Sony MDX-400

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

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony MDX-400”. 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	MDX-400
Manufacturer	Sony
Released	1994/01
Device type	auto
Recorder	Player
MDLP	No
NetMD	No
Hi-MD	No
Radio	Yes - 88-108MHz
Dimensions	181 x 51 x 156
Weight	1900
ATRAC ver	2
Battery	Not recorded Not recorded
Battery notes	Not recorded
Sidecar (depr)	Not recorded
Voltage	12
Power cable	Not recorded
Price (launch)	$1 300
Price (launch)	¥120 000
-
Inputs	RCA in
Outputs	RCA out
Control	Not recorded

There was an MDX-400RDS varient for the UK and AEP markets.

High speed 4 MD rotary mechanism
Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (ATRAC)
10 second shock resistant memory
Four staggered 1-bit pulse D/A converters
Dual 12 Character displays for MD disc/track info
X-tal Lock™ tuner with SSIR-EX Diversity I
20FM + 10AM presets, Best Tuning Memory
Station Memo™ stores 8 character station names
UniLink CD/DSP/TV control w/Custom File™
Intro Scan, Repeat 1/2/3 and Shuffle 1/2/3
Disc Memo™ and Program Bank control
Three preamp outputs with preamp fader
Optical Digital Output w/optional XA-D210
RM-X38 Rotary Commander suppl, wireless optnl
Non magnetic Copper Chassis for noise rejection
2 Color selectable illumination, quartz clock
Fold down detachable front panel with carry case
4 lb. 3 oz. (1.9 kg)
7 1/8' x 2' x 6 1/8' (In-dash)
7 3/4' x 2 1/2' x 5 1/2' (Subchassis)

User comments: The MDX-400 is really nice. It has two parts - the in dash 4MD changer, and a separate tuner/preamp unit. This makes it much easier to install, since all of the connections are made on the preamp unit, which doesn't have to be crammed into the dash where the stereo goes. There are connections for power, Sub, Front, Rear, Unilink, 2 antennas, wired remote, and MD changer. There's also a wired remote included, which is necessary because the display is so big that they couldn't fit all of the buttons onto the front panel.

The MD changer function works great - there's a cartridge which holds 4 MDs, and it changes between discs in a few seconds. The 2-line display shows the disc or track name on the top line, and the elapsed time on the bottom. The LCD is backlit in a blue-green color, and the buttons can be switched between green and red illumination.

It has a diversity antenna system, which constantly samples two antennas to determine which has the best signal. This gives improved radio reception in areas with weak signals.

It controls an optional TV in the car, and you can see the disc name and track names on the TV. It also controls an optional DSP module which lets you set your seat position and then it digitally delays the signals from each spkr by different amounts so that they all reach the specified position at the same time. The DSP has 10 DSP modes which you can link to your CDs, so that you can have your classical CD play in the concert hall DSP mode, and the disco CD play in disco DSP mode automatically.

The only mis-features that the MDX-400 has are:

  It does not have the "source tone memory" function (independent bass/treble settings for FM, AM, MD, and CD) that most sony ES car receivers have. This is instead implemented with as the "Last Sound Memory" function of the optional DSP. So, you have to have the DSP if you want this feature.
  The "Loudness" function is disabled if you have the DSP connected. Without the DSP, the loudness function works fine.

-Matt Cervi ([email protected])

Owner Comments

Optical pickup: KMS-151A ATRAC IC: CXD2531R

Content adapted from: Minidisc.org Sony Page Sony Page (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) Sony Catalog 93.12

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