Sony MZ-E900
by Eddie Chan
Beautifully Brushed + Bokeh
At the turn of the 21st century, Sony released the MZ-E900, a playback only MiniDisc Walkman. This is also the first MDLP playback portable device, as well as having ATRAC Type-R capability. In all honesty, the device is extremely simple and lacks any sort of bells and whistles. The functionally is straightforward and very simple to use without a remote. The button layout is fantastic with little dimples on the furthest left and right buttons to let you know what is “volume down” and “play/ff” respectively.
Easy to use – Lessons in ergonomics that the Chord Mojo needs to get right
The E900 uses the typical Sony gumstick (NH-14MW) if you really want to enjoy its small form factor, but a AA battery side-car is compatible which makes it universally convenient. The joy, in my opinion, and real purpose of this device is revelling in its portability.
But why? Majority of portable MiniDiscs were very portable – what makes this any different? Well, for one, it’s mere millimeters larger than the exterior perimeter of a MiniDisc. If you stacked minidiscs on top of it, you’d never know the player was there! In terms of thickness, it is approximately 2.25 times the thickness of a single disc. It’s the type of player you’d use to sneak into events because you could literally hide it anywhere… shirt pockets, pant pockets, under a ball cap, or tucked into a boot. When compared with the other devices of that era, everything – yes, absolutely everything – was larger. With a single disc recorded in LP4, it could save you from that boring lecture, a night out with your significant other’s work friends, or your nephew’s school play you were obligated to attend. Finding a covert way to entertain yourself in an otherwise deathly boring environment had never been easier in 2000.
Can you see the MZ-E900 hiding?
The headphone amp, while not particularly powerful, is competent. Don’t expect it to drive your 600 ohm Beyerdynamic headphones… you’re best sticking with IEM’s and you’ll be more than happy. It does have the signature Sony sound which, in my opinion, is very good, only second to Sharp balanced outputs.
The unit’s construction is very good, with what appears to be made from a metal alloy (except the battery door). My guess is that it may have been made with a magnesium alloy and then powder coated. The brushed face finish is, I think, a faux finish and will deteriorate with use. Nevertheless, faux or not, it’s still a good looking finish. The spring loaded eject is quite powerful and closing it results in a very satisfying snap.
The bare back
I would absolutely recommend this device to anyone looking for a small portable. It plays well, feels premium, and with minidiscs in mind, I’m not sure if there’s anything smaller (I own some Panasonic SJ-MJXX units and I don’t think they sound good at all)! Because if there’s anything we learned from MiniDiscs, it’s that SIZE MATTERS!
Happy listening everyone!