much 🙁

[@honeypower]

I remember liking it a lot. I have been thinking about getting one on eBay again 20+ years later (time flies). Don't have any minidiscs anymore though but maybe good for cd still​@@CBitsTech

[@CBitsTech]

Yes. The wife uses it for CDs too. Used minidiscs are fairly cheap on eBay too.

[@HighOrbiter]

I have one of these, excellent piece of kit.

[@CBitsTech]

Yeah, I really like it. The wife has it now, so I won't get to use it though. Do you have the cassette deck too? If so, is it the 373 or 333 model cassette deck please?

[@HighOrbiter]

@@CBitsTech Yes, I've got the 373 cassette deck; it's labelled as the TC-TX373.

[@CBitsTech]

@@HighOrbiter Okay, thanks. I'm wondering if the 333 is completely compatible.

[@HighOrbiter]

@@CBitsTech I believe the TX373 will work with either, it can connect directly to the MD333 or via an AU Bus/system cable adapter to the MD373. The TX333 appears to lack the adapter so only connects to the MD333.

[@CBitsTech]

@@HighOrbiter Ah, right, thanks. I thought I had read somewhere that one worked with both, but not the other, but couldn't remember which way round. It's odd that the 373 units only with together with the adapter.

[@rmle23]

Very nice little stereo system, I have one like this who was give to me for free because it was labeled without repair and was for parts. However I repair the fault CD mechanism and the system was working fine, but no speakers and remote. So my question is for adjusting the sound settings like bass and treble it was only by remote control and i need one?

[@hifi-lofi]

Nice, especially when free. You mentioned an SACD but can the system play SACD or is the disc a hybrid and has the regular CD data on it for non-SACD players?

[@CBitsTech]

Good question. How would I know? It doesn't mention SACD in the unit's operating instructions.

[@hifi-lofi]

I don’t know much about SACD but I’ve got an Onkyo universal player from the INTEC205 series that plays them so I will have to research more before making a video about it. I don’t own any SACDs and I’ve been reluctant to get into another format that is virtually obsolete, especially given the price of SACDs. When browsing online, I saw that some SACDs claim to contain the regular CDA data for playing on a regular CD player but how they fit it all on there and how it all works in practice is currently beyond me. Apart from reading the CD text, did it play ok?

[@CBitsTech]

@@hifi-lofi Yes, it's played perfectly on every CD player I've used it on. I think it's compatible with all players. I'll try it in mine and my wife's car later (I usually stream via Bluetooth). I'll check the sleeve later to see if there's any info. I think TechMoan might have mentioned it in more than one of his videos. I didn't realise they're expensive.

[@CBitsTech]

@@hifi-lofi Discs are cheap enough. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303873793012?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6qQqoOnzSpy&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@CBitsTech]

@@hifi-lofi I speed watched a couple of videos on SACD. Seems like it's a format wrapped up in DRM and not worth the hassle and expense. My disc is dual format/layer. Here is TechMoan explaining it at 4:19 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4PchKWOoJ6oiKM

[@antonio.x22]

Hola CBits Tech . saludos desde México otra vez ! xD my little gossip and report about MD. I was recording in Dubbing mode CD to MD LP2, in my minicompo Onkyo. the first song was loud "clipping" (oo)! distorted. Other trachs well and good level but the firts was clipped, noisy. First time it happens, while I write this comment, I notice the levels were increased. _something rare_ Thank you! best wishes as always keep on running

[@CBitsTech]

Interesting, thanks. I think Line In shouldn't require setting recording levels, it's automatic. If you're using headphones-out to mic or Line In, then you have to manually set volume or recording levels. Was that the cause of the clipping?

[@antonio.x22]

hello again ! : ) from CD direct to MD (all built in Onkyo Sys) for sure no problem with levels - shouldn't. I reviewed the audios, CD, tested again and I went to the original audio CD in WAV (in my files). the problem: *original WAV song has clipping* and it was recorded so on the CD, while the CD sent the clipped to MD. as we know: original matters :o @@CBitsTech

[@CBitsTech]

I see. That's unusual. Thanks for the info.

[@Badonicus]

I bought this minus speakers and I blame yourself and Techmoan for stirring my old interest in MD again. Managed to find the matching cassette deck for it on ebay. The 333 model seems to be very similar. I still have my DHC MDX10, in perfect condition. They dont make them like this any more sadly.

[@CBitsTech]

Don't blame me! It's all that Techmoan's fault for both of our interest in MD! 😃 I can't figure out what the difference is between the 373 and 333, but looking at the TC-TX373 (cassette deck) user manual, you "you cnnot perform Fade Syncro recording with the DHC-MD373" and "One Touch Play" is only on the DHC-MD333. You're right, they don't make them like this anymore. Getting a good, new cassette deck is impossible.

[@NoMoneyG]

I blame all 3 of you!😂Sorry I had to jump in here. Sold my players/units in the early 2000's when recordable CD's came out, but I never sold my MD's! Love going back & listening to what I recorded from 1993 onwards. Good times!

[@CBitsTech]

@@NoMoneyG There wasn't much in the 90s that interested me, just a few artists. The used (blank) MD and Cassette hauls are good for me to discover older music that I never owned myself.

[@Matowix]

Have u cleaned the mini disc heads on this unit ? Is it easy by removing the case ? Do u clean record head too on disc ? With a an ear bud ?

[@CBitsTech]

No I haven't cleaned the heads. Usually there is no need. I haven't taken off the cover. I have never found a problem that is fixed by cleaning the heads/lens. If I do want to clean heads/lens, I would use a Ross head cleaning disc. I have two, one just cleans the laser lens, the other cleans the record head, but I don't know how effective that is.

[@georgemartinezza]

your Sony has CD Text, my Onkyo doesn't. we both have nice and good devices : D : ) so one question I ask: should we use our devices or systems less and with so much care? should we store them and use it just a little moment, and have them inside a furniture showcase with glass doors like a trophy? it would be good to know what to do or what not do do, depending the audio system and its age maybe. even so, _"how to know it is for our personal museum or limted usage"_ I have the opinion: like a museum piece, use it less and very short moments just to have them ready (does alike some legendary guns or cars?) Thank you again !

[@CBitsTech]

I didn't know it has CD Text! I'll have to find a CD Text CD to try with it. Thanks. So, should we keep them and use them sparingly like a delicate museum piece, or use them day-to-day? My view is to use them how it makes you most happy. Yesterday I was at a classic car rally. I was looking at a beautiful Ford Cortina 1500 E. I really wanted to drive it (and many other cars). I overheard the owner discussing it with another man. "Do you drive it much?" "No", said the owner, "it's garaged." I thought that was very sad, that he should keep such a beautiful thing in a garage just to look at it and polish it. That's not the spirit of such a car. So, to answer you directly, I prefer to use it. It's next to me in my office/den. I'm not a collector. Unfortunately the amp is no longer working, but I record all my cassettes on it because it has auto-calibration. I play them on my average Pioneer (which still sounds good). My view is, as the 70s song goes, 'use it up, wear it out'. I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts, then find something else to enjoy. Thanks for your comment.

[@georgemartinezza]

@@CBitsTech "use your stuff as you enjoy _how it makes you most happy"_ yes, I agree. if have had a new device or new car, as usual we use them very happy, I've had new things and I've had new car twice: traveling almost every city in my country. if you've used your new stuff with care, there's no reason to keep on doing it even if it is a 20 years old Sony x D .

[@CBitsTech]

@@georgemartinezza I agree. I tend to look after my stuff well. I owned a car from new for over 20 years, and I've never broken a phone screen.

[@user-bp2sd4cc1b]

Вот это вещь😊👍

[@hgrunt100]

I've never been called a tit by a minidisc hifi! Great video as usual. I am looking for a solution for getting disc's titled up, and especially moving CD's over, and this little deck looks lovely! Do you have a solution for titling stuff up? I saw Techmoans great video on it, was wondering what your thoughts are!

[@CBitsTech]

Thanks again. Well, I often boot my PC to it's Windows 7 disk where I have sonic stage. I haven't done it for a while, but I used to use the MediaMonkey software to rip the CD (quickly) and get the track data from some online service, then dump the tracks into SonicStage. Alternatively, I use my Pioneer system to copy the CD to MD without titles, and manually add titles in SonicStage. I don't often put whole albums onto MD though. A quicker alternative is to use Stefano Brilli's Web Minidisc app that can transfer files to MD recorders via the Chrome browser. I can use Chrome on my Windows 10 PC due to a rare incompatibility issue, so I don't use this method. I would if I could.

[@CBitsTech]

Btw, the Web Minidisc route might be complicated to set up (but easy to use after that) due to Windows' security blocking the 'driver' installation because it wasn't a signed driver last time I tried. Bit technical that, but look for my Channel Update video that includes 'alternative to sonicstage', the explanation is somewhere in there.

[@LacayoDe]

I also got mine today for 10€!

[@CBitsTech]

Nice! Very good deal.

[@LacayoDe]

@@CBitsTech didn’t come with a remote so I think I either need to buy one on EBay or get one loaned so I can copy all the commands with an IR receiver/ blaster :(((

[@CBitsTech]

I think that most functions work without the remote.

[@josedejesushernandes6968]

MDLp and HI MD ? Or not

[@CBitsTech]

No, just standard play unfortunately. It's not a big deal because you're not mobile so having more discs isn't a problem.

[@josedejesushernandes6968]

@@CBitsTech can I Connect it to speakers with 8 ohms or only 6 ohms?

[@CBitsTech]

Sorry, I don't know. That subject always confuses me. You should research online to find out, sorry.

[@royphillips4758]

Nice little machine but you need to be a bit more careful you CDs the way you handle them seems to me that you are slamming them in the machine and out again

[@CBitsTech]

Ok, thanks, I'll bear that in mind, although I've never had a problem with any.

[@writenamehere0000]

Sound would be good...

[@CBitsTech]

It is. My wife has been using the MD player while working with the volume up 'a little too high'. Sounds fantastic.