Help on indentifying vintage PCDP

[mikeliao]

Hello all. I came across a small second hand shop that had a selection of PCDP. 3 caught my eye and I'm trying to identify the model and gather some information on the player quality and sound. The clerk wouldn't let me listen to them. Any help would be appreciated as my google skills haven't turned up any information.

All Sony Discmans. I didn't have a camera with me but will try to take pictures next time.

D99. At least that's what the model number on the back says. Looks like a D25.

D-J50 Very thin. Full metal case.

D350 Not the plastic one. Its a full metal case, square, and has oh maybe 30 buttons. Direct track access and a big LCD screen.

D230 Looks very similiar to a D25 but has small round metal buttons.

Any information appreciated. Thanks.

 

[warubozu]

Of the models you listed I have all of them except the D230, with that said here are my brief impressions.

D99 - This PCDP is ok but not stellar in soundstage and detail compared to other vintage PCDPs. The D25 you mentioned as a look alike sound better than the D99 IMO. The D99 does have a decent headphone out and delivers a little bit of slam but it lacks the soundstage and detail compared to a D25. Buy if you can score it for under $30 and if it's in great condition.

D-J50 - This PCDP is about as thick as a cd jewel case and it sounds great. Good detail and soundstage and good headphone out. Definately pick this one up as it is is quite hard to find even on Ebay. Pappapucho2 recently sold his on ebay that was in excellent condition, check out the following link to that auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MESE:IT

and another ebay link to give you an idea how much a D-J50 can go for on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...710906471&rd=1

D350 - This PCDP is also a sounds great and like you've mention has many cool buttons on it's lid to allow direct access. The D350 is noted for have the most powerful headphone out amongst vintage PCDP and can get quite loud. Soundstage and detail from the D350 is pretty good, I liked it better than the D99. Pick it up if it's in excellent condition and under $45.

As with all vintage PCDPs that is being purchased from a second hand shop, bring a few of your personal cds and demand that you will only buy the PCDPs if you're allowed to listen to them to see if they actually work. Also carefully inspect the PCDPs to make sure that nothing is broken or missing before you buy them. A broken vintage PCDP or one that is missing parts can be costly to repair or replace. In some cases you might not be able to repair them as there aren't many spare parts left in supply or vendors that carry them. Sony has a few replacement parts for certain models but a lot of their inventory is out of stock.

 

[mikeliao]

Okay, nevermind. I've found some sources after more googling and searches through headfi's threads.

Now the question is, how would you rank the following on sound alone?

D-99
D-J50
D-35
D-777
D-22

All these players are priced less than $100, the cheapest is a D-99 for $65. What do you think guys?

Still no information on the D-230 though. Went through all the avaliable discman pictures I could find and no match. It not a D-23 either, although the D-350 turned out to be a D-35. Info anyone?

 

[warubozu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeliao Okay, nevermind. I've found some sources after more googling and searches through headfi's threads. Now the question is, how would you rank the following on sound alone? D-99 D-J50 D-35 D-777 D-22 All these players are priced less than $100, the cheapest is a D-99 for $65. What do you think guys? Still no information on the D-230 though. Went through all the avaliable discman pictures I could find and no match. It not a D-23 either, although the D-350 turned out to be a D-35. Info anyone?

My ranking from what I've had the opportunity to listen to:

1. D-J50
2. D-777
3. D-35
4. D-99

Haven't heard the D-22 so I can't comment on that one.

 

[mikeliao]

Thanks warubozu for the quick replies. I'm off to the shop tomorrow to buy a PCDP. The P-J50 was $100 and if its in good working condition, I guess that's what I'll bring home. The D-777 and D-35 was absoutly clean and looked unused. Thanks again warubozu.

 

[D-EJ915]

The D12 that I have sounds great (a lot better than the D-E707), and it's the same model as the D22.

I'd suggest getting the:
D-J50
D-350
and for portable use
D-777


Don't get the D-22, I got my D-12 for 12 bucks on ebay.

 

[strohmie]

To echo the other opinions, the D-J50 is a "must buy" at around $100. The D-350 at more than $65 is a bit too expensive, and the D-777 sounds like it's probably worth more than they're asking if it's in the $65-$100 range. But the D-J50 is worth much more than that asking price, so go for it if it's in working condition.

 

[mikeliao]

I got the clerk to let me listen to the players. The D-J50 and D-777 were very close but the D-J50 just edged out the D-777 soundwise. $98 for the D-J50. I guess I got a good deal...if it doesn't die on me in the next few weeks. Looks to be in good condition though. No worn corners or anything, just a bit of worn paint around the buttons. 30 day return policy.

There was also a Technics SL-XP6 there that sounded very very good. Excellent condition and going for $120. Good buy?

 

[insomniac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeliao I got the clerk to let me listen to the players. The D-J50 and D-777 were very close but the D-J50 just edged out the D-777 soundwise. $98 for the D-J50. I guess I got a good deal...if it doesn't die on me in the next few weeks. Looks to be in good condition though. No worn corners or anything, just a bit of worn paint around the buttons. 30 day return policy. There was also a Technics SL-XP6 there that sounded very very good. Excellent condition and going for $120. Good buy?

I'm a big fan of the XP6. Quality metal construction, takes AA batteries, very compact size for its time, and the sound quality is superb. Great line out and powerful headphone out. I guess whether it's worth $120 depends on the condition and accessories. I want to say that you'd be able to get it cheaper on eBay. On the other hand, if you go by the quality of the unit, I think it's better than some of the Sony models that go for $120 on eBay.

 

[warubozu]

I know the XP6 is a 4 time oversample PCDP, is it also a 18 bit PCDP? I agree that sound wise the D-J50 sounds a little better than the D-777. The D-777 is a warm sounding PCDP with a good soundstage, but the D-J50 has just as big of a soundstage if not slightly bigger and a more upfront sound to it which I like. The D-J50 also has a bit more slam than the D-777 to my ears. As Stromie has mention and as seen in the two Ebay links I've provided, the D-J50 is worth much more that the $100 you're paying for it. If you should eventually resell it on Ebay you will definitely make a profit.