・DMC-F5R

029   |   Kenwood   |   '95

Distinctive Design

The DMC-F5R, emphasizing simplicity, versatility, and high sound quality, appears to have its prototype inspired by the Sharp MD-ST500. Featuring a Slot-In mechanism, it diverges from the complex shell mechanism, allowing for a smooth one-touch horizontal insertion and removal of discs. However, the Slot-In design requires more space, resulting in a slightly bulkier body.

To complement the Slot-In mechanism, the device adopts a horizontal design, utilizing a significant amount of white space and curves. The overall look maintains Kenwood's unique high-visibility distinctive style. The elongated LCD screen provides information such as track names, REC Level, battery status, and disc details at a glance, supporting English, numbers, and katakana with a maximum of 10 characters. Unfortunately, the remote control, which lacks a screen, was not updated with the main unit.

Equipped with the considerate "Synchro REC," it detects the presence of audio during recording, synchronizing the start/pause of recording accordingly (automatically deleting silence longer than 4 seconds, automatically marking tracks in silent areas), making recording and editing more convenient.

The rechargeable battery provides play 3.5 / REC 4.5 hr. Perhaps due to the substantial size of the device, powered by a significant AAx6, an additional purchase of the external battery box for ¥2,000 was necessary. In the context of the generally expensive MD series at the time, it can be considered relatively budget-friendly.

MD-S70