Kenwood DMC-K9R

Features: Through component size reductions, unit has 28% less volume and is 20% thinner than the MS721. Uses same LSI chip set as the MS721/722 (Sharp ATRAC 6). "Top open" (i.e. clamshell, not slot-in) disc insertion. 40 second shock memory. 20bit DAC and ADC. High speed scroll and 3 character display during character selection speeds titling. Triple shuttle backlit LCD remote. Mic and digital synchro start recording. Disk/track "name stamp" function allows titles to be cloned from another disc. 2x high speed playback option on mono recordings. Unit can be operated while recharging. Available in silver, blue and black.

Included accessories: LCD remote, headphone, LiIon cell, AC adapter, connection cord, AA cell case, handstrap, carrying case, instruction manual, warranty card.

Separately available accessories: 100-240VAC adaptor (AD-SS70AP) ¥5000, LiIon cell (AD-T51BT) ¥5500 (from 3/21/99), LCD remote (AD-S31RM) ¥7500, Car power (12/24VDC) adapter (AD-CA20X) ¥5000, Digital sound card (AD-AJ2) ¥25,000.

Mis-features: No date/time stamp during recording.

Links:

• Sharp's Japanese page and press release for the unit.
• Sharp's English MD-MT821 page.
• Photos and Japanese info for Kenwood's DMC-K9R, their Sharp MD-ST821 clone.
• Robert Nguyen's detailed review and clear photos of the Sharp MD-MT821, plus his extensive comparison of the Sharp MD-MT821, Sony MZ-R55, and Aiwa AM-F70.
• Japan-Direct has made a nice Sony MZ-R55 vs. Sharp MD-ST821 comparison that includes a side by side shot showing their relative thicknesses.
• MiniDisc World has a review for this unit.
• A user submits this unit's EEPROM settings.
• Leon Out provides detailed coverage of the unit, including the results of a search for new remote commands.
• Minidisco has a rotatable 3-D spinning image of this unit.
• The MD-MT821 is awarded the Etown Editor's pick position for best high performance MD unit.

Tips: Matthew Swift ([email protected]) reports that the Sony AC adapter model AC-E45HG (around $20) will work with the unit, even though it is rated at 4.5V and only 700mA.

Specs: Headphone amp: 10mw+10mw into 16ohms, Line: 250mV (@-12dB) into 10Kohms.

Reviews:

User Manuals: MD-MT821 courtesy Nick Paul, quick guide