By Shep
Intro
The Sony MZ-EP11, alongside its sister device the MZ-EP10 in July 1998 which in my opinion are one of the best MiniDisc players for walks, biking, etc. Hi, I’m Sheps or ShepsBox when the name is inevitably taken, or just Piotr. I’ve been interested in MDs for a while and I’m glad to share my opinion on this beautiful player :D. Mainly we’ll be talking about the EP11 as my wallet begs me not to spend anymore.
Design
A key and only real difference between the two players is its design, with the EP10 having a smoothed outside and and the EP11 having an X symbol with the MD Walkman logo inside the X. Another fact is its disc ejection slot, being a “flip up slot” instead of a “whole device flip up” like other models. The two-tone silver aluminum and gray plastic encircling the player completes the look pretty nicely.
Features
The naming scheme of Sony’s player followed a simple idea, R for Recorderable, E for player, N/NE for NetMD, and a EH/NH for Hi-MD with this player being one of those weird exceptions.
I think they changed it up for its one of a kind battery system, you can use a Gumstick or regular AA battery, no sidecar needed(It can only hold one battery)! Alongside that it supports regular functions for a player, a 1.5V DC jack and remote port.
User Interface
The UI of it is pretty bare and not the best for driving or anything requiring that much focus. The previous, play, next and stop buttons line the top of the player along with the disk slot, remote port, and activity/play light. On the left is an eject switch and on the right, the battery, DC, and hold switch. The back is pretty bare, just telling you the direction of the battery, AVLS, the Digital Mega Bass mode switch (between 0,1,2) and the volume up and down.
Other Facts and Features
Being a later model, it uses ATRAC 4, meaning you get some very nice audio(I’m not an audiophile but it’s really nice). The dual battery slot doesn’t have a major difference, just 4 hours for Gumstick and 5 hours for AA, but Eneloops always have a different battery time compared to regular alkaline.
The design was meant for your belt so it does include a belt clip but as time has gone on these have become increasingly rare, but thanks to Gunner5, I do have its intended holder! It also has a strap, making it like a purse.
Conclusion
Ultimately this is a great player, I love its design, it works great and even with the small buttons , if you just look down at it works great! I love using it for walks around campus or going to class and having the ability to use the new USB-C Gumsticks and just buying AA if need be is great.