Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.
Attribution and changes
Adapted from “Sony MZ-R55”. 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-R55 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Released | 1998/10 |
| Device type | portable |
| Recorder | Recorder |
| MDLP | No |
| NetMD | No |
| Hi-MD | No |
| Radio | No |
| Dimensions | 78.9 x 18.9 x 84 mm |
| Weight | 147g (190g with battery) |
| ATRAC ver | 4 |
| Battery | Not recorded "Gumstick" |
| Battery notes | Not recorded |
| Sidecar (depr) | 2xAA |
| Voltage | 3 |
| Power cable | Center positive |
| Price (launch) | $350 |
| ¥46 000 | |
| - | |
| Inputs | 3.5mm line in (optical multi), 3.5mm microphone |
| Outputs | 3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone |
| Control | Remote (Sony) |
Features: ATRAC 4 (IC: CXD2652AR). Unit is small, 75% the volume of the MZ-R50. 40 sec shock memory, backlit remote "stick controller" with 9 character display (vs. 6 in previous versions).
Operation, editing and track labeling functions available on remote as well as main body. Titling may be done while recording is in progress. Clamshell opens via push button (rather than slider). Two step bass boost. Selectable microphone sensitivity (HIGH/LOW). First recorder with 1.2V drive. Uses NiMH gumstick rechargeable battery (NH-14WM(A)).
Available in Silver, Vintage Gold, Silence Blue, and Illumination Yellow.
Sony announces the upcoming release of a USB to MiniDisc connection kit that will be bundled with the MZ-R55.
Missing features: Contrary to what is stated in the manual, the battery cannot be recharged while the unit is in use. When the unit is in the stopped state, pressing the stop button again will start the battery charging. In manual recording level mode, the unit must be paused to change the level setting (as with all Sony portables).
Notes: The MZ-R55's remote can be used with the MZ-R50, but in this case the backlight is inoperative (only the MZ-R55 emits the command codes needed to control the backlight). The MZ-R55 remote is completely interchangeable with the MZ-R37 remote. -Gerald Tomyn
Tips: Take special care to close the rechargeable battery compartment hatch carefully and completely; the plastic tabs at the corners have been known to break when they are not grasped completely by the metal hook edge inside the player.
Problems: Hoshing Kwong describes a circuit board fix for the Sony MZ-R55 self recording-start problem.
Variations: MZ-R55PCIF is a version that included a Xitel MD-PORT AN1 analog line adapter. MZ-R55CG MZ-R55CG (MiniDisc Wiki mirror) - a possible later improvement claiming to be "slimmer" and with improved sound quality and using ATRAC 4.5. Sweetwater review
ATRAC Chip: CXD2652AR
Optical block: KMS-280A
MD Mechanism: MT-MZR55-161
Find a MZ-R55 on eBay (Affiliate link)
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Content adapted from: Sony Press Release Minidisc.org MZ-R55 marlene-d.blogspot review
Manuals
Photos
Additional specifications and references
| Web Md | No (not NetMD) |
|---|---|
| Remote Page | |
| Atrac Ic | CXD2650R / CXD2652/R/AR |
| Manual | User manual, Service manual |
| Region | Japan, US/Canada, Europe |