Sharp MD-ST60

Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sharp MD-ST60”. Links, layout and file names normalized; missing database fields restored; remote embeds replaced with links. Manufacturer manuals and separately credited photographs retain their original attribution.

Name	MD-ST60
Manufacturer	Sharp
Released	1996/11
Device type	portable
Recorder	Player
MDLP	No
NetMD	No
Hi-MD	No
Radio	No
Dimensions	100 x 13.8 x 73mm
Weight	88
ATRAC ver	Not recorded
Battery	Not recorded Not recorded
Battery notes	Not recorded
Sidecar (depr)	Not recorded
Voltage	3.6
Power cable	Not recorded
Price (launch)	Not recorded
Price (launch)	¥42 000
-
Inputs	Not recorded
Outputs	3.5mm headphone
Control	Not recorded

Sharp MD-ST60

As a high-end model of Sharp '96, the popularity and visibility are too low~

I don’t know if the designer was influenced by the Bauhaus aesthetics, so that the ST60 has a strong geometric line tone. The straight decorative elements are matched with the beveled hairline treatment, and the diamond-shaped wire-controlled shape (a rare aluminum alloy is used on the front), which is unique in the standard Japanese product design. Perhaps the shape is too advanced and avant-garde, and the general public's "aesthetic cognition" of the Walkman is different, making the ST60 an almost unknown existence.

It adopts a mashup of magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy interweaving use, and the miniaturization and thinness of the basic components and the reduction of components to achieve an ultra-slim thickness of 13.8mm, although it is still inferior to the Sony MZ-E50, but the MD -ST60 can be powered/charged directly on the fuselage (E50 does not support)

It's just that the endurance performance is obviously shameful. The rechargeable battery still relies on the high-power lithium battery (only 5 hours is unsatisfactory), and when the external battery box is connected, up to AA batteries x4 can be powered. Considering the high power consumption of the MD at that time, the battery The box is the most indispensable existence and needs to be purchased additionally. It is really puzzling for the manufacturer to save money~

In addition, it was also equipped with a charging stand that was quite rare at the time. There is no need to make a special trip to plug in the fuselage or take out the rechargeable battery frequently, just place the fuselage on the charging stand to charge by itself. Slot In Auto Play function, it will automatically play the disc when it is literally put in the thoughtful design.

It also supports 4-way power supply options, rechargeable battery, AA battery, AC power supply (can be directly connected on the fuselage), and car charger.

Allows "MD→MD Edit" function (as does SS70) when coupled with Sharp's MD deck (XV300 or XL10) via a special cable (AD-M4AC). The cable connects like the LCD remote headphones of an MD player, carrying the analog audio signal as well as the data displayed on the LCD. Thus, audio analog copy and title copy are done at the same time. 3 postion digital bass boost. 4 step battery life indicator. Random play. Auto play function starts playback when disc is inserted. Car adapter (AD-S50CK - separately sold) resumes play at beginning of last song in play when car is started. Katakana/roman display. Unit charges simply by placing in recharger base (like a portable phone). Provides 5 hours playback on LiIon rechargeable (AD-ST60BT), 13 hours on [separately sold] external battery case (AD-ST60BC) carrying four alkaline AA cells, 20 hours on both together. Charge time: 2.5 hours. Batteries can be charged while in use w/AC adapter. Available in silver, blue and green. Included accessories: Headphones w/LCD remote (AD-ST60RM), AC adapter, carrying case, rechargeable LiIon battery, manual, recharger base. World power (100-240V) AC adapter (AD-SS70AP) sold separately.

Content adapted from: Sharp news page Archived Press Release Archived Press Release (MiniDisc Wiki mirror)