Price Paid:  $275.00 from second hand

Summary:
Bought this unit in premium condition from somebody who didn't use it much. Had been looking for a unit like this for quite some time and I'm real happy I got it this cheap.

Sound;
It sounds really good. It has an excelent DAC (24 bit) and uses ATRAC type -R compression whitch is a step up from the already good ATRAC 4.5 codec. Ok, it is MD so data is lost but this unit does it really well. It is very difficult to hear difference between a minidisc recorded with this Sony and the original source.

Build;
It is build like a battle tank; weighs over 15Kg! Only the best materials are used; 2 R-core transformers, beam chassis, heavy casing, robust controls, etc. excelent!

Functions;
It has all the functions you will ever need. You can even adjust the in and out going bitlenght (16/20/24 bit). This means you can adjust this deck to match your other audio components or use it as a DAC for other digital equipment. Great!.

Strengths:
Sound
Excelent DAC
ATRAC type -R
Build

Weaknesses:
none so far.

Similar Products Used:
Sony, Denon, Kenwood.

Price Paid:  $980.00 from Magnet Greece

Summary:
Since I am not a reviewer,and English is not "my" language,I will try to describe ,my impressions for the Sony JA555 ES minidisc recorder-player,without bias and buyer's tinted "glasses".
The monster,is built like a armored vehicle.I own the black finish,it's meaner,option .It is a pain to carry it to the chosen self, but a joy to power up,and fiddle with the cockpit( it can easily pass as being one).If you are a nut for unlimited,of some sort,adjustments,look no further.The serious user, will find,only one thing missing.And it is a serious omission,for me.The lack of 24bit input,for analog recordings.A machine of this calibre MUST have everything.
On to sonic impressions.
Direct audition will fool,and cheat, even the most "golden ear" listeners.The sound is balanced and everything.No part of the spectrum is shining more than it's relatives.That says, that you'll be hard pressed to discriminate between A Minidisc recorded,with that beauty and a prototype compact disc,or an analog source.
Of course, there is a slight Sony sound to it,but it is an opinion and nothing more.After all,everything has its identity.Designers are human after all, and biases are second nature.
All and all,the Sony JA 555 ES Minidisc player is Champions League favourite.A Golden Bowl finalist.
The price is high.Yes.But if you want a first class recorder,and a high quality D to A converter,look no further.
You can go wrong, big time,when choosing and using audio gear.
Not this time.

Strengths:
Build quality.Adjustments.Superb sound quality.

Weaknesses:
Lack of 24 bit encoding,for analog input signals.

Similar Products Used:
Portable mini discs.

Price Paid:  $450.00 from superfi

Summary:
Maaaan... this damn thing kicks ass... mind you, I got it on superfi.com at 1/2 price (450 UK£ NOT $$!). It's built like a rock, could double as an isolation platform. Heh. The copies are brilliant, almost cd quality. Analogue copies are very good, but it really shows what it can do with digital coax, digital optical ok too, considerint the limitations inherent to the process. I use MDs a hell of alot, as I walk and cycle everywhere, so this unit makes perfect sence for me, at the price i got it. If you can afford to buy it full price, and cant find it cheaper, then knock yourself out: its a good unit. However, if you're a minimal user of MD then i guess I wouldn't bother.

Strengths:
No matter what generation of the atrac software an MD is encoded with, the sortware that decodes and plays the copy remains the same - so the improvements will carry over to your portable. Versatile machine. Built so solid, you could club a horse to death with it.

Weaknesses:
Costly, for what is arguably a niche medium, getting nicher. Now, im prepared to hole myself up in a luddite like attachment to a dinosaur technology, but the world will move away from minidisk. I'm sure the unit will outlast me, and I will be the last of the minidiskers.

Similar Products Used:
first minidisk deck.