MDS-S39: Best MD Deck Value For The Buck
Written: May 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: PRICE! Easy to Record, Set Rec. Levels, Title; Music Sync Feature
Cons: Jog Dial seems flimsy, Serial Copy Management (no copies of copies!)
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| TheNihcman's Full Review: Sony Walkman MDS-S39 Mini Disc Player |
As a MiniDisc enthusiast, I’d like to introduce to you, the SONY MDS-S39. I believe that it is the best MiniDisc deck for the price. Why pay $800 for an ES Series MiniDisc, when you can pay $300 for the MDS-S39 that performs the same features?
I found that it is extremely easy to use. There is a small dial to set the recording levels, and there are two switches to change the input source (Analog or Digital TOS-Link) and to record in Stereo or Monaural. I also noticed that if your MiniDisc is recorded in Monaural format, the record time is doubled from 74:59 to 149:58.
There is also a feature that comes into play if you have a Sony CD Deck or a Sony component with a Digital TOS-Link Output. It is called “Music Sync.” The recording source, which must be a Sony component, transmits a signal when the track begins and when it ends, via the TOS-Link. The audio is also transmitted through the same cable, so you don’t have to go through with the hassle of manually ending the track if you are recording interludes. I find that this feature is extremely handy, because when I used to record off a CD, the interludes would combine with the adjacent track to form one track.
If you are one of those people who like to title their tracks and songs, the Jog Dial or the remote can be used to do so. I like to use the remote, because it doesn’t feel as flimsy as the Jog Dial, and there is a unique button that will go straight to the song title/MD title. Then, each button on the remote is also assigned a third function; for instance, The “Continue” button, when you are titling a track or a disc, will give you an “A.” There is also a separate button to change the Capitalization of the letter, and another button to go to numbers or other punctuation (e.g. !@#$%^&*,[].?/).
However, unlike my portable MiniDisc players and recorders, which seem to be extremely durable, this MiniDisc seems a bit flimsy. The Jog Dial, which can be used to change the tracks, or set the title if you don’t want to use a remote, feels like it is going to break off if you use it too much. Also, my friend pushed one of the buttons extremely hard, and it was jammed inward for a good amount of time. Fortunately, it was under warranty, and the people at Sony made it very easy for me to send it back for service.
All in all, I feel that this was definitely a good buy, and unless you want to spring for the ES Series MD Decks, this is the best one. Put it in this sense; For the price of the ES Series MD Deck, you could either buy the MDS-S39, plus a Sony CD Deck, which would allow you to utilize the Music Track Feature, plus keep a nifty $200 for yourself.
Recommended:
Yes
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TheNihcman
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Location: New York!
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