[Robban]

Just saw a news headline on http://www.minidisc.org/
or http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sharp_IM-DR580+DR80.html that the new Sharp NetMD IM-DR80/DR580 Minidisc recorder is due to arrive either Sept 2003 or Jan 2004. Question is why Sharp chose to avoid an Optical OUT.
The unit seems nice according to the pix but I cannot judge whether you would need to carry along the cradle in order to record a CD away from home. I am used to a good quality optical cable for this purpose (yes, I have patience recording full time) connected directly
CD player ==>>MD

 

[Watchdog]

Wow, that unit looks pretty slick. The one thing I don't like about Sharp is that they don't bring their units to North America. You have to import one if you want one.

Granted I haven't had any problems with my MD equipment, but it's nice to know that you can get support if you need it.

 

[Robban]

I have had VERY good experience in importing units from either Japan or Singapore. Usually (?) a 110~240V World AC adaptor and plug will be included that will fit your country's electrical outlet. As far as having repairs done, none so far. All units bought have run perfectly (and for some years now). I realize that service and parts availability is essential but I know that having a small unit sent to either country is not a hassle (although packaging and shipping costs tend to be).

 

[DLP]

I got my MT770 imported. I also wish Sharp would bring their modern units to America, but they seemed to give up on the US market long ago. Ah well. Just more sales for Sharp Japan.

 

[fureshi]

Quote:

Originally posted by Robban I have had VERY good experience in importing units from either Japan or Singapore. Usually (?) a 110~240V World AC adaptor and plug will be included that will fit your country's electrical outlet. As far as having repairs done, none so far. All units bought have run perfectly (and for some years now). I realize that service and parts availability is essential but I know that having a small unit sent to either country is not a hassle (although packaging and shipping costs tend to be).

What company are you ordering through that includes a world adaptor? Many of the items that I've purchased from Japan only had 100V adaptors.

 

[Superbaldguy]

This new model comes with the universal AC adapter.

 

[gus_tavo]

Quote:

Originally posted by Robban Question is why Sharp chose to avoid an Optical OUT.

Hi Robban! Not only Sharp but Sony and the rest of the MD manufacturers as well. This unit as well as all md units have analog out (except for some lowend Sonys from last year). The reason why there's no optical out on current md units is the fact that the ATRAC codec cannot be transfered via optical ^a stripper is another point though^ (them and their stupid copyright laws). Only the very early MD generation units carry an otical out but as I mentioned, it's almost useless so it wasn't carried on succeeding production for portables.
Good news is I think this is the FIRST unit WITH an optical out on it's docking cradle.
Quote:

Originally posted by Robban ...I cannot judge whether you would need to carry along the cradle in order to record a CD away from home.

Don't worry about it, you can use this unit (as well as ALL Sharp units) without the cradle by using the optical or analog input for your CD dubs.

 

[Robban]

...and I can assure everyone that this is THE unit on my big wishlist amongst other things. I read that about 20 000 units will be shipped out of factory. Dates vary 19 Sept 2003 or Jan 2004.

 

[purk]

If you check the site again, the optical out is a typo. This unit does not support optical output.


Purk

 

[Mystyler]

Robban, you will need the cradle to record CDs - the body only has mic input.

 

[fureshi]

Does anyone have experience of the Sharp sound in comparison to the Sony sound? I've had both Panasonic and Sony PMDP's and I've found the Panasonic to sound better than the Sony.

 

[Robban]

....are great on the Sharp unit I have. Compared with Sony N710 I feel I must give all credit to the Sharp MD-DR480H (DR-7). The Sharp although has a 1-Bit Digital Ampilifier so a real comparison is a bit unfair. I am going all the way with Sharp. Waiting for the new units to arrive.
Sony disappointed med with the N710 amp output (1.2mW !!!!NOTE: European version) however, I should have read the specs before the purchase......
My Sharp MD-DR480H unit is my sole companion! LOVE IT!