The MZ-R909 is much more than just something to play MiniDiscs! I think you know it's a RECORDER, so you can make music from, virtually, anything. Copy CD recordings or tap into your sound card and download mp3 files, or many other uses. I use my unit for recording live perfomances and church sacrament talks.
As a playback device, it has VERY useful 8-step bass/treble controls, which allow customized sound, moreso than the usual per-set EQ settings on most other devices.
Anyway, if you can live without the Net MD thing, the R909 is the best MD recorder on the market, IMHO.