I have TWO md players
A sony(98 model, home deck), and a sharp (2001 model, portable)
I have used them to record music from cd's, lp's, streaming, and
off the air radio. the sound is quite good, and the convenience factor is a plus. I no longer record anything on cassete tape anymore, all is on cd-r, HI-fi video, or MD. As for the delicate transport, YOU KNOW IT! My home sony md player, which I payed around $200 for, jammed a couple of years ago, when i tried to load a disc too quiclky to record some electronic music off of fm. the disc hung, and I had to disassemble the unit, and put the slider mech(with its "heavy duty" construction(HA!) back into alignment. I suceeded, and it still does work fine. , but all in all, I am quite pleased with MD.