Sony MDX-400

sony_mdx-400_1.jpg

Name MDX-400
Manufacturer Sony
Released 1994/01
Device type auto
Recorder Player
MDLP No
NetMD No
Hi-MD No
Radio Yes - world band
Dimensions 181 x 51 x 156
Weight 1900
ATRAC ver 2
Battery
Battery notes
Sidecar (depr)
Voltage 12
Power cable
Price (launch) $1 300
¥120 000
-
Inputs RCA in
Outputs RCA out
Control

There was an MDX-400RDS model as well, most likely released in Europe.

  • High speed 4 MD rotary mechanism
  • Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (ATRAC)
  • 10 second shock resistant memory
  • Four staggered 1-bit pulse D/A converters
  • Dual 12 Character displays for MD disc/track info
  • X-tal Lock™ tuner with SSIR-EX Diversity I
  • 20FM + 10AM presets, Best Tuning Memory
  • Station Memo™ stores 8 character station names
  • UniLink CD/DSP/TV control w/Custom File™
  • Intro Scan, Repeat 1/2/3 and Shuffle 1/2/3
  • Disc Memo™ and Program Bank control
  • Three preamp outputs with preamp fader
  • Optical Digital Output w/optional XA-D210
  • RM-X38 Rotary Commander suppl, wireless optnl
  • Non magnetic Copper Chassis for noise rejection
  • 2 Color selectable illumination, quartz clock
  • Fold down detachable front panel with carry case
  • 4 lb. 3 oz. (1.9 kg)
  • 7 1/8' x 2' x 6 1/8' (In-dash)
  • 7 3/4' x 2 1/2' x 5 1/2' (Subchassis)

User comments: The MDX-400 is really nice. It has two parts - the in dash 4MD changer, and a separate tuner/preamp unit. This makes it much easier to install, since all of the connections are made on the preamp unit, which doesn't have to be crammed into the dash where the stereo goes. There are connections for power, Sub, Front, Rear, Unilink, 2 antennas, wired remote, and MD changer. There's also a wired remote included, which is necessary because the display is so big that they couldn't fit all of the buttons onto the front panel.

The MD changer function works great - there's a cartridge which holds 4 MDs, and it changes between discs in a few seconds. The 2-line display shows the disc or track name on the top line, and the elapsed time on the bottom. The LCD is backlit in a blue-green color, and the buttons can be switched between green and red illumination.

It has a diversity antenna system, which constantly samples two antennas to determine which has the best signal. This gives improved radio reception in areas with weak signals.

It controls an optional TV in the car, and you can see the disc name and track names on the TV. It also controls an optional DSP module which lets you set your seat position and then it digitally delays the signals from each spkr by different amounts so that they all reach the specified position at the same time. The DSP has 10 DSP modes which you can link to your CDs, so that you can have your classical CD play in the concert hall DSP mode, and the disco CD play in disco DSP mode automatically.

The only mis-features that the MDX-400 has are:

  It does not have the "source tone memory" function (independent bass/treble settings for FM, AM, MD, and CD) that most sony ES car receivers have. This is instead implemented with as the "Last Sound Memory" function of the optional DSP. So, you have to have the DSP if you want this feature.
  The "Loudness" function is disabled if you have the DSP connected. Without the DSP, the loudness function works fine. 

-Matt Cervi (mattcervi@home.com)

Owner Comments


Content adapted from: Minidisc.org Sony Page Sony Catalog 93.12

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  • equipment/sony/auto/mdx-400.txt
  • Last modified: 4 weeks ago
  • by muaddib78