Welcome to our great Best Buy guide!
How we work...  It's not easy, to give good advice and actually very complicated, to select the absolute best value... And no advice, will fit everyone... But we are very careful, research deep, investigate more alternatives, have a talent for "systematic analyze" and write only about categories we really know, so I suspect that you always will find the best advice here...
We don't work like magazines, who only compare a few models (once or twice a year) and then give a "best buy" to the best budget alternative... We investigate every new promising product (within a week) in each category... And the products we recommend, are the "best value" alternatives that gives you "very fine qualities" at a nice price and NOT the little cheaper budget version, with lower qualities or some vital missing features... Plus more expensive alternatives, if they really are clearly better... Then is most of the Best Buy's tested with very high grades, by the finest review sites / magazines and always carefully evaluated, by myself...
Sometimes can a producer dominate a category, as Panasonic with six superior digital cameras 2005 but we never let any "feelings" or favouritism colour our judgments and we never guess... So we are sincerely happy if any brand make a better product and when we report about a new product, that might become a Best Buy, does we only call it "promising" until we seen very high grades in fine reviews...
We don't write complete reviews... We "simply" select the Best Buy and any really fine alternatives... Then does we normally explain the advantages, that make it the best choice and point out any negative sides... And we give also some vital advice and explain often what's extra important... And you can naturally use this guide, as a starting point or reference and then try to find something better... Or a good alternative, that have some special quality you love!
Please click here  and email me... If you have any important information (as extra good or bad qualities) about a Best Buy, news about finer worldwide alternatives and finer pictures... But we don't have time to answer questions and finally, nobody have ever complained about any advice... We have only got grateful mails, from happy buyers and other experts!
This guide is normally adjusted, two three times every week... Click here to see some of the greatest news... The prices (in Swedish sek) was the lowest with delivery I found in Swedish sites (including 25% tax) and otherwise, the max price... I decided to not show all prices in US dollars and instead use that time, to give better advice... But when I anyhow write an usd price, is that without tax... You may click here and see (in an extra window) how much "Sek, Swedish krona" is in Your money... This guide is written from a Swedish perspective and some products may be more (or less) expensive, in your country and you may naturally find some fine local alternatives, in some countries!
Audio equipment
You should first click here  and read the HiFi school... Mainly to find out
what equipment, you actually may need (!) before you continue...
Home Cinema Receivers
Loudspeakers
Head Phones
Equalizer
Mini Disc & Mp3
CD players
Mini System
Tuner and more...
Home Cinema Receivers With Dolby Digital, DTS and over 6x60 watt at 8ohm or 6x100 w at 4ohm, see more below about watt measurements... They have also ProLogic IIx that can "play" old stereo, as fine surround and clearly improve standard surround...
 A few models have now a very valuable digital equalizer* for every channel, plus bass and treble controls you can use in surround mode... *A fine equalizer give you a more open and natural sound, without the ordinary "boxy" sound effect - if you set it right and not are lucky to have speakers, that give a very "boxy" free sound... Click here to read about the exact advantages with an equalizer, in a new window... You should not buy a reciever without a fine equalizer, if you not prefer a "boxy" sound OR already have speakers, that give a "boxy" free sound...
And then has some receivers a noisy fan... See more what's important, just under my recommendations... I will list many models here, because some shop might suddenly sell a little too expensive model at an extra low price, making that one the best choice... Yes, the price differences between shops are often HUGE on receivers... Remember finally that a fine Cinema Receiver cost about 2 times more than a fine stereo amplifier (which anyhow is amazing cheap) mainly because it must include many more fine amplifiers and a lot of extra functions, plus the radio!
The best alternatives at a fine price...  Was Denon AVR-2106 in USA from 2006 with 7x90w (at 8ohm 20-20.000hz 0.05% dist, or 7x125w at 6ohm 0.7 % or dynamic power 2x170w at 4ohm) from separate high-current amplifiers and a valuable 8 bands graphic equalizer that you can adjust +-6db (just as the famous AVR-2805, 985S and AVC-1920 model) But this excellent EQ function is "locked out" in the European version of 2106 which is tragic and that make Onkyo TX-SR603E below, to a finer alternative in Europe... Then has 2106 also bass and treble controls (+-6db) you can use even in surround mode and excellent auto setup calibration, with microphone and (only in the USA version) parametric equalizer... According to a big review in German www.areadvd.de give 2106 a more detailed cinema and music sound (with greater dynamics, precision and brilliance) than 2105 and other receivers in this price class (plus better bass than Pioneer 1015) that still is warm and pleasant after many hours... It sound even finer than some of the best, at almost twice the price... The magazine Audiovision did also compare Denon AVR-2106 with Pioneer VSX-1015 and Yamaha RX-V757 and Denon was the winner, with clearly higher sound quality than you expect at the price... And What Hifi magazine did grade Denon AVR-2106 and Yamaha RX-V657 as winners, over Onkyo TX-SR603E and Pioneer VSX-1015... Then can you also bi-amp the front speakers for greater power (stronger than Yamaha 1500 or Onkyo 702) it has a very nice remote (with light, but not learning) advanced zone 2 multi room, phono in for a record player, lip sync delay (0-200ms) separate level adjustment for each input, 100mhz component inputs for HD video signals, don't get hot (without a noisy fan) weight 12.8kg and the Swedish shop say it work fine with 4ohm speakers (even if the manual say from 6ohm) at 4990sek... But it has no HDMI interface, get very warm if it's placed tight and both Onkyo TX-SR603E is more advanced in some aspects... Then are clearly stronger alternatives from Denon, dramatically more expensive.
In Europe was Onkyo TX-SR603E from 2006 the finest choice - with excellent sound quality... Yes, even better than Denon above according to some reviews and with very happy owners, including myself... And it has also a 5 band digital equalizer (+-6db at 80, 250, 800hz, 2.5 and 8khz) for every channel (except zone 2 or the earphones) plus bass and treble control's (+-10db at 50hz and 20khz) that work even in surround mode, so you can actually use them as an extra "lowest and highest" equalizer band... It's also powerful, has a delicious design in black or silver, convenient direct buttons for input selection, handle 4ohm speakers and you can turn off the blue light around the volume knob, at just 5100sek... But is has no HDMI connections and the equalizer don't work (only the fine tone controles) in zone 2 or with headphones...
This model was replaced late 2006 with the strange designed Onkyo TX-SR 604 with HDMI switch and slightly more power (2x90w 8ohm 20-20khz 0.08% FTC / 7x150w 6ohm IEC) and the same fine equalizer plus tone controls, at only 4900sek and we have not seen any test yet... Then is there a slighly more advanced Onkyo TX-SR 674E that is a 604 with slightly more power (95w 8ohm 20-20khz 0.08% FTC) and up converting to 720/1080 HD video - that already got many splendid reviews, at 6100sek... After that are clearly stronger alternatives from Onkyo, dramatically more expensive... After that came late 2007 Onkyo TX-SR 605 that offer HDMI 1.3 with support for dts-hd and dolby truehd, plus upscaling from Faroudja... Many people say it sound as good or better, than the more expensive Denon 1908 and 2308 but it had problem with the upconversion / scaling (fixed by updating) Yamaha 861 that cost less might be even better and Onkyo 605 give a slightly "soft" sound for stereo music, according to two different magazines...
Then seem the budget priced Denon AVR-1707 to be a great alternative, that got very good reviews, especially for the excellent and powerful sound (both for music and films) plus the build quality... It has also a very fine remote, high-current low-impedance amplifier design and weight 10.8kg, at only 3100sek... But the a lot more expensive Denon AVR-2808 does not sound as good as Onkyo TX-SR805 or Yamaha RX-V 1800 or the older Denon AVR-2807 according to several magazines - so something got very wrong, even if the late 2007 receiver series has a new and truly lovely front design... And Denon AVR-1906 from 2006 offer the same qualities as AVR-1707 plus 7.1 channels, more power (7x80w at 8ohm 20-20.000hz 0.05%) from separate high-current amplifiers, auto setup calibration, phono in for a record player, weight 11.7kg and has every function 2106 above have - except any room equalization and 2 less inputs... Which include lip sync and bi-amping for the front speakers, at 4100sek... And it became "best buy" in a big English group test... But this model was replaced late 2006 with Denon AVR-1907 at 4898sek and we have not seen any test yet...
Sony STR-DB795 with 7x100w (8ohm) got also excellent reviews and offer a sophisticated sound, especially on music, with help of ultra short signal paths and more... It has processing for Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES and Dolby ProLogic IIx... Look fine in black and has a "full digital equalizer" for the centre speaker, plus a very fine remote control, phono input and weight 14.5kg, at 4660sek... But one reviewer did find the accurate sound rather boring and it's Europe only and the new version DB798 has an excellent power section (in a deep test) and cost only 2600sek
Then get Yamaha's receivers, almost always very high grades for superb sound quality and they has also elegant "golden orange" glowing displays... Yamaha RX-V657 offer 7x 95 watt (at 8ohm, 20-20.000Hz) bass and treble controls that you can use even in surround mode, 5 bands equalizer for the centre speaker, zone 2 for different music in another room, audio delay for flat screens ( 0-160ms) 12.6kg, at only 4550sek with black or gray "titan" front... And the  Yamaha RX-V659 seem to be basically the same, plus some new iPod possibilities, at 3950sek... And Yamaha RX-V557 from 2004 offer almost the same qualities, with very happy owners, but has not pre out, at 3490sek... And that one has been replaced with The
and very similar Yamaha RX-V559 at 2950sek...
Why Not?? Harman/Kardon are slightly too expensive... Panasonic (was Technics) Pioneer and JVC are never as good as the above, at same price... Even if some more expensive Pioneer receivers are fine.
Warning! Some models turn off the tone controls, when you select home cinema and that can be a BIG problem, if you don't have perfect loudspeakers (with a very "boxy" free sound) and a perfect room, that fit perfect together...
You should also check... That your next amplifier, has Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro logic IIx that gives you fine surround, from any old stereo recordings and clearly improve standard surround... And naturally every connections you may need... For the digital TV box, DVD, MD recorder, DAB tuner and old HiFi video... Plus maybe old record player, CD and DV camera... Then is it a lot more convenient with buttons (as few have) to select the source, especially if you have the equipment just beside you...
And it is very nice, if the amplifier can drive two pair of front speaker, so you can have as good sound in the bedroom or why not fine "mono" sound, in two extra rooms!!
A real loudness function (as almost none has) is also very good to have... Yes, you hear a lot less bass and treble, at low volumes and with a real loudness, don't you need to adjust the tone controls, as soon you change the volume... Audiophiles don't like loudness because they believe you always should enjoy the music at the same level it was recorded and then you don't need loudness, but then you need a villa and a big garden, or very friendly neighbours... Click here to read even more about loudness, in the HiFi school...
Finally have we also the problem with the watt power measurements... A normal and rather strong receiver may give 5x65 w/ftc/8ohm (at 20-20khz 0.07%dist) 5x75 w/8ohm (at 1khz 1%dist) 5x110 w/4ohm, 5x100 w/dyn/8ohm (often called rms) 5x150 w/dyn/4ohm, 5x200 watt dynamic in 2 ohm and that can make you very confused... The dynamic watt is the peak max, before it clip and "ftc" is the hardest way (at 20hz to 20khz within 0.07 percent distortion, for a long time) to measure... Simply compare the same type of watt OR select after the dynamic watt, that normally is the limit you will hear... The ohm you need, depend on which speaker you use and it's extra good if the amp handle down to 2 ohms, but then goes almost no speakers lower than 2 ohm...
Loudspeakers There are now several thousand models, so it's very hard to say which is best and there are a lot of unique models, in different countries... So you should really read, the first part of my HiFi school and then go out and compare, until you find your dream... But some speakers from CerwinVega sound extremely good, if they are placed right... Specially the huge models with 15" bass, which normally sound a lot more open and clear than any other speaker, even at a whispering low volume (when almost any other sound muddy) and they are in addition extremely sensitive, can give over 114db clean soft music (illegal at a disco) with a 20 watt amplifier... But, they must first be placed about 40-50cm (from the edge of the bass element) above the floor, which otherwise give bad reflections and bloated bass...
Click a picture, to see the big one!
    
I have two pair of CerwinVega AT100 and these excellent speakers give 102db (from 1 watt, at 1 meter) with very deep detailed bass and a purely delicious (both accurate and soft) treble, from 28 to 28000 hz... But the mid range doesn't sound better (or worse) compared with the best, of other speakers... CerwinVega are stupid enough, marketed for people who want "great disco sound" but they are actually incredible accurate and sound better that every "high end" speakers I have compared... Friends have come and tested, about thirty other models (over ten years time) and everyone prefer mine...
Even if they have three problems with the cabinet... First, the huge speakers (they are 85 to 110cm high) stand almost on the floor and most models (some new have the bass higher up) must be placed a lot higher up, to not get bad reflections and bloated bass... Secondly, the midrange and treble, don't come from the same point... Even if I changed that on my speakers, which have two midrange element... And finally, they could have a lot smaller front area, which otherwise produce reflections... So I will maybe make new cabinets, if I got time and then get even closer to the reality!
Some people say that the main secret with CerwinVega, is the patented magnet system (1) that work more like an industrial electromagnet and simply lock the cone directly to the signal, from extremely low levels (2) and in addition work exceptional smoothly, without the usual "magnetic turbulence" and then can the big CerwinVega home speakers, even handle 400 watt (for many hours) and give an unique 128 db of delicious clear music... Okay, the last part is only valuable if you want to play for the neighbours, two blocks away - but that also means, that CerwinVega has no limits!
They started with making superior elements (with the unique patent for the magnet flow) continued producing legendary professional speakers and then, they released home speakers with 15" bass... Finally, they begin to produce Car speakers (that is very high rated) and smaller home speakers, which NOT is so good... Mail me if YOU know anything more about CerwinVega!! Click here to visit CerwinVega!
Studio monitors KRK systems, make small exclusive monitors - with an incredible big, accurate and clear sound (mainly from 4400 to 16000 sek) which is very popular in the finest music studios, with famous artists (as Bryan Ferry, Paul Simon and Yello) and Hollywood... Click here to visit KRK!
We don't grade this excellent products, separately...
Because we only write about the absolute best alternatives,
so they are all in the true  value class!
Headphones The best headphones for mobile use, is the unique Koss models, that have great bass and less "tube or boxy" sound... Koss Porta Pro / Porta Pro Jr / SportaPros - are in addition extremely efficient (sound 10db more or twice as much, at the same level) and have lifetime guarantee... They make also ear buds and "hang on your ear" phones (Koss ksc35) that sound lovely... Then has Philips several low price models, that sounds very natural and I especially like the comfortable Philips SBC HP800 that have nice bass and excellent details...
Equalizer A fine equalizer is normally vital for a truly natural sound...You can click here and see why, in the HIFI school... Yamaha was the only company (it's not in the latest catalog) that sell a really fine equalizer, which not is too expensive... It should have min -95db noise and max 0.01% distortion... But Kenwood seems also to have a good one!
Hi-MD or the second MiniDisc system from Sony You may first click here to see why you may need a MD recorder and every great thing, you can do with it... Sony have develop a dramatically improved MiniDisc system, that offer both excellent quality AND much longer recordings... But if you don't need to record more than 80 minutes on each disc, can you buy a fine MD recorder instead and get the same excellent quality... HiMD SP mode (ATRAC3plus 256kbps) give recordings of CD quality (according to Sony) or virtually the same excellent quality as fine MD decks with Atrac type R (according to ultra critic audiophiles) and the new 1GB disc store then 7h55min... That is the same record time as 6.4 old 74min MD's (160MB with 292kbps) and you can save 118 four minutes tracks, with this excellent quality!!
HiMD LP mode give recordings of MD quality (according to Sony) or slightly worse than MD LP2 132kbps (according to ultra critic audiophiles) and slightly better than MP3 128kbps (according to deep listening tests) and you can then store amazing 34 hours, that sound exactly as the original with most music... Type 510 four minutes tracks!!! Atrac3plus has especially significantly lower sideband noise, so peak signals are much more cleaner... You can also use old blank 80min MD discs (they "change" then from 177MB to 290MB) and HiMD SP give you 2h20min, with excellent quality... And HiMD LP store 10h10min... You will get the same secure recordings and the new disc is also possible to record 1.000.000 times... Hi-MD equipment can also play old Minidisc recordings... Some models can even record in the old MD format... Hi-MD microphone and line-input recordings will be possible to upload (copy) to a PC system...  But only a few of the first models, have line input and mic input... A Hi-MD recorder can in addition be used to store data and files, from a PC system or PDA...
And the best Hi-MD recorder is: The amazing Sony MZ-RH1 that offer many advantages and especially: Digital uploading (5x or faster) of standard (old) MD recordings (mic, analog & digi tracks) via USB (but only perfect as WAV that take over 700MB for a MD) so you can make backup AND then move to a HiMD... Plus a finer HD digital amplifier, high capacity coupling condenser for authentic reproduction of bass, Li-ion battery & charging via USB, from 30% faster USB transfers, a sexy black metal case 104cm3 (or 83.8x84.4x14.7mm) with a very long slim display at one side, that is more easy to view in a pocket... Almost like a micro HiMD deck... And it remember every setting, including last rec level, spectrum analyzer, digital Pitch Control, clearly finer MP3 playback and dynamic normalizer (doing something) at slightly expensive 3050sek or 325usd, with rechargeable battery and charger... And it has also adjustable track marks, separate line in & line out setting, great battery life: minimum 8 hours HiSP rec and 15 hours play... But you can only view titles on the remote and it has no jog (scroll) wheel, even if you can jump 10 tracks with the group +/- function... Then is Sony MZ-NH910 the best budget alternative, with a big 5 line display, up to 34 hours battery life, very elegant 141cm3 body (80x21x84mm) very happy owners, possibility to store mp3 files directly, plus "High Definition" digital amp, 6 bands equalizer, mic in, line in, USB in and can also store data files, at 2100sek or 177usd - with rechargeable battery and charger... Why Not?!? Sony MZ-NH3D and Sony MZ-NH600D has probably not line in and out, so they work only with a PC connection
The natural alternative is a fine mp3 recorder, but you can't just change to another disc and other music, when you want... So you need absolutely one that have room for your complete collection and extra space for the near future... But you need 6.3GB for 68 hours fine quality MP3 at 192kbps... Or only two Hi-MD discs at HiMD LP (that give almost the same quality) for the same 68 hour... And you need 8.3GB for 68 hours of high quality MP3 at 256kbps.... Or 10GB for 68 hours of max quality MP3 at 320kbps.... Or 8.6 Hi-MD discs at HiMD SP for the same 68 hours and about the same quality... So you need a rather big mp3 recorder, with hard disc - if you want quality... The main advantages with a big mp3 recorder, is that you don't have to change the disc and it's rather easy to do a safety backup... But you must then do backups or loose everything you forgot to save, if the very sensitive hard disc brake OR when it's limited lifetime ends!
The best mp3 recorder is: Creative Zen Vision M a fine 30GB alternative with lovely sound and extra low noise, rounded 122cm3 black body (62x104x19mm) great 2.5 inch colour screen (320x240 pixels, clearly finer than iPod) play also a wider range of video files (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV, MJPEG, DivX 4, DivX 5, XviD) 13 hours music battery life (in test) excellent menu and navigation system, save any type of files (as an extra hard disc) has equalizer, radio (you can record from) 97db signal-to-noise and simple built in mic, at 1960sek with Li-Ion battery (not removable) charger and more... But it has no line in, you need to use a connection adapter, you can't change the battery, only 4 hours video battery life (in test) and the USB 2.0 connection is not really fast...
And many prefer the delicate sound quality (especially with better earphones) from iAUDIO X5 by Cowon - that was slightly more expensive, has a very elegant rounded black metal body (about 95cm3 or 104x61x15mm) with a 20gb HDD (30 and 60gb is also available) a cute colour screen (1.8 inch 160x128 pixels 260k colours) and play MP3 OGG WMA ASF FLAC (lossless) WAV (even protected) MPEG-4 XviD (for video) and JPG (pictures) has 13 to 15 hours battery life in different reviews, 95db signal-to-noise, 2x20mW (20Hz-20KHz) and a fine FM radio (24 or 20 presets) let you record directly (both line in or radio, at max 320kb/s or voice at max 128kb/s) has also 5 bands equalizer, work as USB memory (for any type of files and without extra programs) has a practical adapter for all cables and very fast USB 2.0 connection, at 2800sek with li-ion (not removable) charger and more... But it has a start up time of 10 to 12sec, you can't seek by artist album or genre (which may be updated) some don't like the fine buttons location at the side, you can't change the battery, you must first convert videos, the navigation system is little slow and don't handle international letters, as åäö... iAudio M5 cost little less, but has no FM radio or colour screen and you must buy an adapter for line in recording...
Why Not?!? Apple iPod can't record and sound less good... The "old" RIO Karma is not very reliable, according to many owners... Arcos Gmini 220 has only 6-8 hours battery life (in test) Creative Jukebox Zen Xtra (189cm3cm) have a lousy scroll wheel, only 10 hours battery time and can't be connected to a stereo!
 
The very good looking budget model from Pioneer * An "old" elegant mini Technics
MiniDisc home deck A good MD deck should first have the very convenient "track selector knob" or "jog dial" and naturally an extremely accurate sound, as the best value: Sony mds-je 480 at 1700sek... The only home decks with Hi-MD are the mini Onkyo MD-105FX at 420usd (205mm wide) and elegant midsize Onkyo MD-133 at ultra expensive 640usd (050812) but they are hard to find outside Japan and I have not found any reviews, yet... Then has Sony mds-je 780 and jb980 (or the older fine 770 and 640) in addition a very useful display (showing record level, track name, number and time, plus a track calendar, at the same time) and more expensive don't sound better... Then has the latest Sony's a "Group Function" to organize the titles in groups... Finally has the older Sony mds-jb940 and ja333es (plus other exclusive models, but not jb980) a complete "easy to write titles" remote... But you can connect a standard PC keyboard, to some new models as je780/770/640 and jb980 but not je480
Other brands don't sound exactly as good, at the same price... But Pioneer has in addition some fine machines (as MJ-D508 above) that reduce the tape noise from old cassette recordings, when you copy them... Panasonic SJ-MD150 got also some fine reviews and Yamaha mdx595 or 596 is a good looking slim line machine, that gives you excellent sound!
   
The revolutionary Sharp md-dr7 * Elegant Sharp md-mt77 * Sony mzr900 * Sharp 831 as Kenwood
Portable MD with recording Click any pix above, to see bigger versions...
The revolutionary and very elegant Sharp MD-DR7 (DR470 in Europe and DR480 in Singapore) offer clearly finer sound quality (with deeper bass and more detailed sound, according to several reports) than any other portable (actually 20-45% finer sound quality) with help of a unique advanced 1bit digital amp, of 2x8mW and better battery life, with min 27 hour play or 10.5 hour rec... At only 2000sek... This lovely machine have also a BIG five lines display (12 characters title, track number and time, as mt77 but it is ugly green with blue digits in some versions) an extra elegant slim remote control, 5-30 second pre-record (a time machine function) no motor or engine noise, group and MDLP functions, 9sec intro play mode, 3step xbass and 5step treble control, NiMH battery, play speed -30% to +15% and a ultra compact top loaded (101cm3) metal body... But you should absolutely buy better earphones, to really enjoy the sublime sound quality!
The later Sharp MD-DR77 is basically the same fine machine, with slightly different design (102cm3 or 7.89x1.8x7.19cm) and the black version look excellent.
The superior digital amplifier, drive also a very fine budget model, Sharp IM-DR420 at only 1380sek and this bigger version (177cm3 or 83x28x76mm) use AA batteries... And Sharp IM-DR400 and 410 is the same with more elegant design, but no remote and no mic in... But be careful to get the standard earphones adapter, if you buy this machines used...
Then is the old Sharp md-mt77 even more elegant (or mt877 in Europe and also as Kenwood DMC-M7R in nice white design) and even smaller (95.1 cm3) than Sony mzr900 and has the most elegant look ever (in silver, not the light blue) and a very fine price at 3600 sek (before md-dr7 above) but it's now hard to find... It have also a bigger display with 2x12 character and 2/3/10 elements for text & time plus track/ battery/ volume (one 12 digit line show always the disc title) cute 4way jog pad (work as two jog selectors, but with one finger) very small buttons, a fine docking station (but it can't charge while using) MDLP (long play) it's open at side, is very silent (no motor noise as Sony) can auto play, can copy titles (Sony can't) has high precision divide (Sony mzr900 has not) and USB connection, for advanced computer editing... But Sony mzr900 has longer battery life (Sharp play anyhow 12 and rec 6.5 hours, with the same nimh batt) more advanced tone controls (Sharp can anyhow give more and deeper tight bass) you must pause before editing and both give 2x5mw.
Why Not?!? Both Sony and Sharp have models with a NetMD function, that make it possible to download Atrac compressed audio... But you get better quality, if you copy directly from CD discs and normally even radio... So we don't write especially about that function... Sony have also released some very fine models, but Sharp md-dr7 is reported to be clearly better... Older machines and other brands, are not fine alternatives to the late digital amp models from Sharp... As reference, is an old cassette box 131cm3 and a CD jewel case, 176cm3 big...
Warning: Most Sony and Sharp machines, have the extra minidisc coding system "MDLP" that allow for longer alternative recordings in two steps and the first give you max 160 minutes, but with some reduced sound quality... And then up to 320 minutes, with bad quality that ONLY is good for speech and that #%& can only be played on MDLP machines... But you can naturally record, at normal speed and get excellent quality!
More inside Vantage Tech Magazine: Visit the HiFi school, to see why you may need a MD recorder and every great thing, you can do with it... More about selecting a portable MD recorder... Link to more info: Visit MiniDiscOrg to find details on almost every MD unit ever made!
Portable MD players Are the natural alternative, if you have another MD recorder... And the modern ones, is only 65-90cm3 big and have very long battery life (16-40 hours) with the internal rechargeable battery... But you should only select a Sharp with 1-bit digital amp or a Sony with HD digital amp... They are very similar in sound quality, but sell at very different prices and then is the size, battery life and the remote control, the biggest difference... So it's only to buy the cheapest modern one, you like... But today are the budget version with recording the cheapest alternative!
CD players Home deck.. You should actually invest little more, in a fine DVD player as me and they play naturally old CD records... But if you don't want a DVD player, is it anyhow very convenient with a "track selector knob" or "jog dial" and a full display - that show you track number, time and a track calendar, at the same time... Sony (with track jog dial) is lovely from around 1100 sek, other is either more expensive or not really good...
Click a picture, to see the big one!
The incredible (but old) JVC ux-md 9000r micro system!
Mini System Is a category I haven't got time to check, the last two years... Before that was Panasonic sc-pm30 md (that now is mainly sold out) a very fine mini system, in a nice "silver" style, that sound very good at only 3900 sek... Including a MD recorder (good display) radio (30 presets) CD player (drawer loading) cassette recorder and fine speakers, of light wood!
Selecting a mini system... You should naturally listen carefully (with good test tracks, you are familiar with) before you buy... And remember to set the xbass and equalizers (or tone controls) to compensate the speakers and get the best (natural and balanced) sound, for every machine (that's sometimes done with the remotes) before you compare... It should sound clear, with a deep detailed bass, high soft treble and not the usual "boxy or tube" sound... You can remove some "boxy" sound if it has an equalizer, see more in the HIFI school below... Then must you check that it has the connections you may need, especially to a MD recorder, DVD player, digital TV box and HiFi video.
The JVC ux-md9000r was an incredible micro system with a MD recorder, rds radio, CD player and diminutive shiny black speakers, that sound both extremely clear, with a very deep warm bass (!) and not "boxy" sound... But it was sold out 2001 for only 4000 sek and is now very hard to find... Click here
for the complete article, that open in a new window...
Tuner Sony, Denon and Pioneer make very fine tuners, under 1800 sek... But don't buy a new expensive one, because DAB (which is the new digital radio system in Europe) does sound a lot better and have at least less interference... And you can now buy a fine DAB tuner from 1800sek as Teac TH-300mkII
Microphones Sony's tiny ts120 stereo "stealth" tie mic was excellent, but are replaced with ts125 that might be as good... See more here!
CDr, DAT, MP3 and the old cassette system Have simply too many disadvantages to MD records and only a few plus... Click here to read exactly why, in the HiFi school!
Other sites You find also a great collection, with helpful REVIEWS of almost every audio and video product, in eCoustics big free website... Click here to explore... And lick here for links to the finest reviews, of digital cameras!
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Video equipment
Is now presented on a separate page...
TV sets Stereo Video DVD Players DVD Recorders
(and the next step) Blu-Ray recorders... Video Cameras
What to test, on a video camera! Excellent Film's
Excellent Film's - to enjoy and collect
This great list was moved, when we made a separate page for video...
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Computer and great programs
Click here for the separate page, about the best Computers & great Program's... And deep advice about Pocket Computers, Printers, Scanner... Plus smart ways to use Explorer and Windows 95-98
Automobiles
Click here for the separate page, with the finest Automobiles... Including the best alternatives of Mini Cars, Midsize Cars, More Exclusive Cars, Family Vans, Sporty Luxury Jeeps and Sport Cars... With some lovely pictures!
Motor boats
Click here and read the complete article.. Yes, I sincerely love fine boats and I have carefully selected the finest boats and mini yachts (on the big Swedish market) for short holiday cruises, in style... The best boats have normally excellent quality today, as a result of the strong competition and computer design, so you can concentrate on the design, smart layouts (plans) and the price... And the boats I write about, have well designed hulls and are generally famous, for the fine behaviour in sea... But it still a huge difference, between the true masterpieces and the rest of the boats...
More technology
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Digital cameras Why a digital camera?!?
Wrist watches GSM telephones
The advanced HIFI school
Click here for the separate page, with a very advanced HiFi school... That easy explains everything you need to know, before you buy some HiFi equipment and how to get a more natural sound... But you find some tip (especially on how to select right equipment) only in the Best Buy guide!
Best Buy - part two
Selecting a portable MD recorder, a personal view... Sound quality and "no general problem" should naturally come first... Then can't some machines (especially from Sony, JVC and Panasonic) play loud enough or with strong bass... Any kind of "jog track selector" is very handy and long battery time for playing (specially on internal batteries, if you want a micro machine) is rather vital... Plus a noise free mic input, if you want to record...
Other good, but not so important qualities... Is a clear display with many segments (for rec volume and battlife) and many characters, back light and slot-in (which is convenient but bulky) and getting lithium battery, which you can charge anytime...
Finally I like good controls, that is easy to find in a pocket and have fine feeling... Then is it good if they are hard enough, so you don't need the hold function all the time... Other stuff... A ten second memory buffer, is normally more than enough for MD because it reads four times faster, than the music plays and it read in very small portions, so it can try many many times and then read right, before the buffer is empty and it skip... 40 sec buffer, is mostly included because many CD players have that (and they really need that or more) so people may think, that less buffer on a MD payer is worse... A combined line out and headphone connection (as Sharp) is finally better than separate, because you can select the line out level and bass response.
About sound levels.. 2x5mw for the headphones, give you 3db less sound level than 2x10mw... But it may be bigger difference between the ear plugs and even that may be another good reason to buy Koss sportapro headphones, which gives you about 10db higher level!
Microphones Sony's tiny ts120 stereo "stealth" mic is excellent and the new 125 model is possible the same, but... Warning for the "direct plug" mic (without any cable) which pic up an annoying whining from the MD engine...
The tiny Sony ecm-ts120 stereo mic, is rather directional (possible binaural) and sound truly excellent (to my great surprise) specially compared with the modest cost, of just 80 dollar, here... And that's including an alligator clip and an extra active battery adapter, so it also works with passive inputs... Finally it even look expensive, with a dark titanium grey (just 26x10.5 mm) metal body and "chrome" details!
I am not sure its a very "low noise" mic, but I can record a low speaking voice and bird songs, without any background noise (just with plug in power, on my Sharp 701) and even recordings of music from speakers (!) sound very accurate (clear and with deep bass, but the spec is 100-15000hz) and that's rather difficult for a mic...
With a fine portable MD recorder, you have the great possibility to TEST most extra equipment and really hear the quality... Otherwise I wouldn't dare to suggest something so cheap, even if its possible to make superior electret condenser mic's (made in long series) at very low cost!
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