This desktop system also offers tape, tuner, and analog inputs for other sources, such as a VCR or MP3 player. To assist you in sculpting the sound to your taste, the DHC-MD555 comes with a five-band equalizer, bass boost, and 10 preset equalization curves. A nine-band spectrum analyzer, which represents the music visually in real time, shows you which portions of the frequency spectrum are most--or least--active. (It also looks cool.)

CD Text displays disc and track names for compatible CDs and also automatically enters disc names into a Custom File Memory without requiring you to type in the information. A feature called play exchange lets you change four CDs, even while a fifth one plays. The DHC-MD555 also has a Disc Memo display, which lets you assign an alphanumeric name for your discs; names display on the front panel while a disc is playing.

Synchro Recording simplifies making cassettes or minidiscs from CDs. When the CD player goes into play mode, Synchro Recording automatically releases from record/pause mode. When you record a minidisc, you can name the disc and each individual track using the system's jog dial. Your names will appear in the front panel of your own system and in the panels of other compatible minidisc players.