Sep 26, 2002 06:10 PM
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(Updated Sep 26, 2002 06:10 PM)
Now the Discman sized players are equipped with MP3, VCD and ACD playback. Also the cost of the players is almost same as Sony Discman. Then why should we go for a Sony with only ACD playback capacity? The only reason I can give is the great Sound quality. You got to hear it to believe it. I hope Sony will cut down its prizes one day and also have MP3 and VCD playback (this hope seems very optimistic). This model has many features added to it like Anti-Shock system etc.
Uninterrupted Playback
As we know that CD technology is Laser based and there is no physical contact of the disc and the reader. When the unit is subjected to shocks skipping or muting takes place giving an interruption for few seconds while listening. The Anti-Shock system function reduces the skipping and muting. When you start the playback the unit keeps selected seconds of the song in the memory. When you switch from the Anti-Shock selection system the pause occurs. The quality of sound is better with the setting off or in the lesser seconds setting. You can keep 12-48 seconds in memory. Previous models of Sony did not have this feature.
Program Play
Up to 24 tracks can be can be chosen for program play. Selecting the tracks by Skip/Next track buttons and by pressing the Enter button within 8 seconds a track can be selected for program. Repeating this step for desired number of tracks a list can be made. The program is erased when disc compartment is opened or the auto power off function turns the power off. A P-FULL appears when 24 tracks are programmed and no more tracks can be added.
Batteries and Recharging
Two AA size alkaline batteries are provided with the Discman. Battery life may vary depending on the condition of use. However the claim is of 30 Hrs. long playbacks. To me it gave over 2 CDs of playback. The battery can be recharged for 300 times. A AC adapter with the output of 5.5v is also supplied with the unit.
Battery charger is included in the Discman itself. So when you run out of the batteries just put on the provided AC Adaptor and press the Stop Button till the Charge on is displayed. When the Cells are fully charged Charging is automatically stopped. This frees you from worry of buying charger and keeping track of the charging time.
The battery indicator flashes indicating requirement for charging. The main advantage of charging is that it is done simultaneous with the playback. So you can listen while charging.
Compact
This Player is as light as feather and as slender as thread. The weight of the player is just about 205 grams. All buttons are not on the top flap making it less compact. But a possible advantage could be that wires connecting these buttons and circuit are not made to bend. Rest is same as in other Discmans or CD players. I have used it for more than 1 year and so far have no problem at all. Sound quality is intact. If you can connect your Discman to Line In of your PC or even Tape Recorder (if any) it gives fine results. Connecting it to PC would keep your CD-ROM drive free and it won’t interfere or conflict with your PC operation. Connecting it to Tape Recorder (some player have Line In) would make it Cassette-CD player.
Other
Similar to the Aiwa XP V512 it has a resume, hold, and bass boost function. A Resume Function continues from the point last time it was stopped at. If your song is stopped in between because of power failure or discharged battery, next time you put on the same CD it starts from the same point. I think R/RW playback makes it possible. The memory keeps a pointer at the location of break off. There can be 10-15 seconds of difference in the point of stoppage. Hold Function disables all buttons. So that accidentally pressed buttons will not function. Bass can be enhanced to 2 levels with this function. The Intro function gives a 15 second introduction (Playback) to all tracks of the CD.
Discman is a very delicate and compact piece of instrument. Not only a Discman, but any CD player requires a great deal of care in the long term usage. A periodic lens cleaning should keep the lens of the player free of dust particles. The lens must not be touched directly. Instructions are given with the manual that comes with the player. Stereo phones provided with the player are of extremely good quality. I have compared it with the In-Ear type headphone of Aiwa. Random play; Repeat play (for single and all tracks) are also available.
