▸DMC-V55

432   |   Kenwood   |   '05  10

Kenwood官方指出，在HDD與記憶體新型態隨身聽崛起時，對年輕族群依然是高需求產品的MD，在此背景下訴求渾身高音質技術DMC-V55登場。

延續了在MD晚期罕見的象徵品質DNA的Made In Japan。

Clear Digital Amplifier字樣的金屬感銘牌，以極具儀式感地鑲嵌於機面的手法，伴隨著角度變幻的光影渲染出科技與工藝~也讓人聯想起頂級汽車音響形色。

為了實際通透清晰的音質，New Clear Digital Amplifier將數位擴大器與DSP部分集成單一晶片，於MD信號傳送完全數位化同時，於電源迴路搭載感測擴大器提供穩定乾淨的電源，改善失真、提升S/N，再現清晰的人聲，特別是低音域鼓聲與貝斯等低音更為豐富。

即便到末期產品Kenwood依然頗有誠意地更新性能~通常在小音量時不易聽到的高 / 低音的狀況，藉由Volume Link EQ針對高 / 低音域自動調整，小音量保有音樂的量感、豐富的內容，大音量時也能實現清晰不失真的聆聽體驗。此外獨特的Lesson EQ可針對應與獨特的音域補償，提升學英文的效果。

此外Sound EQ提供2種預設音效，也允許對高 / 低音域各-4～+4微調，以及3種3D-Effect音場，並且可彼此組合搭配打造更細緻的個人音效。官方強調在不變更外型下改良耳機單位驅動造型來提昇音質，不過並無具體內容說明。

可說是停在'03年為止的立體聲音響充電座，獨享個人的音樂小空間，除了充電指示燈外還並貼心地於充電座上操控撥放、音量等基本功能。

同樣也停在03年設計的背光液晶線控，螢幕不僅可調整濃淡，甚至可針對上下行變更顯示內容，但不支援漢字顯示。

A~B點重複撥放，及倒數關機的"Sleep Timer"、響鈴提醒的"Alarm Timer"依然具備。

最大充電池73 / 併用207小時倒退魯的續航性能(LP4)，滿充電時需要天長地久的7小時之久，1小時充電即達約15小時電力(LP4)。

Kenwood officially noted that even with the rise of new portable players like HDD and memory devices, the MiniDisc (MD) remained a product in high demand among younger consumers. Against this backdrop, the DMC-V55 was launched, positioning itself with a full suite of high-quality audio technology.

It upheld the rare tradition in the late MD era of being Made In Japan, a DNA symbolizing quality.

A metallic plate inscribed with "Clear Digital Amplifier" is ceremoniously embedded on the player's face. The changing light and shadow across this plaque render a blend of technology and craftsmanship, evoking the aesthetic often associated with high-end car audio systems.

To achieve truly transparent and clear sound quality, the New Clear Digital Amplifier integrates the digital amplifier and DSP sections onto a single chip. While the MD signal transmission is fully digitized, a sensing amplifier is implemented in the power circuit to provide a stable and clean power supply. This design improves distortion, enhances the Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio, and reproduces clear vocals, particularly enriching the low frequencies such as the bass and drum sounds.

Even in its later-stage products, Kenwood showed considerable commitment to performance upgrades. To address the common issue where high and low frequencies are difficult to hear at low volumes, the Volume Link EQ automatically adjusts the high/low frequency ranges. This preserves the sense of volume and rich content at low levels, while also delivering a clear, distortion-free listening experience at high volumes. Additionally, a unique Lesson EQ can be applied with specific frequency compensation, designed to enhance the effectiveness of English language learning.

Furthermore, the Sound EQ offers 2 preset sound effects, allows for micro-adjustments of -4 to +4 for both high and low frequencies, and includes 3 types of 3D-Effect sound fields. These features can be combined to create a maximum of 32 distinct personalized sound effects. The official statement emphasized an improvement in sound quality by modifying the headphone driver unit's shape without changing the external appearance, although specific details were not provided.

The stereo audio charging cradle, a design that essentially halted development around '03, offers an exclusive small space for personal music enjoyment. Besides the charging indicator light, the cradle also thoughtfully includes basic controls for playback and volume.

Similarly, the LCD controller features a design also consistent with the 2003 era. The screen's contrast is adjustable, and the display content for the upper and lower lines can even be changed, although it does not support Kanji (Chinese characters) display.

Features like A-B Repeat Playback, a countdown shutdown "Sleep Timer," and a ringing reminder "Alarm Timer" are all included.

The battery life shows a slight regression, with a maximum of 73 hrs for the rechargeable battery alone, and 207hrs when used with an external source (both in LP4). A full charge takes a lengthy 7 hrs, though a quick 1-hour charge can provide approximately 15 hrs of power (LP4).

XM-C17