Features:
- Ultra slim, lightweight design includes street-style headphones and in-line remote control
- Optical digital-audio output and CD text to MD data transfer capability
- Sony G-Protection antiskip buffer provides 10-times faster shock recovery
- Extended playback delivers up to 32 hours of continuous play
- Includes 64-track programmable CD memory, carrying accessory, and two AA NiCad batteries
Description:
Here's a cheering arrival for CD fans who've contemplated making a shift to a alternative music formats like MP3 just for the sake of skip-free performance. The D-EJ715 boasts Sony's new G-Protection circuitry, delivering a much higher level of resistance to jolts and jerks than any other CD portable we've ever encountered. You can jog with it. You can ski with it. You can skateboard with it. And the thing just keeps on playing perfectly. G-Protection is actually a combination of features--including a memory buffer and variable-speed platter (as found in many other CD and minidisc players) plus a specially refined, quick-reactive laser beam (unique to Sony) that rides out the jolts like nobody's business. Some other CD players with memory buffers cut the high frequency edge off the music, but not so in the G-Protection version. When this circuit is engaged, Sony's excellent CD sound quality remains intact. In the process of rethinking player mechanics, Sony has also downsized components and improved energy efficiency. That's why the D-EJ715 manages to be so slim (just 1 inch tall, 5.25 inches wide, and 5.625 inches deep) and lightweight (6.4 ounces, excluding accessories). That's also why it runs for so long. With the supplied rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries installed, you can enjoy up to 8 hours of playing time--that's with G-Protection engaged and the CD player placed on a flat and stable surface. (Not incidentally, these batteries recharge in the player in just three hours with the supplied AC adapter attached, a cute trick.) With a pair of AA batteries in place, the playing time shoots up to a maximum of 32 hours. (Early CD portables sucked all the juice out of four alkalines in just four hours.) The LCD screen on the lid of the D-EJ715 includes an icon that shows the remaining battery power. We also like that there's just one slot for installing either rechargeable or throwaway batteries on this model. On some other CD portables, including those that Sony manufactures, the on-board rechargeable cells are the slimmer "stick" variety. To add conventional battery playback on those models, you have to bolt-on or plug in an external battery carrying case--an accessory that's easy to forget and that adds bulk and clutter. If you're into the cost effectiveness and noble ecology of rechargeable batteries, Sony also offers a more expensive, nickel-metal hydride cell (the NH-WM2AA) that boasts significantly longer play time--18 hours max. (The cell is available through a phone number listed in the product literature.) Active users will also appreciate the rubbery, easily gripped carrying case with Velcro-adjustable hand strap and the new breed of sporty "Street Style" headphones supplied with the D-EJ715. Hooking over the ears, with the connecting band curving around the back of your head, these phones stay in place better than those ear bud varieties, have big drivers for better sound, and don't give you the "helmet head" look that comes with headphone bands that squish your hair. A small remote control is built into the two-segment headphone cable so you can easily change volume level, start the disc, or skip forward or backward through tracks while on the run. Return to "play" after hitting the full stop, and disc play resumes where it was interrupted. Smart. There's even a sliding "hold" switch on the remote, so you won't accidentally hit a button when it's stuffed in your shirt pocket. (A clip for securing the remote to your clothes would have been nice; but the remote is so small and light you'll hardly feel it flopping about.) A Digital Mega Bass option kicks up the musical thump--with the supplied headphones, it warmed the sound nicely on the first of two levels. The max setting, however, proved too boomy. Also included is an Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS). When engaged, it prevents the sound output through the headphone jack from ever getting too loud--guarding sensitive ears and preventing the inadvertent blocking of sirens, car horns, ringing phones, etc. We found AVLS cutoff point to be perfect for listening in a quiet environment, but it was set too low for situations where there's a fair amount of ambient noise--for example, from passing traffic. And the AVLS is not adjustable Sony has thought of almost everything with the D-EJ715. There's even a combined optical digital-analog output jack for connecting this player to a home stereo system or digital recorder (like minidisc) to make your own music mixes. For both on-the-go and at-home play, this CD Walkman is highly recommended. Pros:
- Excellent antiskip protection
- Long play times with both rechargeable and alkaline batteries
- Fine audio performance
- First-rate ergonomics and supercompact, lightweight packaging
Cons:
- Auto-volume limiter is not adjustable
- NH rechargeable batteries last longer than the supplied ni-cad type
- Tight-gripping earphones must be removed to put on eyeglasses
- Remote control lacks a clothing clip
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