Sony Electronics announced its QUALIA 017 MiniDisc player. Individually crafted from a solid brass block and perched on a beautifully designed charging station, the QUALIA 017 MiniDisc player is truly an objets d'art. Already, the electronics company has commercialized a projector called the Qualia 004, aimed at home theaters, Super Audio CD (SACD) systems called the Qualia 007, the Qualia 015, a Trinitron CRT monitor, and a super-compact digital camera called the Qualia 016.

"We expect the QUALIA 017 MiniDisc player to appeal to the 3 million plus MD enthusiasts in the U.S. both for its sound and its beauty," said Kenichi (Ken) Sugawara, Sony Electronics' QUALIA U.S. executive vice president.

The material of the body is brass and it is coated by palladium, which is used for coating luxury watches and fountain pens. Included with the QUALIA 017 MD player is a set of high quality, low profile ear bud headphones that feature an extended bass capability.

The QUALIA 017 MD player includes a built-in rechargeable battery and exquisitely crafted charging stand. The MD player comes in a carrying case with a magnetic lock and is available in three color options -- chrome finish, silver plate or gold plate.

Special orders for the QUALIA 017 MD player will be taken beginning in June for a base price around $1,900.

Sony will also launch headphones increase the Qualia series to six products. The headphones are called the Qualia 010 (Q010-MDR1) and feature a wide frequency range of 5Hz to 120kHz available for playback. The firm provides a fitting service for customers to match their head size.

The QUALIA 010 headphones will be available this summer for approximately $2,600.