MZE909, outstanding MD player that lasts forever! (Sony MD Walkman MZ-E909)

Member Name: monkeywarrior

Product:	Sony MD Walkman MZ-E909
Date:	12/06/04 (571 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Incredible battery life, Very lightweight and stylish, Good sound

Disadvantages: Recording equipment required, Supplied headphones not the best

I bought the MZ-E909 about a year ago now from Richer Sounds for the bargain price of just £120 - I believe its still at this price a year on but its still well worth it as MD playing technology has progressed little.

The player itself is one of the smallest and lightest in the world, and it really shows. Every time I pick it up I'm impressed, as is everyone who sees it. Its magnesium alloy body is light and attractive, although it does feel a little fragile, I'm always terrified I'll drop it or get it run over but as yet it's survived without any scratches or dents.

It has every feature desirable in an MD player, including an excellent LCD stick type remote which means the player need never come out of its little bag unless you need to change the disc; G-Protection shock protection, which is extremely effective - I don't think I've ever had the player skip; a little charging cradle into which you can drop the player to charge it in style; and personal disc memory, which I personally don't find useful but will store your settings and programs for discs if you so wish.

One of the most worthy things to mention would be the battery life of the player, which is quite simply spectacular. I'm not sure what Sony quote this as but I've had the player last for weeks of regular use on a single charge and decent AA battery - I wouldnt be surprised if this hits over 100 hours... (note this is using the additional AA battery case which attaches to the side - obviously this is ugly and adds weight but more than triples the life - if you want to show it off this is easily detached and the player then run?s off it?s internal ?gum stick? battery).

The sound quality (though obviously dependent on your recording equipment and headphones) is very good, full and bass
y with enhancement on and it can go more than loud enough for most situations. If you really want to get the best sound out of it I would recommend buying some Sennheiser MX500 earphones or Sony Fontopias as these add that little bit extra to the sound. That said, the supplied headphones are far from poor.

If you're looking for a classy, stylish and tiny minidisc player to compliment your deck or hi-fi then I don't think you'll find a much better one than this - and having since been surpassed by newer models it should be coming down in price - so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain on it.

Just bear in mind it is only a player so you will need your own equipment to record the MDs you play.

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