Price Paid:  $100.00 from eBay

Summary:
Product performed without any negative issues at all. I have recorded thousands of LP's, digital radio programs, and countless other recordings and have never had to refer to the user manual even once. This device is self explanatory and requires no manual referral except to first learn the controls for typing and editing text for MD labeling of tracks and main MD title. The MDS-JE630 is quite easy to hook up and integrate into you're present system. All controls including editing functions are accessible from the front of the unit and the remote control. Sony makes very good MD recorders and I have 6 different models ranging from the MDS-JE500 all the way to the top of the line consumer, or what some people might refer to as a prosumer model, the MDS-JB940. I have never had a problem with any of them. Continuing with the features, the keyboard input on the front, left, bottom of the unit is a nice convenience, and provides easy access for you audiophiles to label your MD collection in no time. The Fade-In, Fade-Out button provides smooth in and out transitions between tracks during manual operation. The display provides enough information to launch NASA's next rocket so rest assure, you will be able to see all selected and operation functions of this fine machine. Sound quality is exceptional and the are plenty of options for your Hi Fi component plug-in's.

Strengths:
Keyboard input for editing and entering text / tracks. Easy to use features. Manual is easy to understand and use for someone without experience. Exceptional sound quality. Analog warmth and digital quality far superior to MP3 at any bit rate. Sound quality actually sounds better than CD to me and I am an audio engineer with 26 years experience in the professional video & audio production business.

Weaknesses:
None that I have found to date.

Similar Products Used:
MDS-JE500, MDS-JE520, MDS-JE530, MDS-JB920, MDS-JB-930, MDS-JB940

Price Paid:  $350.00 from Sony Style - Metreon

Summary:
Despite Sony's bad reputation (and my own personal experience with same), I bought this player/recorder about a year and a half ago, and have enjoyed using it. Like with all Sony products, I keep my fingers crossed that one day I won't be faced with powering it up and discovering it dead, but so far, so good! I did purchase this particular model over the other Sonys available at the time strictly for it's PC keyboard input. I couldn't imagine entering track titles one letter at a time via a remote control (still an option). Sound quality is excellent. Construction is good, but nothing to get excited about; typical black plastic and pressed metal. This being my first MD player/recorder, I don't have anything else to compare it to, but for my money, thus far it's worked well.

Strengths:
Keyboard input for MD titles.

Weaknesses:
Operation is not especially intuitive. I have to refer to the manual every time I want to do something out of the ordinary (like fade out or fade in a song).

Similar Products Used:
None

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