▸MD-DS8

291   |   Sharp   |   '02  09.17

Sharp有點冷不防地突然地震撼地推出了裡外皆是當代風範的MD-DS8。

一面銀白素淨的冷冽機身，刷上清澈的亮光塗層，並以參考級音響常見的打凹處理呈現重點機能，凸起的ΔΣ Logo似乎也隱喻了DS8深藏不露。

Digital Amplifier　一直以來汲汲於MD音質的Sharp，將已在Sharp家用音響上獲得高評價的1-Bit Digital Amplifier技術*，更進一步新研發為Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amplifier並首次應用於隨身領域上。Sharp指出作為數位資訊最小處理單位的1-Bit，藉由時間軸的極限追求聲音的變化得到最接近原音的資訊，並且以這種"1"為基礎的細微處理不涉及資訊的刪減或補足，是最適於原音重現的技術。

將來自"高次ΔΣ調變電路"的1-Bit數位訊號直接輸入至額定電壓切換電路，直接於擴大器內部進行傳輸 / 增幅處理。可將量化雜訊移出可聽頻段之外，在可聽頻段內確保動態範圍的1-Bit數位訊號，重現音樂由寂靜中瞬間爆發的大動態緊張感，確保幾無劣化並實現自然且清晰的音質。

於發表會上，官方發表了相較過往機型(Low Distortion"失真率"}由以往的0.1%大降至僅0.01%的驚人數據。

不僅如此，奠基與音響用1-Bit擴大器同等的高音質設計理念，採用了對正負級信號獨立輸出級的"Full Bridge全橋架構"。能讓因電壓變動等因素產生的失真與雜訊成分相互抵消，從而獲得更忠實於原音再現。也能獲得其他隨身聽"Half Bridge半橋架構所達不到的低失真、低雜訊，實現更加清晰明瞭的音質表現。

*Digital Amplifier(數位擴大器)"，相較於"Analog Amplifier(類比式擴大器)"，高效率、省電、體積小，而音質上也不易受雜訊(Noise)影響的低失真特性。

4-Pole Plug　為了更加活用新技術優勢，在聲音輸出的最終段：耳機與線控Sharp更幾近瘋狂地推出了LR ch完全分離的劃時代的MD初　"4-Pole Plug(4極耳機)"，完整地發揮數位擴大器的高性能高音質。

官方也發表了相較過往機型"3-Pole Plug(3極耳機)"LR ch混合型輸出，4極耳機"Separation(聲道分離)"規格表現由以往40dB大幅躍升至80dB。不過4極耳機也需硬體需同樣支援，於一般硬體使用會變成Mono，因此Sharp也貼心地附上贈轉接線使用。

到此足以讓粉絲們驚喜感動的高音質就此結束嗎?DS8根本是大放送般地搭載大名鼎鼎的度比認證的*Dolby Headphone System，針對空間大小、地板與牆壁的特性，來自於肩膀的聲音反射，兩耳距離等，藉由以上影響各種聲音的要素模擬，改善使用耳機時音樂像是集中於頭部中央缺乏左右位置感的""頭內定位"影響，並得到有如於立體空間聆聽的臨場效果。而Dolby Headphone System提供了Studio、Live、Dome三種不同空間音效。 

此外Sharp仍貼心保有基礎的Digital X-Bass音效選擇。

*由Sharp與Lake Technology公司共同開發，並經Dolby Laboratories公司認證，內建耳機專用設計的虛擬音效系統用LSI

毫不遜色於高音質的高顏值，素雅大氣的機面以飄渺滑順的圓凸帶出"原音再現"的意象，精緻的ΔΣ Logo結合了"MDLP Navi"，隨著Play Mode、充電而連動LED發光提示。極致品味的發想創意讓旗艦級質感更加畫龍點眼。

到此已誠意+新意十足的產品策略，Sharp似乎不甚滿足地想讓DS8登峰造極~方正端莊的新型背光線控發散著簡約現代的都會感，右側的ΔΣ Logo不僅與機身造型相互映襯，"MDLP Navi"的背光巧思同樣也沒有省略，讓DS8由裡外形色堪稱是當代的登峰造極限。

堪稱是MD心臟的ATRAC LSI高次元ΔΣ調變迴路，整合於單一封裝中的低耗電第7代LSI的採用，實現了充電池62 / 併用180小時(LP4)的長效續航力。 

Sharp made a sudden and stunning move with the release of the MD-DS8, a device that embodies contemporary style both inside and out.

With a sleek, silver-white body coated in a clear gloss finish, the DS8's design features indented accents inspired by reference-grade audio equipment to highlight its core functionalities. The raised ΔΣ logo subtly hints at the power and precision hidden within.

Digital Amplifier　Sharp, long committed to MD sound quality, took its highly acclaimed *1-Bit Digital Amplifier technology—previously used in Sharp’s home audio—and evolved it into the new "Mobile 1-Bit Digital Amplifier," marking its debut in portable audio. Sharp emphasizes that the 1-Bit, representing the smallest unit of digital information, captures sound by pursuing extreme time-axis precision, resulting in an audio signal that closely resembles the original. This minimalistic “1”-based processing avoids data loss or supplementation, making it ideal for true-to-source sound reproduction.

By directly feeding 1-Bit digital signals from a "high-order ΔΣ modulation circuit" into the voltage switching circuit of the amplifier, the signal is processed internally for transmission and amplification. This approach shifts quantization noise beyond the audible range and ensures a wide dynamic range within it, enabling the DS8 to reproduce dramatic dynamics—from silence to explosive crescendos—while maintaining natural, crystal-clear sound quality with virtually no degradation.

*At the product launch event, Sharp revealed a remarkable improvement in distortion: from the previous 0.1% down to just 0.01%.

Additionally, based on the same high-fidelity design philosophy as audio-grade 1-Bit amplifiers, the DS8 adopts a "Full Bridge" architecture that provides independent output stages for both positive and negative signals. This design cancels out distortion and noise caused by voltage fluctuations, delivering more accurate sound reproduction. Unlike the "Half Bridge" systems common in portable audio, this structure enables lower distortion and noise levels, resulting in exceptionally clear sound.

Digital Amplifiers offer higher efficiency, lower power consumption, and more compact size compared to Analog Amplifiers, while also being less susceptible to noise and delivering lower distortion.

4-Pole Earphone Plug　To further maximize the advantages of its new technologies, Sharp boldly introduced a revolutionary 4-Pole plug for earphone and controller—an MD industry first with completely separated LRch. This design fully unleashes the high-performance, high-fidelity potential of the digital amplifier.

Sharp also revealed a dramatic increase in channel separation: compared to traditional 3-Pole plug(40dB), the 4-Pole plug achieves an impressive 80dB. Since 4-Pole plug require compatible hardware—otherwise defaulting to mono—Sharp thoughtfully includes an adapter for standard use.

Is this where the sonic marvel ends? Not at all. The DS8 is also equipped with the acclaimed *Dolby Headphone System, which simulates spatial elements such as room size, wall and floor reflections, and the distance between ears to counter the “in-head localization” effect—where sounds feel centered in the head when using headphones. This delivers a more natural, immersive listening experience akin to being in a real space. The system offers three audio environments: Studio, Live, and Dome.

Additionally, Sharp retains the regular Digital X-Bass sound.

*The Dolby Headphone System was co-developed by Sharp and Lake Technology and certified by Dolby Laboratories. It uses LSI designed specifically for headphone-based virtual audio.

The DS8's sophisticated appearance matches its premium sound. The minimalist, refined design with soft curves reflects the concept of “pure sound reproduction.” The distinctive ΔΣ logo integrates with the "MDLP Navi" interface, glowing via LED indicators that correspond to playback mode and charging status—adding a touch of elegance to its flagship-level aesthetics.

Still not content with just innovation and sincerity, Sharp equipped the DS8 with a newly designed, backlit inline remote that exudes modern urban simplicity. The right-side ΔΣ logo mirrors the main unit’s styling, and the thoughtful backlit MDLP Navi design is once again present—underscoring that the DS8 is a masterpiece of modern portable audio, both inside and out.

At the heart of the MD system lies the high-order ΔΣ modulation ATRAC LSI, now integrated into a single-package, power-efficient 7th-generation chip. This achieves impressive battery life: up to 62hrs on a rech. battery / 180hrs with both use (LP4 ).

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