I think the main difference is that many of the "pro" models allow you to use any standard data CD-R blanks instead of the consumer "audio" version. Regular computer CDRs are much cheaper than the consumer versions, so those savings could add up fairly quick. I'm not sure about the DAC quality.
CD Recorders--Audio vs. Music Stores
I have been having a hard time making any headway with a cd recorder purchase decision. Audio stores sell one group of brands, while the musical instrument/professional recording stores sell almost entirely different product at very similar price points. The local musical instrument store is poorly set up for in-store auditioning of their cd recorders, and its sales "help" hasn't been very useful. The build quality looks better on the music store entries, but that may just speak to a preference for industrial design over walnut side panels. If anybody has experience using a tascam, one of the Sony pro audio units, or something similar in a home system, I'd appreciate hearing from them. My main interest is archiving material on digital that isn't going to last forever (and may not get supported forever) on vinyl.