・MD-MS721

094　｜　Sharp　｜　'98  09.04

MD-MS721以直接簡單的一目了然造型訴求。比起同期MD-ST521的歐風簡練，MD-ST722的精密機械感，MS721均等且平鋪直敘的按鍵佈局顯得散漫。雖然動用了磨砂、髮絲與霧面處理營造異材質層次，雙面刃地反倒像三塊不同材質硬拉拼湊讓整體顯得碎裂，讓整體俗氣簡陋的讓人錯覺為三線廠商的美學...也成為了型的幻滅

或許以機能面的角度來評論看待會有不一樣的想法。

高性能　MD的核心ATRAC的LSI，採用最先進的0.25μm低功耗LSI。光學頭與機械結構也進行低功耗設計，比起前作續航達+200%⭡，實現年度最強放10 / 錄8小時長效續航。同時RF(由光學頭到信號增幅迴路)的數位化開始、信號處編碼器 / 解碼器、數位伺服EFM處理、壓縮 / 解碼整合於單晶片處理。

強悍的鑄鋁機身材質，使用厚達1.2mm的鋁合金材質，官方強調相較以往機型約達到2.5倍以上強度的驚人夢幻規格。

薄型小型化　光學頭推送機構及記錄用光磁頭升降機構小型化，採用新型減速齒輪機構讓光磁頭升降 / 馬達部件減至過往2/3等機構小型薄型化，高密度實裝技術(6層基板)，相較以往基板面積-36%，實現Sharp獨家的Slot In機構技術。

高音質　從RF電路的數位化開始，進行信號處理編碼/解碼、數位伺服EFM處理等採高音質化。特別是在新開發的第6世代ATRAC為了實現高音質，採用了新規的三次元(時間軸方向 / 頻率軸方向 /振 幅方向)"Bit Allocation Algorithm(自適應位元分配演算)"和24bit運算處理，並以高性能的20Bit AD /DA轉換等獲得清晰、低雜訊且震撼的重低音。

新型背光線控，採用高效的Triple Shuttle旋鈕，由基本操作到音質切換、顯示等僅僅需單指撥動的全方位操控。

The MD-MS721 appeals with a straightforward and simple aesthetic. Compared to the European-style minimalism of the concurrent MD-ST521 or the precision mechanical feel of the MD-ST722, the MS721's uniform and blunt button layout feels scattered. While it employs matte, hairline, and frosted finishes to create a sense of material layering, this proves to be a double-edged sword; instead, it looks like three different materials forced together, making the overall design feel fragmented. This tacky and crude appearance gives the unfortunate illusion of third-tier manufacturer aesthetics—a true disillusionment of style.

Perhaps viewing it from a functional perspective offers a different interpretation.

High Performance

The ATRAC LSI, the core of the MD, adopts the latest 0.25μm low-power LSI. Both the optical pick-up and mechanical structure are designed for low power consumption, achieving a +200%⭡ battery life compared to the previous model and realizing the year's strongest endurance of 10hrs playback / 8hrs recording. Simultaneously, the digitization of the RF (from the optical pick-up to the signal amplification circuit) begins, with the signal processing encoder/decoder, digital servo EFM processing, and compression/decoding integrated into a single-chip process.

Using 1.2mm thick aluminum alloy material, the official statement emphasizes an incredible dream specification reaching approximately 2.5 times or more the strength of previous models.

Slim and Miniaturized

The optical pick-up feed mechanism and the recording magneto-optical head lifting mechanism have been miniaturized. By adopting a new reduction gear mechanism, the size of the magneto-optical head lifting and motor units has been reduced to 2/3 of previous versions. Combined with high-density mounting technology (6-layer board) that reduces the board area by 36% compared to the past, Sharp's exclusive Slot In mechanism technology is realized.

High Sound Quality

Starting with the digitization of RF circuits, high sound quality is pursued through signal processing encoding/decoding and digital servo EFM processing. Specifically, to achieve high sound quality in the newly developed 6th generation ATRAC, a new three-dimensional (time axis / frequency axis / amplitude axis) "Bit Allocation Algorithm" and 24bit processing are adopted. Combined with high-performance 20bit AD/DA conversion, it delivers clear, low-noise, and powerful deep bass.

The new backlit controller features an efficient Triple Shuttle dial, allowing for all-around control—from basic operations to sound quality switching and display—with just a single-finger flick.

DMC-K7R