Sharp MD-X5 Mini Audio System
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- Number of Discs: 1
- Functions: CD Player
- Output Power: 20 Watt PMPO
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Great little system for bedroom/office
Pros
KEYBOARD INPUT, Digital Input, 1-touch CD-MD dubbing, great sound for 20 watts, remote driven
Cons
Only 1x dubbing, no optical outputs, remote driven
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Great product, nice sound for the $$$, and you'll never go back to titling with a jog dial on a portable again.
Overview
I bought this system for about $150. This investment has been well worth it thus far. I like the system a lot. I will discuss a few problems that I have and then the many plusses of this system.
The Cons
First, this system only has real-time CD to MD copying. Given that current systems can reach speeds of 4x, this is unimpressive. However, this system is much more affordable than a 4x system.
Second, the X5 has no optical (TOS-link)outputs. Then again, this is typical of this class of system.
My only other complaint is the amount of heat that is displaced by the unit. If the unit is left plugged in but off for a long period, the MD inside will be uncharacteristically hot. When turned on, the fan takes care of this within a minute. I could see major problems occurring if the fan malfunctions.
The Pros
The main reason I bought this was for the PS/2 keyboard input. I plugged a spare Dell keyboard into the port and was titling MDs at the 60-70 words per minute that I type, as opposed to the few characters per minute that I was used to on my Sharp MD-MS722. I'd say the keyboard input is worth the price of admission for the X5.
The unit does have an optical-digital input. I use this system to copy mp3s from my PC via a Xitel DG-1 MD-port. The system starts recording very quickly on Sync-Start after receiving the first bit of data. This is a huge plus.
Sound quality is very good. Please realize that this system only has 20 watts of output, so don't expect to use it for a large party. However, for a bedroom or office, it's perfect. The system is clearly better than my PC speakers, and has all but replaced them. There are 6 equalizer presets and an X-Bass switch. This totals 12 settings, and these suffice. Radio reception from the FM antenna and AM loop antenna is great.
Finally, the remote is both a pro and a con. Everything can be done from the remote except for ejecting discs. Not everything can be done from the unit itself. Therefore, if you're the type who loses remote controls, be especially careful of this one, it is vital. I do like the ability to copy from radio to MD, CD to MD, play any of the three, title discs, edit discs, and change volume and equalizer settings from my bed or from across the room. Personally the remote is a pro for me, but could be a con for others.
Overall, it's a great system. I can't vouch for the long-term reliability. But in 4 months of hard use, the system has behaved perfectly. The sound is great. Finally, you'll never realize how great keyboard titling for minidisc is until you've used it. Highly recommended!
I bought this system for about $150. This investment has been well worth it thus far. I like the system a lot. I will discuss a few problems that I have and then the many plusses of this system.
The Cons
First, this system only has real-time CD to MD copying. Given that current systems can reach speeds of 4x, this is unimpressive. However, this system is much more affordable than a 4x system.
Second, the X5 has no optical (TOS-link)outputs. Then again, this is typical of this class of system.
My only other complaint is the amount of heat that is displaced by the unit. If the unit is left plugged in but off for a long period, the MD inside will be uncharacteristically hot. When turned on, the fan takes care of this within a minute. I could see major problems occurring if the fan malfunctions.
The Pros
The main reason I bought this was for the PS/2 keyboard input. I plugged a spare Dell keyboard into the port and was titling MDs at the 60-70 words per minute that I type, as opposed to the few characters per minute that I was used to on my Sharp MD-MS722. I'd say the keyboard input is worth the price of admission for the X5.
The unit does have an optical-digital input. I use this system to copy mp3s from my PC via a Xitel DG-1 MD-port. The system starts recording very quickly on Sync-Start after receiving the first bit of data. This is a huge plus.
Sound quality is very good. Please realize that this system only has 20 watts of output, so don't expect to use it for a large party. However, for a bedroom or office, it's perfect. The system is clearly better than my PC speakers, and has all but replaced them. There are 6 equalizer presets and an X-Bass switch. This totals 12 settings, and these suffice. Radio reception from the FM antenna and AM loop antenna is great.
Finally, the remote is both a pro and a con. Everything can be done from the remote except for ejecting discs. Not everything can be done from the unit itself. Therefore, if you're the type who loses remote controls, be especially careful of this one, it is vital. I do like the ability to copy from radio to MD, CD to MD, play any of the three, title discs, edit discs, and change volume and equalizer settings from my bed or from across the room. Personally the remote is a pro for me, but could be a con for others.
Overall, it's a great system. I can't vouch for the long-term reliability. But in 4 months of hard use, the system has behaved perfectly. The sound is great. Finally, you'll never realize how great keyboard titling for minidisc is until you've used it. Highly recommended!
