Sony MXD-D2

sony_mxd-d2.jpg

Name MXD-D2
Manufacturer Sony
Released 1998/12
Device type deck
MDLP No
NetMD No
Hi-MD No
Radio No
Dimensions 430 x 120 x 290mm
Weight 5.2kg
ATRAC ver 4.5
Power cable AC
Price (launch)
¥74 000
-
Inputs RCA in, Digital optical (TOSLINK), Digital coaxial, CD
Outputs 1/4 inch headphone, RCA out, Digital optical (TOSLINK)
Control PC Link

1. MD / CD integrated deck for easy recording from CD to MD.
A CD mechanical deck and an MD mechanical deck are mounted on an integrated body. In addition to eliminating the need for troublesome connections, you can easily perform recording operations from CD to MD.

2. Compatible with PC connection kit “ PCLK-PX1” for set stereo It is compatible with the already released PC connection kit “PCLK-PX1” (11,000 yen plus tax), and you can perform basic operations, recording / editing operations, and character input on the PC screen. You can use the GUI (graphical user interface) of your computer to move the song you want to record to the MD window by dragging and dropping it from the song window of the CD.

3. Equipped with a high-definition full-dot display that can display kanji and hiragana Characters entered on a personal computer or a device that supports kanji / hiragana character input can be displayed on the main unit display. (Kanji and Hiragana characters cannot be entered from the main unit and the attached RM-D26M remote control)

4. Equipped with digital REC level control (± 12dB)

Specs: Freq. resp: 5-20kHz +/-0.5dB, Dynamic range: >97dB, SNR: > 96dB, THD: <0.005%


Content adapted from: Minidisc.org page, Sony product announcement (Japanese, Archived) Audio-Heritage.jp a-nkmr.com Sony Product Page Sony Product Park

I purchased a Sony MXD-D2 deck last month (12/98) and I can honestly tell you that it has thoroughly enhanced my appreciation for the minidisc. For those of you who don't know, the MXD-D2 is one of Sony's new decks; in fact, it is part of their “New Concept” machine line.

But why did I buy this particular minidisc deck? The primary reason is that it is the only deck that has both a CD and MD player/recorder built into it. This makes copying CDs digitally extremely simple- With the push of 2 buttons, the deck begins recording. You can, of course, adjust the recording levels, but the deck is by default set to record exactly as input from the source. There are 4 available input sources- CD, Analog, Coaxial, and Optical.

For sound quality, the recordings are better than the ones I made on my R30 primarily because Sony used newer components and home decks generally outperform portables. Performance can not compare to MDS-JA33ES, however, as that ES deck has Sony's 4 setting Variable Coefficient Digital Filter. I have first hand experience with that system as my car CD deck, the Sony CDX-C90, also has this feature. The MXD-D2, however, is significantly less expensive than the MDS-JA33ES, and the MXD-D2 also has the CD deck built in.

The machine works well and is easy to work even if you can not understand Japanese. I am lucky, however, to be able to understand some Japanese as I studied it in school. This made operation as easy as it could be. But for non-Japanese speakers, the deck is laid out entirely in English. (Which is really quite odd considering the deck is for use in Japan, but then again many things are like that.)

But perhaps the one biggest time saver is the fact that I can now title MDs on my computer using the PCLK-PX1 software kit. The deck is unfortunately incompatible with the PCLK-MD1 kit, so be careful that you buy the right package.

Overall, I am extremely happy with this unit. The look is a welcome departure from Sony's past usage of that unsightly black. The ergonomics are about a 9 on a 1-10 scale; some buttons are a little small, but they are not too bad. As for buying one I'm pretty sure that you have to get it from Japan. I paid 52,000 yen, which is approximately $448.28 USD. I'd say that's a real bargain compared to anything that's available in the United States.

January 1999 - Andy Cheng

 Inside

Submit your own! Edit the page or Contact us.

You could leave a comment if you were logged in.
  • equipment/sony/deck/mxd-d2.txt
  • Last modified: 3 months ago
  • by specialk