Sony MZ-N920

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

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony MZ-N920”. 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	MZ-N920
Manufacturer	Sony
Released	2004/02
Device type	portable
Recorder	Recorder
MDLP	Yes
NetMD	Yes
Hi-MD	No
Radio	No
Dimensions	80.6 x 21.0 x74.2 mm
Weight	94g (121g with battery)
ATRAC ver	Type-S
Battery	Not recorded "Gumstick"
Battery notes	Not recorded
Sidecar (depr)	1xAA
Voltage	1.5, 3
Power cable	Center positive
Price (launch)	Not recorded
Price (launch)	¥33 000
-
Inputs	3.5mm line in (optical multi), 3.5mm microphone
Outputs	3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone
Control	Remote (Sony), USB Mini-B

The MZ-N920 is a NetMD recorder offered by Sony exclusively in Japan in 2004. It appears to be a cost reduction of 2003’s MZ-N910, which in turn appeared to be a cost reduction of 2002’s MZ-N10. The N920 sat below the MZ-NH1, MZ-RH10, and MZ-RH1 in Sony's Japanese portable MD recorder lineup.

The primary changes from the N910 are an update to the headphone amplifier and DAC, eliminating the line-level output mode. The mode remains in the menu as "Link" output, which sets the volume to maximum and returns to the base flat EQ.

It appears to be the last MiniDisc recorder Sony continued selling, managing to outlive first and second-generation Hi-MD recorders like the MZ-RH10, while lasting long enough to rub shoulders in the 2008 Walkman lineup alongside the MZ-RH1 as the final, MiniDisc portable left standing.

Compared with the MZ-N910, the MZ-N920 adds Sony’s “Digital Amp” feature. The MZ-N920 is offered in silver, blue and orange, and compatible with a supplied charging dock. Like the MZ-N910, features a standard Mini-USB Type-B connector for NetMD connectivity, hidden behind a rubber grommet. Note that it can not charge the internal gumstick battery over USB. You must either use the dock or plug the AC adapter directly into the device.

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.

Available in Silver, Blue, Pink. Sold in Korea and Japan.

Battery page test: "Gumstick"

Search for the MZ-N920 on eBay

Content adapted from: MZ-N920 Minidisc.org Page, Sony’s June 2004 Walkman catalogue(Internet Archive link) Sony Product Page Sony Product Page (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) phileweb news phileweb news (MiniDisc Wiki mirror)