The Personal Hi-Fi Blog: Sharp MD•J MD-ST880

Sharp MD•J MD-ST880

MDLP Dolby Headphone System Stereo 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 play back 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

On July 7, 2001, Sharp Corporation released the MD-J "MD-ST880," the first portable MDLP player with a mobile "Dolby Headphone System." - a sound field effect created by the well-known Dolby Company. Its sleek and sophisticated appearance gave it the nickname "the butterfly" player. With a two-line color variation remote control and the longest play time available, it instantly became very popular. Available in silver (-S) and black (-B), and the retail price was 28,000 yen.

The Sharp's MDLP compression decoding unit is equipped with the fifth-generation power-saving LSI, and the high-speed disc allows the battery life to reach the world's longest, 130 hours (@ LP4). The heart of MD, the ATRAC3 coding, uses a 0.18 μm processor with integrated DRAM to achieve that.

Using the gum-type nickel-metal hydride battery, the MD-ST880 can operate continuously for roughly 26 hours (SP), 35 hours (LP2), and 44 hours (LP4) on a single full charge thanks to ATRAC's most sophisticated LSI technology. When used with an alkaline battery, it can use a single charge for up to 130 hours (LP4), 98 hours (LP2), or 70 hours in SP mode. With a single AA alkaline battery, it will last roughly 38 hours (SP), 60 hours (LP2), and 75 hours (LP4). It takes roughly 3.5 hours to charge using the included charging stand.

Main features:

Digital Amp: The MD-ST880's sound quality aspect uses the polarity power audio circuit used in audio to replace the capacitor that affects the sound quality. Also, the volume adjustment uses an Analog Attenuator circuit, which can fully exert the ATRAC performance even at low volume. The MD sound quality core uses 22-bit ATRAC to perform compression and decoding calculations, and it helps it obtain clear and wide high-quality sound. Achieving natural and clear sound quality with little deterioration in the quality of 22-bit processing. Dolby Headphone System: Reduces the feeling of "sound is ringing inside your head" that you get when using headphones and delivers the same immersive sound as if you were listening through speakers. You can enjoy natural, comfortable sound that doesn't tire your ears even when listening for long periods of time.

Dolby Digital. Immersive sound temple with Dolby Headphone System. You feel the sound in your head when using the headphones. The digital signal processing gives you a sense of realism so you can enjoy a natural and comfortable sound. The sound scene reproduction that suits one's taste can be enjoyed from three kinds of modes with a different combination of the size and the effect of the echo of the room. Three modes: STUDIO—standard effect on voices, for all music and movies. LIVE—Especially for music—effective for playback. DOME—Effective for concerts and music. You can also combine Sharp's "Digital X-BASS" for bass enhancement with 3-mode bass along with Dolby Digital.

Two-line LCD display navigation remote control: Sharp's unique two-line navigation LCD remote control is multi-functional. The upper and lower rows of the LCD are deliberately divided by color. It has the powerful ability to display the song name or album name together (first line) with the track and time information at the same time (second line), which is better than the inconvenience of other MDs that require frequent switching. Also, it has a menu call button and decision keys, making it easy to operate like a cell phone.

On top of that, the smart three-colored LEDs embedded in the butterfly shape change color in response to the MDLP, charging, and playback modes. Sound skip guard memory for up to 160 seconds (at LP4) and "Intro playback," which plays each song for 5 seconds, are part of its advanced features.

Sharp's MD-J ST880 rare brochure, Aug 2001

Rare Japanese Catalog, Nov 2001

Sharp ST-MD Review

Hello everyone, Today I'm sharing a classic piece of audio equipment with you—the SHARP MD-ST880, a double-sided, ultra-thin metal MD player. This device is not only an iconic product from the early 2000s but also a favorite collectible for many music lovers. We will review it in detail, analyze the brand background, appearance design, sound quality performance, etc., and the user experience. Now let's explore its charm together!

The brand story: Be Sharp

SHARP is a well-known Japanese brand that has long been recognized for its superior products and inventive technology. Additionally, SHARP performs exceptionally well in the audio domain. The MD-ST880, a SHARP classic, embodies the company's passion for music as well as its ongoing technological advancements. This MiniDisc's design concept aims to provide users with a more enjoyable and pure music experience.

Appearance: A work of art on the move.

Speaking of the MD-ST880, its distinctive "butterfly" design is its most striking feature. When you turn on the Minidisc, the LEDs on both sides slowly unfold like butterfly wings, which is both beautiful and practical. This design not only increases the convenience of operation but also makes the MiniDisc look more appealing. The body is made of double-sided metal material, which not only enhances the overall texture but also makes the MiniDisc more durable. With a total thickness of just 12.9 mm, the MiniDisc is lightweight and portable. It's convenient to have in your pocket or bag at home or on the go.

In addition, the color matching of MD-ST880 is also very classic. The combination of black and turquoise or silver and turquoise looks low-key yet stylish. Holding it in your hand, it feels like holding a work of art, and every use is a pleasure.

Sound quality: pure sound quality, a music feast.

Sound quality is one of the most important indicators of an audio device. The MD-ST880 performs very well in this regard. It restores a more delicate and lifelike sound quality by utilizing SHARP's proprietary audio processing technology. Whether it is the steady bass or the clear treble, it can be perfectly presented and also can be enhanced with Sharp's "X-Bass" feature.

In addition, the MD-ST880 supports the Dolby Headphone system. With SHARP's professional tuning technology, every song can be presented with the best effect for a total of audio excitement.

User experience: easy to operate and rich in functions.

In addition to its excellent sound quality, the MD-ST880 is also very easy to operate.

The front of the MiniDisc is equipped with four LEDs and one button, each LED presenting its playing status in a different color, and the one button is dedicated to the Dolby effect. All other operating buttons are concentrated on the top side of the player, with a reasonable layout and comfortable feel. Even first-time users can get started quickly. The remote control has a clear LCD display in two colors that can display all the currently playing modes, like song, album, group, time, etc., information.

Finally, it should be noted that the MD-ST880 has a number of useful features. For example, it supports A-B repeat playback, which is very suitable for learning or practicing musical instruments.

Summary: A classic MiniDisc worth owning.

Overall, the SHARP double-sided metal ultra-thin MD player, the classic butterfly MiniDisc MD-ST880, is a classic audio device that combines beauty, sound quality, and functionality. Whether it's a player for daily use or as a collectible, it's an excellent choice. If you are a music lover or someone who enjoys nostalgia, you might want to consider owning the MD-ST880; I believe it will bring you a unique musical experience.

MD-ST880 Packaging