▸MD-ST521

092　｜　Sharp　｜　'98  08.21

Sharp新聞稿指出'98年度為MD總需求預估為650萬台，而隨身型MD約270萬台(前年度比+167.9%)推估達到總金額60%占比。

隨著搭載MD的家用與手提音響普及MD Player需求也連動擴大，預估Player約170萬台(前年度比+192.5%)，Recorder約100萬台(前年度比+137.9%)的穩定成長需求。

面對這快速增長的市場，Sharp推出MD系列裡最先進的隨身型產品，以年輕族群為主並向更廣泛的用戶群提案。

素型簡約的ST521，以簡單的幾何圖型構成簡練的歐風形體，有別於Sony端正保守的造型風格，Sharp設計師們似乎深受包浩斯幾何美學的啟發~磨砂及髮絲紋的複合加工豐潤了出整體的立體對比。

MD核心ATRAC的LSI，採用最先進的0.25μm製程達成低功耗的新開發第六世代採用。充電池11 / 併用20小時長效續航。

Sharp獨家新開發機構，將骨架與機身部框架機構結合成小型、薄型化，實現逼近MD Jacket Size(80 x 72mm)的小巧口袋尺寸。對比前作MD-ST501體積-10% / 厚度-9%。

新型背光線控，擁有業界　初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。

第6世代ATRAC為了實現高音質，採用了新規的三度(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，

本次的標準三色系Platinum Silver、French Blue、Rose Pink外，額外發售了香檳金(Champagne Gold)限定色，並於包裝盒印上了讓人手滑敗家的Limited字樣，推估月產量可能為10,000台。

Sharp press release points out that for '98, the total MD demand is estimated at 6.5 million units, with portable MDs at approximately 2.7 million units (up +167.9% from the previous year), estimated to account for 60% of the total value.

With the popularization of MD-equipped home and portable audio systems, the demand for MD Players has also expanded in tandem. A steady growth in demand is estimated, with Players at approximately 1.7 million units (up +192.5% from the previous year) and Recorders at approximately 1 million units (up +137.9% from the previous year).

Facing this rapidly growing market, Sharp is launching the most advanced portable products in the MD series, targeting the youth demographic while proposing to a wider user base.

The ST521 features a simple, minimalist form composed of basic geometric shapes, creating a refined European-style body. Distinct from Sony’s formal and conservative styling, Sharp’s designers seem deeply inspired by Bauhaus geometric aesthetics. The combined processing of matte and hairline finishes enriches the overall three-dimensional contrast.

The ATRAC LSI at the core of the MD adopts a newly developed sixth-generation version using the most advanced 0.25μm process to achieve low power consumption. It offers a long-lasting endurance of 11hrs for the rechargeable battery and 20hrs when used together.

Sharp's exclusive newly developed mechanism integrates the skeleton and body frame into a miniaturized, slim design, achieving a compact pocket size that closely approaches the MD Jacket Size (80 x 72mm). Compared to its predecessor, the MD-ST501, the volume is reduced by 10% and the thickness by 9%.

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

To achieve high sound quality, the 6th generation ATRAC adopts a new three-dimensional (time axis / frequency axis / amplitude axis) "Bit Allocation Algorithm" and 24bit processing.

In addition to the standard three colors—Platinum Silver, French Blue, and Rose Pink—a Champagne Gold limited edition was also released. The packaging is printed with the "Limited" label that tempts customers into an impulse buy, with an estimated monthly production of 10,000 units.

XM-P55