I wasn't too impressed with the sound quality at first. It has 6 preset EQs and they don't sound very special. However, after listening to it for a few days and getting used to it, it started to give me a very comfortable feeling.

The unit doesn't have very powerful output (total of 50W), but it is enough for my room (Enough to wake up my housemates too). Other amazing little features include: P/S 2 keyboard titling, sleep and timer play function, adjustable recording level for analog input, full function highly sensible remote....

To be a bit picky, I think the analog recording level should go a bit higher, and the layout of the remote control looks a bit too messy & complicated. There are too many tiny little buttons on the remote, and it's not easy to tell which is which in the dark. The system doesn't have mic input, which is quite strange too. Other than these, what better system can you get for such a great price? Like many audiophiles such as myself, we like to isolate most of our multi-media tools and extensions through our home computers. I would think that the primary reason behind this, is because we have the most control over the future output, in quality, format and eventually through mediums such as MD, portability. However, managing MD recording (track marks, titling, etc. ) through the means of home computer can be a bit of a pain. Working with the portable SHARP MTS-15, I have the pleasure of finding NO pleasure in doing any kind of text editing. So my MD collection grows and only a few of them are properly titled. Memories of a sore thumb and monotony remind me that until I find a decent solution, the rest of my collection will only be titled by clever sticker art with very small font types. Though at one time I did have a unit that offered cd-text support, (so the track names just went right to the MD while recording) I still found myself on my own when it came to recording my own 'cerebral abstracts' (ideas) of the day and live recordings. I got my money back and found enlightenment though the purchase of the SHARP MD-X5!

Like many other micro MD systems that incorporate a cd-player and AM/FM tuner, you're going to find the usual features such as: One touch record, timer functions, equalizer presets (5 in this unit), input recording level, various auxillary inputs and outputs (8 total, including coaxial and optical) and of course, text editing through the use of the remote, boy, how fun is that? (small 'yay').

THE LOVE:

However, that very last feature mentioned, is probably the most notable feature on the MD-X5. The unit has a ps/2 keyboard connector right in so you can hook up a pc keyboard and title your MD's like a pro. (big 'yay') The unit also has a cute feature, for it allows you to add your own 'personal' message. When the unit is in sleep mode or just not doing anything, a small animation of a fish will scroll by blowing bubbles as text will follow, this text can be edited.

Though armed with a mere 20 watts of power, this system really kicks, especially with SHARP's proprietary 'X-BASS' many small items on my very cluttered computer desk, quiver in it's wake of sound. The volume setting can go from 0-10, but it actually seems like 0-30, because there seems to be 3 micro levels per unit of volume..well, whatever, for sound to be heard through my entire house, I never have to tweak it past 5. Measuring only 17 ½ inches long x 9 ¼ high and 11 ¼ deep, this unit fits nicely on my desk, almost too nicely. I think I have to move it again, because of it's small size, I keep putting things in front of the cd door, like you know, the keyboard (sigh, more about that in the gripe section).

I've tried various input sources, to test out power of this thing and how well it would handle the sound. My Sega Dreamcast plays very nicely. Pumping Crazy Taxi through my house was much more enjoyable than relying on my television to do so. Unhooking my PC speakers I tried my PC through it, but found I had to do a little tweaking on the pc end, otherwise I heard too much background noise, muffled sound and too much bass, even with XBASS disabled.

There also seems to be an automated recording feature when recording from a cd containing, say 76 minutes to a md that can only hold 74 minutes. It will automatically go into long-play mode, to make sure the whole thing. You'll have to remember to switch back the recording feature, however.

THE GRIPE:

Because the ps/2 connection is in front this leaves a very little space for your standard pc keyboard to be placed, and even if you find a place to keep your keyboard out of the way, you end up with an annoying cable coming out of the front of your system. I tried using my Logitech cordless keyboard on the unit as a most ideal solution, but the system didn't recognize my keyboard, pity. Now the keyboard is also JUST for titling, all other keys like the number pad, the F-keys, up/down arrows, tab and escape, etc.. are disabled. Also, you still have to use the remote itself to assist in the titling, even if the keyboard is connected. It would have been nice if the entire keyboard could be utililzed in place of the remote.

The remote itself has has very small rectangle shaped buttons, all lined up too closely to each other. NO friendly shaped buttons it for easy recognition of operations. You know, like, sideways triangle for play, square shape for stop, obsecure round shaped offset "do not touch me unless you want to" record button. Even the power button itself can be confused with the volume control if your not LOOKING at the remote. A minor thing, but something I expect future units will have, or should have as a standard is cd-text support, which the SHARP MD- X5 does not support. Even though when I put a CD in, I can see the 'TOC' reading feature be displayed, I almost expect it to start showing the name of the disc immediately. denied. Cosmetically, it's a little..ugly. The only thing that's not so SHARP on this unit, is the color scheme. Primarily, all gray, one spot of chrome and wood grain speakers. It may have been nice if all the buttons were chrome and if the spongy speaker grill could be removed. But if I find myself to be really picky, I'll take the risk of voiding my warranty and adding three coats of paint to the little guy.

OVERALL:

For the price, $129 plus s/h from electronicexpress.com, I found this system a great buy. It has satiated many of my wants and needs for custom titling and editing. I hope that if I ever decide to go with more power, such as doing a component system, I will be able to find that keyboard titling feature as a standard. Next time around, I hope they remember to make it either wireless or put it in the BACK!