Sony MZ-N920 Review
by @highfidelity1989
Overview
The Sony MZ-N920 is one of my personal favorite portable MiniDisc devices. It was released in 2004 and mainly sold in Japan and a few other Asian markets only. The N920 is NetMD, supports MDLP (LP2/LP4) and features a digital amplifier.
Since I personally have been using MiniDisc quite late - just discovering it in early 2023 - I am glad that I came across this jewel. Short story here: The first device I acquired was the Sony MZ-RH1 (HiMD) and the Sony MZ-N920 was my second purchase. It is my favorite sounding model I have to say, even it does not support HiMD and is not one of Sony’s latest MiniDisc models, such as the RH1.
Please note that this review is based on my personal experiences and less of a technical review based on data sheet specs.
Design and Controls
The Sony MZ-N920 features a full aluminum body and is beautifully made, both from a design perspective (in my opinion) as well as from an engineering perspective. It is very compact as well, with being barley larger than a MiniDisc with standard protective shell - absolutely pocketable. The display has some curved edges, which makes it also a unique design feature.
The MiniDisc opening- as well as gumstick battery compartment are easily accessible and allow for quickly changing fresh batteries or swapping discs. A standard Sony battery sidecar can also be attached for further power supply on the go. A 3V DC- as well as dock connector is available for charging and power supply as well.
The control layout and buttons on the Sony MZ-N920 work fine in my opinion. The 5-way control key is used for play, track skipping, fast-forwarding- and reversing, but also volume control. I like to note that it is important to keep the contacts on the control board clean, in order to avoid cross-keying. Recording-, pause-, stop- and grouping- as well as track marking- and end search buttons are aligned well and easy to operate. There is also a jog dial for navigating through the menu, tracks, etc.
The (small) 3-line display shows all information necessary. Track number- and name, album name, remaining play time, etc. It is well readable, however in dark light conditions it can be a bit difficult to read since it is recessed slightly and as with most MiniDisc devices not backlit.
Shortly, easy to operate MiniDisc device with intuitive control layout and menu.
Connections
A variety of connections are available on the Sony MZ-N920. As mentioned earlier, it is a NetMD device, so there is a standard USB Mini B port which can connect the device to a PC or Mac and transferring music via Web MiniDisc Pro or other software tools available. I have only tried Web MiniDisc Pro and it works great. The Sony typical line-in/optical plug is available for analog and optical recordings as well as a plug for recordings with a microphone and of course the headphone jack/line-out with remote connector. The Sony RM-MC33EL was the original remote shipped with this device, but I also have tried other Sony remotes and they all work as intended mostly.
The following remotes have been tested:
- Sony RM-MC33EL
- Sony RM-MC38EL
- Sony RM-MC40ELK (some buttons may not work as intended)
Usage and Battery Life
The Sony MZ-N920 is a great all-round device, which probably will satisfy most people interested into stepping into the MiniDisc world. Let’s phrase it like this: If I would have to show someone unfamiliar with MiniDisc a device, it would be this one. It can be used as a daily, both for listening and recording.
Battery life is great, even with a gumstick battery one can easily play tracks for a long time. I used it throughout the working week and did not charge or replace the battery. Important to note here as well is to keep the battery contacts clean in order to sustain battery life as long as possible. Also as mentioned there is the support for standard Sony AA battery sidecars to further extend play- or recording time.
Sound
One of the biggest pro’s for this model is the sound quality in my opinion. Since it features Sony’s digital amp technology, sound quality is clear and the volume can be pretty high. The 6-band Equalizer is a great addition to balance bass, treble etc. to preferred settings. I am usually having my own EQ settings in use. There are also some presets and Sony’s “VPT Acoustic Engine“ with some studio-, concert hall effect, etc.
The bass is just awesome and there is no distortion even at highest volumes with most of the headphones I am using. Note that I am personally often connecting portable on-ear headphones with my MiniDisc devices. It for sure has a warm and balanced sound with my preferred music genres to such as Deep House, some Jazz, 90s Hip-Hop and RnB.
The following headphones have been used with the device:
- AKG K450 (best sounding with the Sony MZ-N920, just a great combo)
- Bowers & Wilkins P3, Series 2
- Denon AH-MM200
- Harman/Kardon Soho
- and more…
Not to forget to mention that the recording quality is great as well. Since it features all necessary connections for recording from any audio source and USB, it will work as your daily recorder, too. I have mostly used the Sony MZ-N920 for playback though, less for recording.
Conclusion
I can recommend the Sony MZ-N920 to anyone who wants to get into MiniDisc. It looks and feels great in my opinion, has a stunning sound and does all playback and recording functions one can wish for (except HiMD). Prices are still fine for this device, and it seems to be relatively reliable. If you have the chance, I can only recommend to try it out. Enjoy the Sony MZ-N920, you will love it!
Thanks a lot for reading. 
HighFidelity1989