Topic: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp? (Read 962 times)

Darsus · « **on:** October 26, 2014, 05:58:11 PM »

I do music production as hobby, so I wanted to upgrade my soundcard. Since I don't record anything I recieved a suggestion on one Serbian forum to buy used minidisc deck, instead of external soundcard, because it has "better convertors and better overal sound quality than any soundcard in that price range + it has headphones amp". He uses Sony MDR-JE530 when he doesn't use fw mixer.

Do you think this is a good idea? How good is headphones amp on them? Will it create any significant improvement overall since the sound still goes through the integrated soundcard, or is it better to not use it with it?

[Feel free to move it to The All Purpose Advice Thread if needed]

wnmnkh · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2014, 07:34:04 PM »

Minidisc is somewhat useful for very quickly distributing/demoing music you have done around other engineers, if they have devices that can play minidisc. Or if you are working with Japanese sound producers/engineers.

Otherwise, there is no merit to go for a format that original inventor (Sony) had abandoned a long time ago.

Thad E Ginathom · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2014, 09:16:08 PM »

I have something like that, but it has been stashed away for over a decade, so I can not remember its exact capabilities.

I don't remember if it had digital input. It did not act as an amplifier... it was just a deck. Maybe it has a headphone socket.

On the whole, no... don't saddle yourself with an obsolete machine which plays a format not many would even recognise now.

Darsus · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2014, 09:22:35 PM »

Thanks for the reply, I will have that on my mind.

Yes, they have headphone socket. Do you think then that regular Hi Fi amp would do the better job (here are ton of them for price from 20 to 50 euros)?

wnmnkh · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2014, 09:28:10 PM »

Depends, but 20~50 euros ones are truly bottom-barrel ones. There is a good chance that Sony minidisc player has better headphone output than cheap chinese amps.

Darsus · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2014, 09:43:40 PM »

Quote from: wnmnkh on October 27, 2014, 09:28:10 PM

Depends, but 20~50 euros ones are truly bottom-barrel ones. There is a good chance that Sony minidisc player has better headphone output than cheap chinese amps.

No, no, there are plenty of old, but good working Sony etc amps here. Not chinese one.

Is there any difference in sound processing between them, or is it the same princip? I'm noob in that area. Is it minidisc just a small amp like system?

Thad E Ginathom · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2014, 02:06:35 PM »

It's just an idea, but why don't you rethink your monitors... go for passive with an integrated amp that includes a headphone socket.

Or you could go for something like my Echo Audiofire2, which will give you ADC/DAC with balanced ouput for your monitors and a separate volume-controlled headphone socket. I listened from that for quite a while, until, one day, I tried the 'phones on an integrated amp, said wow, and bought a separate hp amp.

Or... Or... you could go for a pair of powered/active speakers that have a headphone output too. Probably limited to the more down-market/purely-domestic stuff. My AV-40s have such a thing, but I don't think it sounds good.

Deep Funk · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2014, 06:13:01 PM »

If your budget allows it.

Lenovo workstations previous series with i5 and decent specifications. (Skip this if you already have good workstation.)
USB-Midi interface (Many affordable options on the used market.)
Active monitors (M-Audio has great budget monitors. Check B-stock, demos and the used market.)
CMoy headphone amplifier (DIY option for the win! Great DIY-community!!!)
Sansa Clip +
SD Cards for Sansa

That should be enough with decent headphones. Side-grades and upgrades come as you have money and sell (or trade) gear.

Just do not settle for things that do not work. Everything has to work or you waste money.

Darsus · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2014, 01:27:46 AM »

Sent you in PM because I didn't see you already answered here. Great recommendations.

So, I have these 2 options:

1st, I found used Cmoy amp for 20 euros, but I have to call to check it.

2nd, I have really, really bad opinion about Behringer, but this one seems ok (for that price) http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-HA400-BEHRINGER-MICROAMP/dp/B000KIPT30/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

What do you think?

Deep Funk · « **Reply #9 on:** October 30, 2014, 12:11:58 AM »

If you can test the gear before purchasing, do it.

If you do not trust the sellers, skip the deal and go for a less risky route.

When you simply e-mail the seller and ask specific questions and the reply is illegible or pure nonsense, usually that is a bad sign.

Just get what you need and keep it simple.

Author Topic: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp? (Read 962 times)

Darsus

Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

wnmnkh

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Thad E Ginathom

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Darsus

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

wnmnkh

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Darsus

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Thad E Ginathom

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Deep Funk

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Darsus

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

Deep Funk

Re: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp?

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Author Topic: Minidisc Deck instead of external soundcard and amp? (Read 962 times)