Looking for who said what in the sound world? Well there is no better place to find every audio related press release than 3DsoundSurge.!

MD-DS8 Features Sharp's Proprietary 1-Bit Digital Audio Amplifier Technologya World First

New 4-Conductor Mini-Plug Headphone for Superb Audio Quality

Sharp Corporation announces the introduction into the Japanese market of a new portable MD (MiniDisc) player. The MD-DS8 is the first to be equipped with Sharp's revolutionary Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amp.

Sharp's Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amp is a newly developed amplifier that makes full use of proprietary 1-bit digital audio technology to dramatically improve audio quality and reduce power consumption in mobile devices, as well as make them significantly more compact.

The MD-DS8 is the world's first^*1 MD player to be equipped with this innovative technology. This new player not only provides superb audio quality, but also delivers approximately 180 hours^*2 of playback time, well beyond the time one would expect from conventional portable audio devices.

In addition, the MD-DS8 represents Sharp's expanding vision for the portable MD player format, focusing in particular on high audio quality. Reflecting this concept, we have provided the MD-DS8 with features such as a 4-Conductor Mini-Plug Headphone in which the right and left stereo channels are completely independent and separate, and the Dolby Headphone system^*3 that provides a natural, realistic sense of presence just as if you were listening to speakers.

[Main Features]

1.	Portable MD player equipped with Sharp's "Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amp"a world first! Sharp's "Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amp" enables the MD-DS8 to deliver superb audio quality, with fast and smooth rise times and natural, clear sound with extremely low levels of distortion and audio degradation.
2.	New "4-Conductor Mini-Plug Headphone" for making the most of the "Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amp" The MD-DS8 features "ear bud" stereo headphones combined with a remote controller and terminated in a special 4-conductor mini-plug that enables the left and right stereo channels to be completely independent and separate.
3.	"Dolby Headphone" system lets you enjoy a realistic sense of presence like listening to speakers An embedded proprietary Dolby Headphone system chip lets you enjoy natural sound providing an immersive, 3-D sense of presence just as if you were listening to speakers.
4.	Digital amplifier technology means an energy efficient design, delivering an extended playback time of approximately 180 hours

[MD-DS8 Specifications]

Product name	1-Bit Portable MD Player
Model name	MD-DS8-S (silver)/-H (gray)/-R (red)
Format	MiniDisc digital audio system
Reading system	Non-contact optical read system (using laser diode)
Number of channels	Stereo: 2 channels; monaural: 1 channel (Extended Play mode)
Sampling rate	44.1 kHz
Audio encoding system	ATRAC3/ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding)
Frequency response	20 to 20,000 Hz (±3 dB)
Wow & flutter	Below measurable limits (±0.001% W peak)
Max. output levels	5 mW + 5 mW (32)
Power sources	1.2 V DC: with included AD-N55BT rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery 1.5 V DC: with included dry cell Battery Case (uses one 1.5 V commercially available AA alkaline dry cell battery) 1.5 V DC: with optional AD-CA55X Car Power Adapter (for use with 12/24 V DC negative ground systems) (Used together with optional AD-S55PA Plug Adapter) 5.0 V DC: with accessory AC Power Adapter (100 V AC, 50/60 Hz) (Used together with accessory recharging stand)
Battery life	Continuous playback time (approximate)	Stereo	LP2 Stereo	LP4 Stereo
	Using included rechargeable battery (fully charged)	32 hours	43 hours	62 hours
	Using single high-capacity AA alkaline dry cell battery (when installed fully charged)	50 hours	73 hours	101 hours
	Using included rechargeable battery (fully charged) + single high-capacity AA alkaline dry cell battery	90 hours	132 hours	180 hours
	• LED set to OFF • Volume level set at "VOL 15" • Dolby Headphone system setting on NORMAL Note: Battery life will be reduced to approximately half with Dolby Headphone system set ON.
Recharge time	Approx. 3.5 hours (using included recharging stand)
External dimensions (W x H x D)	71.2 x 12.0 x 77.9 mm (2.8" x 0.5" x 3.1")
Weight	Approx. 97 g (3.4 oz) including rechargeable battery; approx. 72 g (2.5 oz) (main unit only)
Accessories	• LCD Remote Control x 1 • Headphones x 1 • Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride Battery x 1 • AC Power Adapter x 1 • AA Battery Case x 1 • Recharging Stand x 1 • Carrying Case x 1 • Connection Cable x 1 • Instruction Booklet (with warranty card) x 1

[MD-DS8 Optional Accessories]