SONY MZ-505 users: how does it SOUND?

[Krassus]

How does it compare to other portable devices in terms of sound quality? And while we're at it, how loud is it? I have an ~3K audio system at home, so i'm used to high quality sound. The only portable sound device i've ever owned was a Panasonic CD player, which sucked in terms of both sound quality and loudness.

 

[HappyCracker]

I'm not sure of the 505 (I have the N10), but I can't imagine it being much different. Overall, ATRAC IMO sounds way better than many of the MP3 people get, and definitely better than the WMA I used to have. Mine isn't the loudest thing on the block, but it did okay for me. As far as you encode at say LP2 or SP, you're fine. LP2 is close enough to SP to where you have a hard time hearing a difference, and for as much more music you can fit on the MD, it's worth it. I understand about your home stereo, I have a decent NAD setup myself, and I don't think and portable audio device will quite compare, but I will take an MD player over MP3 any day. Also as far as skipping goes, my portable CD was horrible. With MD, I just stuck it in my pocket and I was off.

 

[Looney]

I have the 707... sounds great, at least better than any mp3 i've ever listened to, player or on computer.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: Krassus
How does it compare to other portable devices in terms of sound quality? And while we're at it, how loud is it? I have an ~3K audio system at home, so i'm used to high quality sound. The only portable sound device i've ever owned was a Panasonic CD player, which sucked in terms of both sound quality and loudness.

Have it.. Love it.. The volume doesn't go up very loud.. I'd suggest a head phone amp... Actually, you can not compare it to a $3,000 stereo system.. The selling factor is it's size and compression - since it IS compressed it's going to differ from the source.. Though I believe ATRAC is better than MP3 at regular bitrates..

 

[NutBucket]

I have an MZ R900. That or the newer versions of it might sound somewhat better. But I do agree, ATRAC does sound much better then most MP3s.

 

[Adrian Tung]

MZ-N1 here, another thumbs up for quality like the rest of the posters here have said.


atwl

 

[everman]

Originally posted by: Adrian Tung
MZ-N1 here, another thumbs up for quality like the rest of the posters here have said.


atwl

I have that model as well, really nice quality.