I realized the formats were different, but with the actual focus on music, I decided the MP3 players, while interesting, seemed somewhat pricey for what they were really being tasked to do. As long as I was bumping the budget, I felt I should get all the technology I could find.

My decision to purchase something more sophisticated led me to investigate portable MD recorders. I wound up looking at a Kenwood DMC-K7R slot-load player/recorder. I paid import price and came away with the unit, earbud style headphones, external battery case for extended operation, a mis-matched carry bag, a charger, 6 MD's and an instruction manual in Japanese. I've since added a Sony stereo lapel mic and upgraded to a CaseLogic compartmented carrying case. Note there is a small flange on the lower right side drilled for a carry strap. And yes, the DMC-K7R did survive the eventual 1 meter fall to a tiled floor.

This is the silver unit, with the pale purple controls. The front panel has the LED display, controls for operation/volume and titling. There is also a bright red 'record' button that looks as if it should light up at times, however, this button is not wired for that purpose. The remote has it's own display, complete with swimming fish or disc/ song title. Spend some time learning and practicing with the remote if you intend to use it later, and wish to appear qualified. Jacks are included for optical/line-in, as well as mic, remote and DC5V pwr. Note this is a well built device, slightly weighty (feels like quality)...it continues to assure me that it is serious about doing it's job.

The sound is great...right along with why we choose this format in the first place. I love letting someone listen for the first time...they are always pleasantly surprised.

Slot-loading units appeal more to me than the clam- shell design offered by other manufacturers. The DMC-K7R has a short-throw lever on the right side that performs ejection. Inserts are assisted during the last 1/16" of MD travel, when the door closes down, from the top, similar to an overhead rolling garage door. There is only one small panel tasked with filling the hole.

The play/record time on this unit is quite long (others have published the spec), and can be extended by mono recordings when needed. Charging the internal Lithium-ion battery happens quickly, and has been of no concern when planning ahead.

I warehouse MP3's on my G3 Mac, and build 74 minute playlists...these are sent to a USB Roland UA-30, and then to the Kenwood via an optical cable. Digital recording removes the need to set levels manually. Once I start the recording, it goes unattended and shuts off when done. I can monitor using various options either directly from the Kenwood, or any of the many outputs available on the UA-30.

Titleing can be done in either English or Japanese, along with a third menu for special characters. I find it easy to title discs and songs...I'm a lazy man, and if it wasn't easy, it wouldn't get done.

The MD can be coupled to my car stereo thru a typical cassette adapter (Sony in this case), and the music quality stays at the high level I enjoy.

I've used the Kenwood as a player at work, in the car, and on a mountain bike. It has done duty as a recorder during language classes, live jam sessions on the nightclub circuit in Seoul and project meetings on two continents. I have no regrets about my purchase.