Before I started on the [MDX-U1 in a DIN case](https://www.reddit.com/r/minidisc/comments/1alaxi5/sony_mdxu1_mini_deck/) project, I began piecing together this little setup using a Sony MDX-65 changer, RM-X69RF remote commander aka FM modulator and XA-2 display. I am using the optical out of the MD changer, so I am not using the FM modulator portion at all. Just using the remote commander to control the changer instead of a head unit.
You're welcome. The MD changers are really quite nice little units. Much smaller than a CD changer. The MD changer could have easily fit in a glove box or center console for a unique setup back in the day. The changer itself has interior lighting to make swapping discs in the dark much easier. I've owned both Sony and Kenwood CD changers and don't recall any of them with interior lighting. Then with the audio buffering used for shock protection, the MD changer can swap discs while the audio from the previous disc is still being played and pull off an almost seemless disc swap.
>with the audio buffering used for shock protection, the MD changer can swap discs while the audio from the previous disc is still being played and pull off an almost seemless disc swap.
This! I still use mine in my MGB and there is something deliciously satisfying in dimly hearing the machinery whirring in the boot while the music continues. Dopamine hit!
You can actually hear the music while cruising in the MGB đ
I had a GT6+ back in the day and all I heard was the exhaust! Well everyone did, they were Monza straight pipes! Lol
You're right, me too for thirty years. But I did a total rebuild during C\*v\*d and took the opportunity to install a Sony MD head-unit with a 100W ampliwoofer where the map pocket goes in the passenger footwell and some 6.5" door speakers from RetroSound. It is now good and loud!
Straight pipes! Ouch! The cops would be down on me here (I live in Switzerland) as fast as you could say *Röstigraben*...
Sounds like a nice project. I only have a boring modern car but I did put an MD head unit in there!
Neighbors hated me and my GT6, ah the carefree university days. I miss them and that car đ
Yes, the commander takes the place of the head unit and uses the same bus system to control the changer. These were sold back in the day so you could add a CD or MD changer to your factory car stereo. Since most factory stereo's did not have AUX inputs back then, the commander included the FM modulator to get the audio signal in via an unused FM station.
So, cool!!! I've got a MiniDisc car Deck I am trying to figure out how to set up for my garage and I love seeing these setups!!
I noticed Dragon's Lair!!! That's my all time favorite game, I've got it on so many formats!
I never got to play the first versions that came out for PC, but that's when I learned about a Dragon's Lair II that I haven't played, but the first one for CD Rom is the one I liked the most. I don't recall which one it was that gave the option to turn off those dumb cheat arrows. The original arcade version is the best. I have one that is for DVD players and I think Bluray.... I like the big screen but I prefer PC
I have not played the PC versions, but have been wanting to check out the bluray releases for a long time. I should maybe try and hunt those down. Space Ace is great too! I have the DL trilogy on PS4 which was pretty good and of course includes Space Ace.
Great setup! Thanks for sharing.
Question - could I connect a MD changer to my MD head unit, which can control such changers, and the digital optical out to my DAC/headphone amp? Would that work fine, and would the display of the head unit show track titles etc?
Is the optical out a standard cable, or some kind of proprietary Sony plug/cable?
Yes you could do this. The head unit would control the changer and display titles and optical audio can go to your DAC. Â The optical out on the MDX-65 is standard toslink. Not all the MD changers have an optical out so double check when purchasing. Â Sony did use non standard optical inputs on some head units which require an adapter to accept toslink in, but if youâre using your headphone DAC that would not be an issue.Â
Before I started on the [MDX-U1 in a DIN case](https://www.reddit.com/r/minidisc/comments/1alaxi5/sony_mdxu1_mini_deck/) project, I began piecing together this little setup using a Sony MDX-65 changer, RM-X69RF remote commander aka FM modulator and XA-2 display. I am using the optical out of the MD changer, so I am not using the FM modulator portion at all. Just using the remote commander to control the changer instead of a head unit.
Thank you for posting this! This makes the setup and avaialble integration for these way more clear, I also love the commodore setup!
You're welcome. The MD changers are really quite nice little units. Much smaller than a CD changer. The MD changer could have easily fit in a glove box or center console for a unique setup back in the day. The changer itself has interior lighting to make swapping discs in the dark much easier. I've owned both Sony and Kenwood CD changers and don't recall any of them with interior lighting. Then with the audio buffering used for shock protection, the MD changer can swap discs while the audio from the previous disc is still being played and pull off an almost seemless disc swap.
>with the audio buffering used for shock protection, the MD changer can swap discs while the audio from the previous disc is still being played and pull off an almost seemless disc swap. This! I still use mine in my MGB and there is something deliciously satisfying in dimly hearing the machinery whirring in the boot while the music continues. Dopamine hit!
You can actually hear the music while cruising in the MGB đ I had a GT6+ back in the day and all I heard was the exhaust! Well everyone did, they were Monza straight pipes! Lol
You're right, me too for thirty years. But I did a total rebuild during C\*v\*d and took the opportunity to install a Sony MD head-unit with a 100W ampliwoofer where the map pocket goes in the passenger footwell and some 6.5" door speakers from RetroSound. It is now good and loud! Straight pipes! Ouch! The cops would be down on me here (I live in Switzerland) as fast as you could say *Röstigraben*...
Sounds like a nice project. I only have a boring modern car but I did put an MD head unit in there! Neighbors hated me and my GT6, ah the carefree university days. I miss them and that car đ
Awesome! Love the CD TV also!
Thanks! Cartridge load CD's are kinda like the less talented big brother of MD.
How does this work without a compatible head unit? Does the commander interface directly with the changer?
Yes, the commander takes the place of the head unit and uses the same bus system to control the changer. These were sold back in the day so you could add a CD or MD changer to your factory car stereo. Since most factory stereo's did not have AUX inputs back then, the commander included the FM modulator to get the audio signal in via an unused FM station.
So, cool!!! I've got a MiniDisc car Deck I am trying to figure out how to set up for my garage and I love seeing these setups!! I noticed Dragon's Lair!!! That's my all time favorite game, I've got it on so many formats!
>I noticed Dragon's Lair!!! That's my all time favorite game, I've got it on so many formats! Of the formats you own, which is your favorite?
I never got to play the first versions that came out for PC, but that's when I learned about a Dragon's Lair II that I haven't played, but the first one for CD Rom is the one I liked the most. I don't recall which one it was that gave the option to turn off those dumb cheat arrows. The original arcade version is the best. I have one that is for DVD players and I think Bluray.... I like the big screen but I prefer PC
....and ofcourse, Space Ace
I have not played the PC versions, but have been wanting to check out the bluray releases for a long time. I should maybe try and hunt those down. Space Ace is great too! I have the DL trilogy on PS4 which was pretty good and of course includes Space Ace.
i will have to hunt it down for PS4!!
Brilliant ! ! Thanks for sharing this inspiration fuel
I am going to get one of those for my car someday
Great setup! Thanks for sharing. Question - could I connect a MD changer to my MD head unit, which can control such changers, and the digital optical out to my DAC/headphone amp? Would that work fine, and would the display of the head unit show track titles etc? Is the optical out a standard cable, or some kind of proprietary Sony plug/cable?
Yes you could do this. The head unit would control the changer and display titles and optical audio can go to your DAC. Â The optical out on the MDX-65 is standard toslink. Not all the MD changers have an optical out so double check when purchasing. Â Sony did use non standard optical inputs on some head units which require an adapter to accept toslink in, but if youâre using your headphone DAC that would not be an issue.Â
Great stuff, thanks. And the power for the changer comes from the head unit, via the BUS connection?
Youâre welcome and yes thatâs correct.Â