Skip to content
MiniDisc CentralSearch

Device

Sony MZ-N505

Source reference · needs review · MiniDisc Wiki, September 2026 snapshot · Source edited 2026-08-29

Manufacturer
Sony
Model / source grouping
MZ-N505
Device type
portable
MDLP modes
Yes
NetMD interface
Yes
Hi-MD support
No

Capabilities above are source-stated. USB transfer direction, software requirements and regional variants need separate checks.

Manuals & documentation

Search documentation

Related guides & software

Source links; check each guide’s applicability.

Accessories & internal parts

Source-referenced components. Check conditions before substituting parts.

Preserved source

Original source · Source edits are not technical review dates. Original credits and licence notes remain below.

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

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony MZ-N505”. 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.

mz-n505.jpg

Name MZ-N505
Manufacturer Sony
Released 2002/03
Device type portable
Recorder Recorder
MDLP Yes
NetMD Yes
Hi-MD No
Radio No
Dimensions 81 x 27.9 x 74.7mm
Weight 104g
ATRAC ver Type-R
Battery Not recorded AA
Battery notes Not recorded
Sidecar (depr) No
Voltage 3
Power cable Center positive
Price (launch) $200
Not recorded
-
Inputs 3.5mm line in (optical multi)
Outputs 3.5mm headphone
Control USB Mini-B

Budget NetMD recorder. Uses AA batteries, making it an easy to use device. Shipped with a remote which lacks a display.

Highly recommended as a beginner device if you can find one cheap enough.

Works without issue on modern Windows 10 PCs using web/platinum minidisc. You can also use it with the old SonicStage and OpenMG programs using the 64bit drivers.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES: AC-ES305 AC Power Adaptor, MDR-028 Stereo Headphones, CD-ROM Including OpenMG Jukebox ver. 2.2 w/Net MD™ Simple Burner, Blank Re-Recordable MiniDisc x 1, Mini-USB Type-B Cable.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES: POC-15AB/15B Optical Digital Cable, Active Mini Speakers, NH-WM2AA Rechargeable battery, CPA-9C Car Connecting Pack, DCC-E230/-E345 Car Battery Cord.

** Potential Write-head failure **

Similar to the MZ-N1, you may notice skipping during recording, recording silence instead of audio, or the unit failing to write anything to the disc at all (for example, if you started with a blank disc, recorded it in this unit, and then ejected the disc or put the disc into another machine, and the disc remains blank).

You may need to do the Write head repair.

Before doing the write-head repair, especially if your unit is also struggling playing discs, you may want to do basic maintenance such as cleaning and re-lubing the machine.

Find a MZ-N505 on eBay (Affiliate Link)

The MiniDisc Wiki may receive a commission for this affiliate link.


Content adapted from: MZ-N505 Minidisc.org Page

Manuals

Photos

Have photos or data to add? Edit the page! We do not accept contributions via email.

Additional specifications and references
Web MdSupported (Type-R exploits)
Remote Page
ManualUser manual, Service manual, other
RegionJapan, US/Canada, Europe