I have a Pioneer PDR-W839. It`s a nice recorder with
a keyboard input for when you want to label a CD with
CD-Text. |
I'm assuming that you mean a stand alone unit, not something to add to a computer. I have a Yamaha CDR HD1000. It has a hard drive so you can use it as a juke box also. It has analog and digital inputs, so you can record vinyl, tapes, or from an outside CD player, although you can just use it's own tray to record to the hard drive.
The manual is a bit confusing at first, but when you get everything figured out, it makes some nice sounding CDs. They should sell for under $400.
Sonny |
Plextor make's excellent burners. The have some good features which audiophiles would be pleased with.
You may check out their site to get more informed about what they have to offer.
www.plextor.be |
Alesis 9600, about $1000 with everything you need. Nothing else compares! |
I too have the above mentioned Pioneer and it fine for the money.2 years now and no problems,Bob |
A few things to consider:
- the analog to digital converter chip
- cd error correction and burn quality
The stand-alone unit would be simpler, but a computer allows for software processing the audio to remove unwanted noise. For a computer you would need a quality sound card (e.g. RME Audio or Lynx) and a better than average cd burner. For example, the Plextor Premium allows to specify the laser strength to create deeper pits when burning. One more thing, don't cheap out on cd blanks for the final recording. As you may know these scratch easily. I use MaxellPro. They use a triple-coated scratch resistant surface.
I have nothing to add for stand alone units. I don't have one.
-O |
Plextor is the most popular among highest quality options, I also heard some Teacs are about the same level...
I wouldn't care about most standalone units, as A/D converter quality is usually isn't clear, using SPDIF introduces more jitter, etc. Using PC, and thus being entirely in digital data domain, burner of high quality, and a good software, one could minimize those problems, IMO. |
Another interesting option for the PC route is the M-audio Transit. This is an A/D convertor in with a USB interface for only $100. It performs up to 24/96 conversion and acts as an A/D or a D/A.
That said I would imagine a standalone to be much simpler to use. Many studios use TASCAM or HHB. Check on www.musiciansfriend.com. |
In this community, role of DAC is usually considered important enough to pay several grands, or even more. However when the subject is not DAC, but ADC (A/D converter), many agree to go with incomparably cheaper solutions. Just curious why it happens? A/D affects reproduction quality not less than DAC... Would anyone using M-audio consider to downgrade his Theta Gen VIII to $100 DAC? |
i've had a standalone tascam cdrw 700 for 5 yrs now, have burned over 2000 discs, and haven't had a problem (though i just found that verbatim discs don't work in it; a first!).
can defeat SCMS with the unit too! |
The M-audio, Berringer, Edirol, Flying Cow ect. are not nearly as good as the other options listed. These units are made with price as the selling point, thus the parts are usually compromised.
FYIW, Oade's do modify the Edirol, which might be a cheap option. For more info go to their web site. |
Dmitry ... I think you get two different audiences. If the poster wanted to archive LPs to CDs with optimum sound quality then maybe a multi-thousand dollar ADC is required, or the alesis. However if they just want to listen to LPs on a discman, in the car etc then a cheaper ADC is quite acceptable.
I think ADC effects are probably just as pronounced as DAC in the sound chain, but, as in all parts of audio the laws of diminshing returns apply, as does the requirement to buy something fit for purpose, and not necessarily the most expensive. |
Considering the Alesis is an all in one unit and can operate as a nice player too, I would not conider it "high" cost. For $1000, you get a hard drive, CD burner, dedicated high rez burner and a very good playback unit.
Depending on what the poster uses for CD playback he may be able to sell it and just use the Alesis. Or if he uses a DA he can dump his transport and keep the DA for the Alesis.
Other than that, there are a dozen and a half cheap stand alone units that will make CD copies......from $200 on up.
|
