The Sony comes with a digital cable to connect to a home digital preamplifier, CD player, DAT, or digital satellite system unit. The sampling-rate converter allows you to record minidiscs that have having different sampling frequencies, such as digital satellite systems and DAT. A digital recording-level control allows you to manually maintain a consistent recording level on your minidisc, no matter what your source. An automatic gain-control feature also prevents overload distortion.

A digital megabass sound system provides rich, deep bass tones with digital signal processing for virtually inaudible harmonic distortion. With digital synchro-recording, you can make digital copies of CDs onto a minidisc with a synchronized operation that only records once it receives the digital input signal.

You can use CD Text to record the title and songs onto the MD during recording. You can also create and modify individual track information to your own liking with personalized character input. With Sony's Name Bank, you can store up to 600 characters for easy, fast recall. The date and time stamp function automatically places a marker on each recording for future reference.

The slim, backlit LCD remote provides direct access to the minidisc player's functions. A backlit display informs you of the song title, disc title, playback status, and if the battery is on, off, or near depletion. This display is easy to see even in low light, and it has a stereo minijack for headphones on the remote.

From the optical-in, the sampling frequency is 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 48kHz. The frequency response is 20 to 20,000Hz (+/- 3dB), and the wow and flutter is unmeasurable. It has a DC-in, a 3-volt microphone-in, plug-in power, and an in for an optical line. The outputs include headphones, which are connected to the remote, and a stereo minijack.

The Sony MZR90 comes with an AC adapter, digital connecting cable, NiMH rechargeable battery, AA battery, carrying case, and a battery protector.