Sony D-303 specifications

Brand : Sony

General

Tech nical data

Highlights

Age-related and known defects

Information

Like the D-99, the D-303 was one of the first Discman with 1-bit D/A converter technology and at the same time one of the last models that still until now, Sony had well-known robust metal housings. Unfortunately, later Discman models were mostly made of plastic.

Due to the particularly good headphone amplifier, it is very popular, especially among audiophile people who like to listen to classical music, and is considered a reference in terms of sound. Since this Discman also has an analog and digital (optical) line out connection, it can also be used as a high-quality stationary CD player as well as an excellent transfer device to digital sound carriers such as DAT, DCC and MD.

Sony has given the D-303 the same reading mechanism that was developed about 1 year earlier for the D-350 (CDM-350). In contrast to the other Discman models, this mechanism uses an optical pickup from Sanyo and not from Sony . The type designation of the pickup is "SF-89". Why Sony didn't use its own pickup here is unfortunately unknown.

Although Sony generally used very high-quality components for this Discman, there was a big vulnerability in the D-303 and the D-350 that was definitely not planned.

The spindle motors from Mabuchi used in these models apparently had a design error because the upper plain bearings were worn out so much relatively quickly that the CD players started to "jump" when playing in a horizontal position. Specifically, these are the motor type "RF-410CH" models affected by this error were the D-303 and the D-350. However, if you put the affected Discman in an inclined position of about 45 °, they will play CDs without any problems.

There are similar replacement motors on the Internet, such as the type "RF-410CA", which would basically be perfect as a replacement due to the size and technical data, but unfortunately they have a shaft that is about 2mm too short. Although the disc disc can be mounted on these motors, it does not sit tight enough due to the 2mm shorter shaft and can be easily influenced in the inclination. Thus, it can happen that during playback, if you change the angle of inclination of the discman, the CD grinds on the housing due to centrifugal forces that arise and thus sound dropouts occur.

Devices that have been repaired with an RF-410CA motor are therefore only suitable as stationary devices.

However, there is a service center in America that specializes in the engine defects of the D-303 and D-350 and can repair them again at a relatively low price.

Working models are currently traded on the Internet for an average of about 440 euros and, like the other high-end models (D-150, D-250), are in great demand. With a little luck, you can get a good model even under 100 euros, but you should definitely check it for the engine failure described above before purchasing.

Manufacturer: Sony
Model: D-303
Type: Discman - Portable CD Player
Years of manufacture: 1991 - 1993
Manufactured in: Japan
Quality category: HighEnd
Remote control: Yes (own remote connection and via headphone jack)
Color: Black, titanium
Remote control: yes
New price approx.: 699 DM (approx. 357 Euro)
Current value (2021) average about 438.67 Euro - Reference Ebay, depending on accessories and condition)

Backlit multifunction display (Is only illuminated when Discman is powered by a power supply)
1 bit D/A converter
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Analog Outputs: 5mW (headphones), 1.5V (Line Out)
Digital Output: Yes (optical)
Functions: Play, Pause, Stop, Track search , Index, search function, random principle, Program, Resume, Megabass (2-stage)
Battery: BP-2 (Special Sony battery pack alternatives available on the Internet)
Batteries: Yes 2 pcs AA LR6
External power supply: 9V DC (There was a change here compared to the older models! The + pole is now on the inner pin, wrong power supplies can damage the Discman!)
Dimensions: 126 x 27.4 x 135.5mm
Weight: 450g

Very compact
High-quality workmanship and robust metal housing
In 1991 the second best Discman next to the D-Z555
The D-303 had one of the best headphone amplifiers ever in a Discman therefore, the Megabass function is automatically throttled at a higher volume to avoid overloading the headphones
Due to the optical digital output, the Discman is suitable for an almost lossless transfer to DAT, DCC and MiniDisc recorders
A power supply with 2 AA batteries is also possible by default - a special battery pack is therefore not needed but is still available in amateur circles

In some models, electrolytic capacitors have to be replaced due to age - this may be noticeable by playback and/or sound problems
In many models, the plain bearings of the spindle motor are knocked out. This is a known problem with many D-303 and D-350 and sooner or later leads to the typical problem that the Discman jumps in a horizontal position.
With the CDM-350 pickup mechanism, it may happen that the screw shaft skips during operation.#