Solid build, Solid quality. (Sharp MD MS722)

Member Name: Ian Proudfoot

Product:	Sharp MD MS722
Date:	17/10/00 (172 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: excellent quality build, sound

Disadvantages: heavy compared to later MD players

To put it simply the Sharp MD MDS-722 is a rather pleasing little player with a surprising array of user friendly function.

Aesthetically the MDS-722 is extremely eye-catching breaking away from the standard rectangular shape of the majority of portable Mini Disc players. It’s sturdy square appearance with a symmetrically balanced layout set around the central circular shuttle control not only makes it easy to navigate around, but also gives it a grandiose feel. This is backed up with a high quality build, which not only heightens the player’s overall visual impact, but also is highly reliable and strong. (I have accidentally dropped the player a few times and it has not been even slightly blemished).

Function wise the MDS-722 is also of high quality. The shuttle control makes the process of editing and track naming easier, reducing the amount of time spend on button pressing and the associated problem of dead man’s fingers. The solid feel of this shuttle control and the other edit/record buttons always gives the feeling of being in charge.

Add to this a digital output, including a optical link, a rechargeable lithium battery and a headphone controller with a standard jack plug on it (meaning you can plug in the majority of headphones) and you have got a well balanced player. The other function that stands out for me is the eject lever which is a solid and reliable (small things please small minds)

My only criticisms of the MDS-722 is compared to some of the later Mini Disc players is that it is fairly weighty. A minor gripe is that the editing only goes down to seconds rather than milliseconds, but most people and I can probably live with this.

I would recommend this player to most people, as it is not overly expensive and of quality build. Also I recommend Mini Disc as a format, for it’s portability (Show me a Portable CD player which does not jump when you walk and I will change my mind) the qu
ality of sound and the easy of editing.

Summary: