Price Paid:  $259.00 from refurbdepot.com

Summary:
I use it mostly for all cd tracks to MD recording. For One cd recording I have NO complaints. Very nice unit.

Strengths:
Great MD recorder cd player in one unit. Optical In and Out YES!

Weaknesses:
Slow Cd changer, crappy remote.

Similar Products Used:
1st MD

Summary:
A good idea; both MD and CD in one unit. While most of the functions work well, there are a few odd things. Such as if you record more than 20 tracks on an MD, you can't use edit functions on those higher numbered tracks. There isn't a quick way to select individual tracks to record- you must step through each CD. Titling operations work well with the keyboard on the remote but are still time consuming. The "noisy" CD trays aren't an issue with me.

Strengths:
Nearly every feature you need in one unit; works well with other JVC equipment.

Weaknesses:
Limitations of MD with over 20 tracks. Hard to pick and choose tracks to record.

Similar Products Used:
Sharp MS722 portable MD recorder.

Summary:
I absolutely love MD and this deck was a no brainer. No problems whatsoever. Sure it's a little noisy changing CDs in the trays, but damn, that's pretty nit-picky.

Ejecting the trays can sometimes take two presses of the button to get it to register.

Wish there was a serial port/VGA port like one of SONY's MD recorders so I can input w/a computer keyboard; that'd be cool!

I hate MCRS!!! I record to my Sharp MDS-702 portable but can't if I want to use the optical line! Weak! But that's not JVC's fault, it's RIAA!!!

Strengths:
Full QWERTY keyboard on remote (although buttons need better tactile feel), one-button rec., CD+MD in one deck!

Weaknesses:
Where's the friggin' PAUSE button on the remote? Remote itself feels cheap. Pain to program particular songs.

Similar Products Used:
None.

Summary:
I rank this thing as up there all of the way. If somebody likes music and records often, there is no better option. ESPECIALLY NOT A BURNER. I went through that whole cd burner phase as did others...luckily enough I grew out of the phase quickly.

Its value might not be the best, as the md format will surely have to grow more before the prices fall, but I have no regrets, and in retrospect, probably would have paid more for this machine.

Strengths:
I work at an electronics store which unfortunately enough did not carry this model of mini-disc player, in fact, it seemed hard to find anywhere in Canada. I love the minidisc format for total versatility, but I hate sony. I actually had to purchase this unit from a place other than my place of employment due to the extensive research which I did. The strengths are its easy recording (once you've gotten used to it), the hidden keyboard in the remote, and the fact that it is a combination deck.

Weaknesses:
I have read the other reviews about the jog dial, and the noise of the trays and I have to agree, but I don't care. I very rarely use the controls on the unit, and as for the noisey tray, JVC's three cd trays have always sounded like that, and I found it to be a better option than choosing a different brand.

Similar Products Used:
sony 320, 520. GOD I HATE SONY!!! Way too much for way too little...end of story. If the quality was there I would understand, but seriously, sony camcorders are about the only thing still made by the company of any quality.

Summary:
I have been using this product for a couple of months and I love it. Have had no problems with the unit, the copy from CD to Minidisc is wonderful. Great sound quality. I dont like the dial which you use to change tracks... but hey, its a small price to pay for such a quality piece of equipment.

Changing CD's is a little slow in automatic mode, and its a bit noisy.. but that is a small issue here.

I think SHARP makes a similar product which is cheaper, but when it comes to buying a piece of audio equipment, I would rather pay a little higher price and know the quality of the item I am receiving up front.

Similar Products Used:
None