Sonic quality, remote.

Poor construction & operation.

After the demise of my NAK OMS-3 unit, I found this one for a fair price. If you find one, run, do not walk away from it. Although the sonic quality is very good, the construction and operation of the unit leave a lot to be desired. The "Music Bank" system is prone to fail as mine has been in the shop for a $100 fix.

Similar Products Used:

Nad, Nak.

Sonic quality, ease of use.

Reliabilty, quality control.

For simple sonic quality, nothing comes close to it for the price. I compared this unit against others, including some $1k transport/converter seperates. In my opinion, it had the best QPR. However, this apparently comes at steep price. This particular unit''s reliability is very poor. Not only has this unit been in the shop for repairs since I have owned it, but I have been informed that parts for this unit are no longer available. The main problem is the much touted "Music Bank" changer mechanism. It gets stuck all too often and is unreliable. Whenever I see a Nak component, I always check to see if it still made in Japan or elsewhere (ie., China, Malaysia, etc.). It appears to me that the equipment made elsewhere is not up to the past quality standards that established Nak. IMHO, Nak''s reputation for quality and reliability are questionable.

Similar Products Used:

Nak OMS-5, Nak OMS-3 & Nad

I have to now downgrade my prior review to 0 stars. My Nakamichi tech says the MB1s is officially dead. Both the motherboard and the laser are totally shot. I really took great care of the unit, and I know electronics sometimes die, but I wouldn't have expected this from Nak.

Multidisc

Grainy midrange, lack ok microdynamics, congested sounding on complex orchestral passages, wheres the bass??

Compared to other multidisc players this one has a more solid sound than either NAD, Sony, Tecnics or other comparable units. However compare this to the older MB-1, or the MUCH BETTER Anthem unit and it becomes readily apparent that its weaknesses are glaring deficiencies!!!

Similar Products Used:

nakamichi mb-1, nakamichi mb2-s, anthem cd1, sony cdp-570(?), technics xxx, nad 513

I have owned a Nak MB-1s for almost two years and have not been dissapointed with it. The speed in which it changes discs is amazing. However, I owned a MB-2 when it first came out in 1992, and the original version was a more solid machine. Whether or not this translates into a better quality unit is debatable, and the sound quality of the two is comparable - very very good to excellent. Still, someone should let Nakamichi know that mid-end companies like them need to focus on increasing their perception of quality, not decreasing it. As a caveat, I understand that this unit (the MB-1s) is becoming harder to find...perhaps Nakamichi is thinking of discontinuing it soon - I hope not.

After searching for a new CD player for several months, I finally settled on the Nakamichi MB-1S. It's fantastic. Has great high end detail and very clean bass which digs deeper and deeper. Decision on the MB-1S followed a disappointing experience with an ADCOM GCD-700. I really liked this player, but the remote was terrible and the build quality was questionable. Also listened to Sony CA9ES. This is a good player, but the NAK has better bass and sweeter highs. Also like the Music Bank mechanism which handles discs very nicely, however, can't change them on the fly, but that's not much of a handicap considering the sound quality. By the way, also auditioned the MB-2S. This player is not up to the sound of the MB-1S. It's probably due to the 20 bit DA Converter on the MB-1S. MB-2S uses a different 18 bit unit. I hope Nakamichi does not discontinue the MB-1S. I have noticed NAK is now entering the lower end market, but that's not unusual. Look at Sony. Sony makes low acceptable low end goods and some really outstanding high end equipment as well. It's about survival. Whatever happens, MB-1S is to enjoy for years to come.

This is one of the most amazing CD players I have ever heard at thisprice range. The sound is quite detailed with great highs and deep
lows. I found the MB-1s to be far superior compared to the MB-2s and
I belive it is worth the extra money. For around $700 nothing can
compare to this CD player.

I purchased this CD player used but it was in great condition. I was verythankfull to the person who sold it to me because he had it for a year and
the CD player looked like new. Overall I am very pleased with it both in
terms of built quality and sound. It is far superior to my Harman Kardon
which it replaced and I am very happy with the music bank mechanism.
I will give five stars!!

I recently purchased this CD player and I am very pleased with it. I went witha friend of mine and heard a number of CD players at the $700 range and this
was by far the best built quality and sound even though it is true that it
is not as solid as the MB-1. The MB-1s is lighter but still overall not
too much plastic compared to others.
I have been using it all the time both me and my kids and althought it gets
pretty rough treatment it hasnt had any problems at all. I have had it for
a year +.
I love the music bank system!!

A great CD player but out of my budget I managed to buy one usedfrom a fanatic audiophile friend who was moving abroad for $300 which
is a ridiculus price for this gem. If you buy this CD player it will
it will not let you down. I was looking at Harman Kardon FL8300,
NAD, and Denon around $400 and none of them came even close in
sound quality.