DAT vs MD ?

[SEAWOLF97]

Back in the day when DAT tape machines came out, I really wanted one as cassette had reached as far as it could go. Picked up Sony mini disk mds-je320 about a year ago and have been impressed by it...its digital like the DAT and yes, I understand about the ATRAC, but its never bothered me.

Last Friday I picked up a Sony mds-JB930..all the reviews call it an ES without the logo.
http://www.minidisc.org/sony_mdsjb930_review.html

http://www.minidisc.org/sony_jb930_review.html

my old 320 was about 4-5 pounds where this one is 13 pounds and has the pro version of ATRAC R. It included the remote and owners manual. Anyway, I'm blown away with the quality and features. I monitor the XM and the Sony deck has a built-in 6 second buffer, so you get 6 seconds to decide if you want to record or not. If yes, it pulls the 6 out of the buffer and then tacks on the incoming data. Very cool.
also it takes a PC keyboard input, you can do full editing and naming from the keyboard, and theres a chart to help you until you learn the keys. It is "hot swap" so you can attach k/b or pull it at anytime.
Digital output filters are neat too.
I guess the question is : anybody with A DAT recorder who can do a comparison ??

[jblnut]

I have 3 DAT machines in the house - all Sonys (PCM-R300, DTC-700, A7). I used to use them a fair amount and still have the R300 in my 2-channel main system. The converters in the R300 are the best of the 3 I have, and it's noticeable. A friend brougt over a portable Sony MD once and we did some listening. You can hear the compression artifacts on certain material, but it's not like a <128kb MP3 or anything.

Since 2 of my 3 DATs are now dead or dying, I would say these weren't the best mechanical designs for the long term. They all have low hours and very little use but my guess is the belts or rubber parts have worn out.
My guess is the MD is the better design for the long haul, but DAT will beat it in critical listening.

jblnut

[SEAWOLF97]

a really interesting article on ATRAC and hearing and masking , critical bands...etc

http://www.minidisc.org/aes_atrac.html