The Personal Hi-Fi Blog: Sharp Auvi MD-DS9

Sharp Auvi MD-DS9

Portable 1-Bit ΔΣ Digital Dolby MDLP Player

In 2000, Sony announced MDLP (MiniDisc Long Play), which added new recording modes based on a new codec called ATRAC3. In addition to the standard, high-quality mode, now called SP, MDLP adds LP2 mode, which allows twice as much recording time (160 minutes on an 80-minute disc) of good-quality stereo sound, and LP4, which allows four times more recording time (320 minutes on an 80-minute disc) of medium-quality stereo sound. The bitrate of the standard SP mode is 292 kbit/s, and it uses separate stereo coding with discrete left and right channels. LP2 mode uses a bitrate of 132 kbit/s and also uses separate stereo coding. The last mode, LP4 has a bitrate of 66 kbit/s and uses joint stereo coding. The sound quality is noticeably poorer than the first two modes but is sufficient for many users. Tracks recorded in LP2 or LP4 mode playback as silence on non-MDLP players. Sony announced they would cease development of MD devices, with the last of the players sold by March 2013{wikipedia}

I n t r o d u c t i o n

Sharp Corporation release the limited edition portable MD player "MD-DS9" equipped with its own "mobile 1-bit digital amplifier" Nickname is "AUVI". The estimated retail price is around 28,000 yen. Three color variations are available: silver (-S), gray (-H), and gold (-N).

The MD-DS9 is a limited edition playback-only MD player that uses a "mobile 1-bit digital amplifier" that applies a "1-bit digital amplifier." In addition to supporting MDLP, the Dolby headphone function can also be used with the unique 4-pole earphones, also a second set of headphones comes with this limited edition. A backlit remote control that supports the display of only alphanumeric characters and a charging stand is included.

It comes with a gum-type nickel-metal hydride battery and can be used continuously for about 32 hours (SP), about 43 hours (LP2), and about 62 hours (LP4) on a full charge. It can also be used with a single AA alkaline battery, in which case it will take about 90 hours (SP), about 132 hours (LP2), and about 180 hours (LP4). Charging uses the included charging stand, and the charging time is about 3.5 hours. (Original Sharp Press Release).

Main features:

• The 1-bit digital amplifier directly inputs the 1-bit digital signal from the high-order modulation circuit to the switching circuit and transmits/amplifies it as it is digital. This 1-bit digital amplifier has been improved for portable devices. Achieves natural and clear sound quality with little deterioration in sound quality. The maximum practical output is 5mW x 2ch. Uses a "full bridge method" with output stages for each of the positive and negative poles. Since distortion and noise components cancel each other out, the fidelity to the original sound is improved compared to the conventional half-bridge method. In line with this, a 4-pole plug is used for the headphone plug. Achieves a separation characteristic of about 80 dB, which is about 40 dB higher than the conventional model.

• Dolby Digital. Immersive sound temple with Dolby Headphone System. You feel the sound in your head when using the 4-pole headphones. Digital Signal Processing gives you a sense of realism so you can enjoy a natural and comfortable sound. Adopted 3 modes; STUDIO - Standard effect on voices, for all music and movies. LIVE - Especially for music - effective for playback. DOME - Effective for concerts and music.