[appar111]

I just managed to get one of each of these on Ebay for around $12-20 shipped ($12 for the D-121, $16 for the D-131 and $20 for the D-180K).

I know these aren't top of the line models from their day, but how is the sound on these overall? I always end up going back to stuff like my old Panasonic SL-S180, which just can't be beat for a good powerful, balanced sound-- especially now that I have my SR80's. I'm mainly interested in these for good bedside/chairside/desktop players.

I wonder how these old Sony pcdp's will sound, especially compared to newer stuff like the D-EJ955 which I just traded. Are their bass boosts useful in moderation (i.e. the first notch of them?) The D-180K is a car discman from what I can tell, but I don't know much more than that...

Can anyone offer their opinions on any of these players?

thanks
appar111

 

[clandestine]

Appar,
Since nobody else has stepped forth, I'll share my (very) limited experiences with you.
A short time ago I invested in a set of Ety 4Ps, and plugged them into my 2-year-old Discman, model number blahblahblahwhocares. My next investment was to be a small, portable amp, something along the lines of a Xin or a nice Meta42.
So I log back in to Head-Fi to get some opinions on which way to go with my amp, only to stumble across the many Vintage Discman threads.
I started reading all of this stuff about being able to pick up a 10 or 15 year-old POWER Discman for like 5 or 10 bucks and decided to give it a whirl. My first purchase was a D-121. Plugged the Etys into that bad boy, fired it up and my jaw just about hit the floor. It was the next best thing to being plugged into my home system. Amazing.
Clicked the BASS to MID and I just could not believe what I was hearing. In my AMATEUR opinion, for the music that I listen to, this combination is just incredible. Maybe not the audio purist's view, but a little boost sounds great to these ears. So to answer your question, YES, I think there is much to be heard by giving 'er a little bass boost. Also, it seems that the MEGA BASS feature boosts the whole range, not just bass. Again, AMATEUR opinion.
I agree with you on the Panasonic. Bummed a 1995 SL-S250 from my girlfriend, and was very impressed with the sound - compared, of course, with the newer players. Strong and detailed.
I have since scored a D-141 and a D-11, but for some reason the 121 is still my favorite. Can't wait 'til I pull the $ together so I can land a D-303 or Denon D-150.
Well that's my two cents. Happy listening.

 

[amadeus-mozart]

I picked up a few PCDPs I wanted very cheaply on eBay... including the 111, 121, 131, and 141. I've found the 111 to be the best of the four but it's currently in need of repairs. I think maybe the build quality on the 141 is a bit better than the 121 and 131 but the sound (at least 121) seems to be pretty much equal. For me the 121 and 141's are great buys which can be gotten for a song. Watch for the D-33. It's an underrated and maybe a sleeper. Some people (myself included) like it better than the D-25s.

amadeus-mozart