Sony MZ-NHF800 Personal MiniDisc Player
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Similar in Personal Audio Mini Disc Player
- Recordable: Recordable
- Built-in Equalizer: Yes
- Headphones: Yes
- Remote Control: Yes with LCD
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Advanced MD technology, but needs MP3 support...
Pros
Excellent technology
Cons
Needs to accept Mp3 and WMA
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Wait until Sony releases support for MP3 and WMA files.
I originally bought the MZ-NHF600D, but returned it due to the poor support for Sonic Stage v2.0. I then traded it in for an HD player (Creative Zen Xtra 30GB).
Since then, Sony is officially working on MP3 support and updates to Sonic Stage (the software). Current release is v2.2, and they promise a wav converter soon for self-recorded items.
This all prompted me to take a plunge on the MZ-NHF800; Sony is undeniably the leader in sound quality, and the prospect of recording concerts was too much to ignore.
The MZ-NHF800 comes with a battery adapter (AC only) and a remote that allows for AM/FM/TV tuning. I hardly use the radio/TV functions, so my review will be on the recorder's abilities.
Recording from Mic:
I tested this out in 3 settings; 20ft away from a TV (passive mic), in a classroom lecture, and in from of my stereo (to simulate a concert). With the mic sensitivity set at high, it was able to record everything from the TV. I set the mic sensitivity low for my stereo recording, and the sound was terrific, but the vocal volumes were low (to be expected).
I also recorded a lecture at school using a passive mic (no power). It was able to pick up my teacher (with low speech) at 30ft away. If you are recording lectures, bring a powered mic.
Battery Life:
Also very good. You'll easily get 20 hours on a AA battery (play life, recording is another story). Still, this recorder will beat an HD player's life easily. My Creative Zen Xtra 30GB gets 8 hours at best.
Play Back:
I have to say, you have a lot of options here. You can choose from the presets or set 2 custom EQ settings. Also, there is PCM, Hi-SP, or Hi-LP. You will likely use the first 2, as Hi-LP sounds fine, but is set at a lower volume to compensate for the lower compression. Most people will opt for Hi-SP for quality sound and storage ability.
Software:
You can only interface with SonicStage v2.2, and this program only allows for ATRAC3plus. When Sony allows for MP3 or WMA support, this player will make a killing! Conversion to ATRAC3plus is really slow with the software, so music transfer is cumbersome. But once music is written to a minidisc, it will last virtually forever.
For all of the upgrades to the memory, they are still using USB 1.1. This transfer rate just slows things down even further. I think that Sony should rethink it's codec compatibility, especially if it wants to compete with the iPod. It should have offered USB v2.0 for higher transfer rates.
I use this device for transferring files from work to the home PC. No problem; the computer read it as a high storage capacity device. I have been using it to bring home Power Point presentations without a problem.
Since then, Sony is officially working on MP3 support and updates to Sonic Stage (the software). Current release is v2.2, and they promise a wav converter soon for self-recorded items.
This all prompted me to take a plunge on the MZ-NHF800; Sony is undeniably the leader in sound quality, and the prospect of recording concerts was too much to ignore.
The MZ-NHF800 comes with a battery adapter (AC only) and a remote that allows for AM/FM/TV tuning. I hardly use the radio/TV functions, so my review will be on the recorder's abilities.
Recording from Mic:
I tested this out in 3 settings; 20ft away from a TV (passive mic), in a classroom lecture, and in from of my stereo (to simulate a concert). With the mic sensitivity set at high, it was able to record everything from the TV. I set the mic sensitivity low for my stereo recording, and the sound was terrific, but the vocal volumes were low (to be expected).
I also recorded a lecture at school using a passive mic (no power). It was able to pick up my teacher (with low speech) at 30ft away. If you are recording lectures, bring a powered mic.
Battery Life:
Also very good. You'll easily get 20 hours on a AA battery (play life, recording is another story). Still, this recorder will beat an HD player's life easily. My Creative Zen Xtra 30GB gets 8 hours at best.
Play Back:
I have to say, you have a lot of options here. You can choose from the presets or set 2 custom EQ settings. Also, there is PCM, Hi-SP, or Hi-LP. You will likely use the first 2, as Hi-LP sounds fine, but is set at a lower volume to compensate for the lower compression. Most people will opt for Hi-SP for quality sound and storage ability.
Software:
You can only interface with SonicStage v2.2, and this program only allows for ATRAC3plus. When Sony allows for MP3 or WMA support, this player will make a killing! Conversion to ATRAC3plus is really slow with the software, so music transfer is cumbersome. But once music is written to a minidisc, it will last virtually forever.
For all of the upgrades to the memory, they are still using USB 1.1. This transfer rate just slows things down even further. I think that Sony should rethink it's codec compatibility, especially if it wants to compete with the iPod. It should have offered USB v2.0 for higher transfer rates.
I use this device for transferring files from work to the home PC. No problem; the computer read it as a high storage capacity device. I have been using it to bring home Power Point presentations without a problem.
