Features: ATRAC 4 (IC: CXD2652AR). Unit is small, 75% the volume of the MZ-R50. 40 sec shock memory, backlit remote "stick controller" with 9 character display (vs. 6 in previous versions). Operation, editing and track labelling functions available on remote as well as main body. Titling may be done while recording is in progress. Clamshell opens via pushbutton (rather than slider). Two step bass boost. Selectable microphone sensitivity (HIGH/LOW). First recorder with 1.2V drive. Uses NiMH gumpack rechargeable (NH-14WM). Available in gold, blue, yellow.

Sony announces the upcoming release of a USB to MiniDisc connection kit that will be bundled with the MZ-R55.

Parts: MD-Mechanism Type: MT-MZR55-161, Optical Pick-up Type: KMS-280A

Mis-features: Contrary to what is stated in the manual, the battery cannot be recharged while the unit is in use. When the unit is in the ``stopped'' state, pressing the stop button will start the battery charging. In manual recording level mode, unit must be paused to change the level setting (as with all Sony portables).

Notes: The MZ-R55's remote can be used with the MZ-R50, but in this case the backlight is inoperative (only the MZ-R55 emits the command codes needed to control the backlight). The MZ-R55 remote is completely interchangeable with the MZ-R37 remote. -Gerald Tomyn

Tips: Take special care to close the rechargeable battery compartment hatch carefully and completely; the plastic tabs at the corners have been known to break when they are not grasped completely by the metal hook edge inside the player.

Problems: Hoshing Kwong describes a circuit board fix for the Sony MZ-R55 self recording-start problem.

Links:

• Initial Japanese announcement
• Sony's Japanese announcement and photos of the MZ-R55, MZ-E55 and MZ-E33 portables
• An MD-frumpy ZDNet CES article mentions that Sony will release the MZ-R55 in the US at the end of January 1999
• Japan-Direct's photos of the unit
• Marcus Johansson has a thorough MZ-R55 page, with many nice photos
• Chris McClave has made a Sony MZ-R55 page and discussion board
• Robert Nguyen's thorough comparison of the Sony MZ-R55 and Kenwood DMC-K7R portables plus his extensive comparison of the Sharp MD-MT821, Sony MZ-R55, and Aiwa AM-F70
• MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit
• MiniDisc World has a review for this unit
• CNET has a review for this unit
• Minidisco has a rotatable 3-D spinning image of this unit
• Jens Lungstad points out a Sony MZ-R55 review for newbies at Sharky Extreme
• An MZ-R55 is spotted in a videotaped police interview covering the Washington DC protests (in the third video, entitled "Police and Protesters Clash...").

Specs: 16 bit ADC/DAC, Headphone amp: 5mW+5mW

Reviews:

User Manuals: MZ-R55, HTML

Service Manual: MZ-R55