by Scott Dickerhoof
As far as reviews go, the longest review I’ve written was a line or two for something on Google maps to ward off people from a bad experience or let them know that a particular Waffle House has great scrambled eggs. How this is going to go will be anyone’s guess. Retro audio is seeing a revival across almost all formats these days it seems. Perhaps not 8-tracks but certainly cassettes, vinyl, and to some degree – the minidisc. I don’t think it makes much sense to trudge through the entire timeline of minidisc so we’ll jump close to the end of it – the MZ-E730.
My personal favorite of all the Sony portable players. While not the ultimate in thin, or the loudest in sound, the E730 packs a lot of the best of what minidisc had to offer. It boasts a sleek, compact design with a metal casing, making it both durable and stylish. It is light but doesn’t feel like a toy. The lid snapping open and firmly closing gives you the same feeling of closing a door on a solidly built car and it has a nice feeling in the hand. My favorite color is the dark purple (at least I think it’s purple...) and for those looking for something else, it came in 3 other colors.
Playing back tracks with the remote on the MZ-E730 is a surprisingly seamless experience, showcasing thoughtful design and ease of use. Normally sold with the RM-MC33EL remote, the backlit jog-dial is the centerpiece, allowing users to navigate tracks and adjust settings with intuitive precision—even in low-light conditions. It feels instantly responsive because it is. Unlike smartphones that require unlocking and fumbling about to get to what you want this player has 1 job and it does it well and without pause. Buttons are well-placed and labeled, making functions like play, pause, and skip immediately accessible. The remote’s compact size complements the player's portable design, letting you control playback without slowing down. While some users might miss touch controls found on modern devices, the tactile feedback here offers a nostalgic and satisfying interaction that aligns perfectly with the retro spirit of Minidisc players. If you find yourself without the remote, the player body offers basic control for seeking through tracks and adjusting volume but for sound settings and playback modes you’ll want to have a remote handy.
The MZ-E730 shines with its 6-band equalizer, allowing for precise fine-tuning to suit individual preferences or specific genres of music. Whether you’re craving punchier bass for a dance track or clearer mids for a jazz recording, the equalizer offers a range of options to craft your ideal audio profile. The ability to save custom EQ settings ensures a hassle-free experience for users who want to switch between preferences without constant adjustments. Beyond the equalizer, the player impresses with a variety of playback modes that cater to different listening needs. Modes like Repeat, Shuffle, and A-B Repeat provide flexibility, whether you're revisiting a favorite section, shuffling through an entire playlist, or focusing on specific segments. Together, these features make this player not only a capable performer in sound quality but also a versatile companion for diverse listening styles. I personally don’t spend a lot of time messing about with play modes as I try to relive my glory days of just listening to albums end-to-end.
Other minidisc brands brough their personal flair to the table. Sharp with the 4-pole headphone jacks, Panasonic with their super thin players, and even Kenwood got in the game with 1-bit amplifiers. Sony kept with a winning formula – reliable players with clear sound, thanks to the “HD Digital Amp.” The 730 is thin, solid, and has a premium feel. I spend a lot of my time repairing players for MD fans and for listing on eBay. My choice for reliability and durability is definitely Sony and this one doesn’t miss. I started with Sony (the MZ-R50, in orange, of course!) and continue to favor them when I pick up a player. While others have turned me onto Sharp and their brilliant sound (thanks, Tarik!) I still love my Sonys. Long gone are the days of ordering Japanese players from some guy importing them and the Minidisco shop but thankfully we can still enjoy these little gems and hopefully for years to come.
