MD systems from Japan : The good, the bad and the ugly?

Techmoan・2 minutes read

The video discussed a compact, multi-functional mini hi-fi system that plays various audio formats, highlighting the challenges and costs of importing such items while showcasing the value of UK hi-fi systems. Despite some technical issues and failures, the device features a unique design with backlit buttons, a clear display, and various playback options, making it a nostalgic yet functional piece of audio equipment.

Insights

  • The speaker system discussed in the video is a compact, multi-functional mini hi-fi that can play various formats like minidiscs, cassettes, CDs, and radio, highlighting its versatility and appeal in the late 90s and early 2000s UK and Japan markets.
  • Despite showcasing economic challenges in importing such systems, the video underscores the enduring value of UK hi-fi systems, emphasizing the detailed features of the device, such as backlit buttons, informative display, and multiple input options, despite potential issues like fading vacuum fluorescent displays and limited radio frequency ranges.

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Recent questions

  • What features does the speaker system have?

    The speaker system is a compact, multi-functional mini hi-fi that can play minidiscs, cassettes, CDs, and radio. It has backlit buttons, a clear display, and flashing lights indicating audio levels and functions like fast forward and rewind. The device lacks compatibility with MDLP for minidiscs and CD text for CD copying, requiring real-time copying and manual titling. It runs on 100 volts and includes components daisy-chained to one power socket.

  • How much did the speaker system cost?

    The speaker system was purchased for 5000 yen, which converted to £36.50. However, additional costs like repackaging, shipping, local tax, and handling fees increased the total cost to £210.88. Despite the economic challenges of importing such items, the video aimed to highlight the value of UK hi-fi systems.

  • What issues did the CD player have?

    The CD player did not recognize standard 12cm discs, only being able to read and play 8cm discs. Despite attempts to fix it, including cleaning and greasing, the CD player was ultimately deemed "knackered." The minidisc component, on the other hand, played audio successfully when connected to powered speakers.

  • What are the limitations of the FM radio?

    The FM radio on the speaker system has a limited frequency range of 76-90 MHz, which may restrict station reception. For example, the UK's Radio 2 broadcasts at 89.9 MHz. While the radio function works, a proper antenna is needed for better reception. The device lacks RDS or DAB features, and the design mixes controls for different functions, requiring some adjustment.

  • What additional functions does the boombox offer?

    The boombox from Japan offers CD, MD, and cassette playback, with a remote control essential for adjusting sound settings and display options. The cassette deck records only on type 1 tapes, with playback-only settings for high-position tapes. It includes a free MD containing music, and high-speed MD recording is limited to one CD every 74 minutes to deter copyright infringement. The boombox runs on 100 volts or 10 C cells for 6-7 hours, with auxiliary analog input, headphone output, mic input, and Bluetooth connectivity for modern usage.

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Summary

00:00

"Imported Mini Hi-Fi System: Economic Challenges"

  • The speaker system discussed in the video is a compact, multi-functional mini hi-fi that can play minidiscs, cassettes, CDs, and radio.
  • These mini hi-fi systems were popular in the UK and Japan in the late 90s and early 2000s, with many models now available on auction sites.
  • The speaker system was purchased for 5000 yen, which converted to £36.50, but additional costs like repackaging, shipping, local tax, and handling fees increased the total cost to £210.88.
  • The system runs on 100 volts and required a step-down power transformer, with components daisy-chained to one power socket.
  • The CD player did not recognize CDs, but the minidisc component played audio successfully when connected to powered speakers.
  • The radio function worked, but a proper antenna was needed for better reception.
  • The CD player could read and play 8cm discs but not 12cm discs, despite the table of contents being in the same position on both.
  • Attempts to fix the CD player, including cleaning and greasing, were unsuccessful, and the player was ultimately deemed "knackered."
  • The system was cleaned, wired up neatly, and connected to speakers, but the CD player and minidisc player both eventually failed.
  • Despite the failure of the purchased speaker system, the video aimed to demonstrate the economic challenges of importing such items and the value of UK hi-fi systems.

13:39

Japanese boombox with versatile playback options

  • The device features backlit buttons that can be turned off, with flashing lights indicating audio levels and functions like fast forward and rewind.
  • The display is clear and informative, with numerous buttons, some hidden behind a motorized panel, eliminating the need for a remote control.
  • The device, reminiscent of the last century, lacks compatibility with MDLP for minidiscs and CD text for CD copying, requiring real-time copying and manual titling.
  • The FM radio's limited frequency range (76-90 MHz) may restrict station reception, with the UK's Radio 2 at 89.9 MHz as a notable example.
  • Despite its basic design and imported cost, the device's vacuum fluorescent display may fade over time if left on continuously.
  • A boombox from Japan, acquired for a reasonable price, offers CD, MD, and cassette playback, with a remote control essential for adjusting sound settings and display options.
  • The boombox's cassette deck records only on type 1 tapes, with acceptable playback performance and playback-only settings for high-position tapes.
  • The device includes a free MD containing music, with high-speed MD recording limited to one CD every 74 minutes to deter copyright infringement.
  • The radio functions well, lacking RDS or DAB, and features a clock for timed recordings, though the design mixes controls for different functions, requiring some adjustment.
  • Running on 100 volts or 10 C cells for 6-7 hours, the boombox includes auxiliary analog input, headphone output, mic input, and supports Bluetooth connectivity for modern usage.
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