Sony has some pretty nice looking microcomponent units coming out in the near future, and they both support MP3 files recorded o­n CD-R or RW. Surely you remember the company's announcement to change their stance o­n MP3; I suspect this is the first of many moves by the company towards support for the format.

Still, when you think about it, these microcomponent units don't have a whole lot to offer besides good looks and MP3/ATRAC3plus CD playback. They're a tad steep for these features alone.

Sony will release two microcomponent units that conserve space by shortening the length versus conventional units. Both are Open Price. The price and release date, for the "CMT-A01MD" containing MD, CD, and Casette, is 42,000 yen in early December, and the "CMT-A40" containig CD and Casette is set at 21,000 yen for release o­n December 10th.

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-CMT-A01MD

This is a microcomponent unit that contains MiniDisc, CD, Casette, and an FM/AM tuner. The total dimensions including the speakers is 424 x 208 x 302mm (W x D x H). The center unit has a depth of 180mm, and each have a reduced depth, allowing for a conservation of space. A card-type remote controller is included.

The CD part, in addition to playing Audio CDs, and playback ATRAC3plus and MP3 files recorded o­n CD-R/RW. It also contains a "DSP TYPE-S" for the high quality rendition of ATRAC and ATRAC3 files. CD-R/RW discs recorded with ATRAC3plus and MP3 files can be recorded using the included "SonicStage Ver.2.1" software.

The MD part supports MDLP, as well as 4x dubbing from CD to MD. The slots for CDs and MDs are in the middle of the moveable front panel, which is equipped with a lit function key and 4 direction multi-lever key. Sony says this allows for a simple yet smart design.

The speakers are a 3 speaker virtual twin type with 2-way, and use the "Bass Enhancement Speaker System" passive radiator setup. The units have a woofer and 100mm diameter passive radiator. The tweater is 25mm in diameter. The amplifier has a maximum output of 25W x 2ch. It features an Analog Audio input. The weight of the entire system is 8.5kg.




Product Information:
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/audio/systemstereo/products/index.cfm?PD=18144&KM=CMT-A01MD

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-CMT-A50

This is a microcomponent system consisting of CD, Caseete, and FM/AM tuner. The external dimensions of the entire system are 392 x 215 x 287mm (W x D x H), and it has a weight of 8.1kg. It likewise supports the playback of ATRAC3plus and MP3 files recorded o­n CD-R/RW discs, and packages "SonicStage Ver.2.1." A remote controller is also included.

The speakers use a 2-way, 3 speaker passive radiator system. The unit is a 100mm diameter passive radiator, with a 40mm tweater. The amplifier has a maximum output of 20W x 2ch. It features a blue LCD capable of displaying 4 lines of information, and a jog dial. It is equipped with o­ne analog audio input.



Product Information:
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/audio/systemstereo/products/index.cfm?PD=19360&KM=CMT-A50

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Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20041126/sony2.htm