Hi BmcCormick; I have a Pioneer PDR-W739 CD-R/RW ($725 list) that I bought from Crutchfield for $600. With 3 CD drawers on the left, and a CD Record drawer on the right, it is very versatile and easy to use, ie you can put together a "program" using the 3CD left side and easily record it to the CD-R right side. It will also record almost any source-- analog or digital. As a dubbing recorder you don't need a second out-board source (for CDs). The recording quality of this machine is excellent. It can be used as a transport also, and I run its output into a good quality DAC (ML360S) so it sounds fine. As a "consumer grade" machine I don't suppose it would sound that great as a transport through its built-in DAC, but I haven't tried it. Anyway, I can highly recommend it for its ease of use, versatility, and recording quality. If I remmber right, the Model 19 you mention is in the more expensive Elite series, and as such is probably better built, and probably has a better built-in DAC. You probably know that these consumer grade machines require the more expensive "Consumer Audio" CD-R or RWs-- I've been paying $40. for a 30 CD-R Pak (Memorex). Of course using computer CD-R technology is another option, as are the more expensive professional CD-Rs that also can use the cheaper computer CD-Rs. The professional models also can bypass the SCMS system. But, on balance, I like the W739. However, if I was going to use it for both record and playback with no outboard DAC, I would want the Elite model for better (expected) playback quality. Happy hunting. Craig |
The HHB is a fantastic CDR. It is a professional unit and is a little bit more money than $1K but is worth every penny. If you can stretch it a few hundred more $$$, it is far better than any of the consumer machines you will find on the market. |
Get the HHB 850. If you shop around, you can get it for $900. |
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Thanks for all the input guys, however I don't know that I have heard of HHB either. Anyone want to help me out here? |
HHB is an English company that has been making pro-audio for some time. They use a pioneer drive. They make some of the best stuff and the suggestions given are right on the money! However, if you can't swing for it buy a professional unit from Marantz, Tascam or Fostex. Stay away from the consumer stuff. As I have stated in the past, there are several advantages to pro units. The best being the ability to use what ever CDR format you like and no copy protection. |
I found the HHB website and you guys are right. This is one nice unit. I also came accross the Fostex unit (CR300). Anyone have any input input on this unit. |
www.hhb.co.uk, 1-800-319-3111 |
I agree that the HHB unit is the one to get. Try Uncle's Stereo in NYC for low prices. They have a web page too (Unclestereo.com or something like that) I think that the Fostex and Tascam units use the same drive as the HHB 850. Someone told me that Pioneer actually makes these units for HHB. The HHB 850 that I have works very well. I even works quite well as a playback unit. I also like the SCMS bypass and the fact that you can use the cheapo date CDR discs instead of the Audio only ones. I have not been able to discern any difference in sound quality between them either. The only drawback is you need a decent CD player for your source. It's not an all in one unit. |
I have a Tascam CDRW 5000 it will do regular and rewritables it has Balanced and unbalanced analog connectors and provides SPDIF, AES/EBU, and optical digitas ins and outs. In my opinion the copies that I make from my Meridian transport via an Illuminations D60 SPDIF cable are preferable to the original CD. Who could ask for more than that. The brand of CDR matters as well. I haven't tried them all, but the best I have is the TDK 700MB CDRs. Some brands actually don't sound better than the original. |
The Tascam CDRW 5000 retails for 1299.00 and can be had at discount for less than 1000.00 |
I agree with what has been said. My advice would be similar. Stay away from consumer units (use professional only, many advantages). I currently use a Marantz CDR620 professional. It is loaded with every type of input and output including balanced digital inputs. I think this has been key for the quality of recordinds I have been producing. I use a LAT international balaced digital interconnect from my Wadia and my copies are perfect. this is a great digital ic for the price. I have found that Mitsui CDR's give the best performance with this player. Good luck. |
one thing I forgat to mention about the Marantz which was a pleasnat surprise was the quality of the AD converters. VERY acceptable sound with a good input. also not a bad sounding cd player in its own right. can be had for under 1K used. |
I really appreciate all the input. I guess I need to go do my homework now. I will let you know which one I end up with. Thanks again everyone. |
The Pioneer W-739 CD recorder produces copies that are as good as the originals. It is easy to use, and very versatile. What more do you want? Or are you high-end snobs scared to death of the words "consumer grade"? Have any of you actually tried them? The only downside I can see is that I can't use the CHEAP CD-R blanks. Ramstl and I have been here before-- so no offence Ramstl. By the way, I have an all Levinson digital front end and CD-R copies from the Pioneer sound great with it-- do you guys have better front ends than that? Puzzled. Craig |
No offence taken. That thread is a good reference regarding that debate. |
I second (or 3rd) the vote for HHB. I own the 850 and am blown away by output quality. Just be careful to feed it quality media when recording; I'm only using HHB Silver media. I bought mine from Sweetwater Sound in Indiana, a premiere pro music shop (for musicians and recording industry), www.sweetwater.com. BTW, HHB stands fro Half Human Band; started as an early 80's techno duo (when that was in vogue), sucked at making music but were great at customizing, beefing up and improving other manufacturer's gear. So they dropped the band thing and went into equipment production (at least this is the history related to me). Again, very, very pleased with the 850. Best of luck. |
