2. digital
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MD vs. tape

Realizing that neither of these formats are considered audiophile quality, I'm still interested in a comparison between using a minidisk recorder vs. a cassette tape deck for basic recording purposes. My use would be primarily in the car or for taping FM broadcasts, with an occasional home playback of recorded, borrowed CDs/vinyl. I have no substantial investment in either format, but would be interested in a comparison of buying an MD deck vs. a (probably used) tape deck for these purposes. I assume that both formats will become obsolete within a matter of, say, 5 years. So my expectations are only for a temporary system.
michaelb

Showing 2 responses by bmpnyc

bmpnyc
713 posts
 
I have Denons' MD-1000 . I have not used a tape since I got it. Don't even think about using tape again, Home Theater had a review and stated that it was almost indistinguishable from their best DAT recorder and way, way more convenient. Do you really want to wait for tape while fast forwarding or rewinding ever again? I have 28 years of experience in recording and the Denon Minidisc recorder sounds better than most analogue 2 track sources I have used.
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Ramstl, I said most, not all analogue 2 tracks and that still says a lot. You may not have heard the DENON minidisc recorder yet. Don't judge the Denon based on your experience with other brands, it is in a class of its own. Some CD recorders produce CDs' that cannot be played on other CD players. Michael, you can avoid some harshness by using analogue outs of a Minidisc recorder. The minidisc format offers more than the CD recording format. Easy editing, low costs discs, very small size and %99.8 of CD or DAT quality. I think it is a mistake to think of Minidisc as good mostly for car listening, think of it as a far superior replacement for every use that cassettes gave you. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.
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