Should I go for the MZ-R909 or the MZ-E909?

[appar111]

Ok, here's the deal-- I currently have an MZ-R50. I'm thinking about getting another MD unit that I can take on the go and keep the R50 at home for recording only. I can get an MZ-E909 for about $149 brand new, or I can get a used MZ-R909 for a little less than that (no remote, but has everything else).

Being that I only really need a player, would it be silly for me to go for the R909? Should I just stick with a player-only unit? I figure that there's less electronics in a play-only unit, so I wouldn't have to worry so much about it getting jostled around. On the other hand, is it silly to pay more money for a unit that only plays, when I can spend less money on a unit that also records?

appar111

 

[darkfusion]

Get the R909, the E909 has a poor output (something like 3mW I think) where as the R909 has the standard 5mW. Also after using both units, I can tell you the R909 definatly has a better build quality, and also looks awesome. Another decent thing is if you get the R909 you have a good back-up recorder if your current one dies, and it's also got an LCD on the main unit.

R909

 

[KJ_Palmer]

I'd say go for the R909 too. Not only is it cheaper, but if you're planning to do any more MD recording, ATRAC Type R will make much better quality recordings than the R50. Plus you will have the options of MDLP2 or MDLP4.

If you only want to play back your existing MDs, or aren't going to do much recording, then as you say the E909 has it's own advantages.

Hang on to your R50 though, it's a classic, and that line out makes it (almost) priceless

.

 

[appar111]

Wow, the R50 is THAT good, huh?

I know the E909's output is a little less, but what about the quality of the sound? I've heard that for each generation of MD, the player version has slightly better sound quality (i.e. E90 sounds better than R90, E909 sounds better than R909, E910 sounds better than R910).

Is this true?

Also, if I'm going to be stuffing this in my pocket, will the LCD get scratehd up? I won't have to worry about that on the play-only units.

 

[darkfusion]

Players do sound slightly better yes, but the lower output on the E909 will probably mean the R909 will give you the best sound anyway. As for the R50, yes it really is that good, hang on to it and keep it nice

 

[Superbaldguy]

The MZ-R909 is one of Sony's best MD units, ever, but sort of got lost in all the hype over Net MD. If you can get one in pristine conditon, I'd grab it.

 

[appar111]

Also, I won't be doing a huge amount of recording, just whenever I get some new cds, I'll put them on MD to take on the go to listen. It won't be for live recording, or anything like that (maybe 10-12 MD's made a month...

 

[Fish Tank X]

Every time I see the 'E909 has a lower output' I want to scream and jump up and down.

The MZ-E909, theoretically has an output of only 3mw. But this isn't at the typical 16 watts sony rates their portables for. No, instead of 5+5@16ohms, it's 3+3@32ohms. Check sony's page for it! The MZ-E909 has the *same* output as any other Sony MD portable.

 

[blr]

As a R909 user I'd say get it. Especially if you can get it cheaper than E909. You get Type R recording and solid built.

 

[Fish Tank X]

A case for the E-909.

Won't your E-909 come with a warranty? And a remote? The warranty to me is a huge bonus when buying something, and you can assume right off the bat the E-909 is mint.

 

[appar111]

Fish tank-
Good point--- I'm finding out lately, all too easily, the price you pay for getting something used without a warranty. Unless you are dealing with someone who is very understanding and will let you return the item and get your money back (which is rare, and very appreciated when it happens), then you're stuck.

My R50 is no more (my particular NOS unit was fine until I went to record, and realized that it wouldn't-- it won't save TOC changes or something). So now I don't even have a recorder. Luckily, the gentleman I bought it from is an upstanding guy and is refunding my money as soon as the item is shipped back to him. Did I mention I'm very lucky that he's doing that?

So NOW I'm faced with which recorder to get. Granted, the price on the R909 is great, but I don't want to have to deal with something going wrong with a used unit, should that situation arise.

Any new MD recorder recommendations?

appar111

 

[PodMan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Fish Tank X Every time I see the 'E909 has a lower output' I want to scream and jump up and down.

lol i feel the same way. i can't remember the countless times i have had to bring that up. eventually i just stopped caring. if the E909 is a U.S. unit, it is rated at the 5@16ohms (from the instruction manual) just like all other sony units.

anyway, what is your price limit? if you want to go all out, consider the DR7. that way you won't be tempted to upgrade. i think you get a one year warranty at a lot of the import places.

 

[Trawlerman]

Yup, the MZ-R909 kicks butt!

I have a R30, R900, R909, N707 and the N10 and the R909 is the best of the bunch in my opinion.