Recommendations for a CD Recorder

If you intend to use the machine only to record, and not use it as a playback deck, I think the new Sony RCD-W1 dual-tray CD recorder does a good job. I bought one about a month ago mainly to make copies of my LP's, but I have also made some copies of favorite CD's to give as gifts, and it seems to make "perfect" copies. The unit (obviously) has both digital and analog inputs, and will record at 1-to-1 synch, or 4-to-1 high speed (which I don't recommend).

The build quality is satisfactory, not great (I think Sony's build quality in its less expensive models has been declining), but at the discounted price of about $350-370, it's a good buy, and at least as good as the comparably priced Phillips units.

Marantz CDR-500 Pro

I owned a Philips CDR880 for two months before it broke. I managed to record only a few CD-R's before the tray mechanism jammed and when I manually (and gently) pryed it open a flimsy white plastic wheel fell out.

I returned the Philips CDR880 and got a Pioneer Elite PDR-19RW instead. These listed for about $1000 and the construction quality is far superior with its copper chassis. It's heavier and just feels more solid in every respect (knobs, buttons, jacks, tray, etc). Both the Philips and Pioneer are single tray models and both were top-of-the line units from each manufacturer in their day.

I should mention that my only other piece of Philips is also broken. My Pronto remote died after 2 years of light use. All of my dozen or so Japanese remotes still work, many of them are over a decade old.

I've had excellent results with a Pioneer 739 (now 839)-- 3 CD drawer on the left and a CD-R drawer record on the right. You can program 3 CDs at once, hit record and have a compilation. It's versatile, easy to use, has been totally reliable and can now be had for around $300. This is a consumer grade CD burner and uses CD blanks with the SCMS system. Good Luck. Craig

I'll second the TASCAM recommendation. Try to check out a TASCAM CD-RW700 at a pro music or musical instrument shop, not a hi-fi store. You can use cheap computer discs and are not subject to the other limitations of the "consumer" recorders from Philips, Pioneer, etc.

Hi, Mchd1. There have been fairly extensive and helpful discussions in the not-too-distant past. Search the forums for "cd recorder" and you'll see many posts that will help you narrow down what you're looking for. I tried a two-well consumer deck but returned it and switched to a Tascam single-well pro deck -- but that's just my particular situation. My general take is that CD-to-CD recording quality is excellent on most decks out there, so you just need to worry about features, price and reliability. If quality analog-to-CD recording is important, you may want to be more selective. Again, the old threads make a great start.

I have a phillips CDR 880 that i used to transfer a fairly large LP collection over the past 2 years i burned approx. 400 Cd's with not a single malfunction or frisbee. If you are interested I am done with it and it is in perfect condition with all paperwork and origional box. I have not tought abot a price but i think $400 is fair. e-mail kens48@aol.com

I have a Marantz 6050 or 650, I can't remember the exact model number, anyway it cost about $600 a year ago and is a dual tray CD recorder w/capability of recording analog to Cd also. The player has been extremely reliable and makes flawless copies in double time. My friend has had 2 Harmon Kardon recorders in the same time period, both recorded at quad speed, and both went on the blink within a month or two of purchase. The higher speed recorders may not be a wise choice, esp. since recording at double speed is pretty fast. My friend replaced the Harmon Kardon with a Pioneer dual tray recorder that has given her no problems at all. Hope these anecdotes help you in your decision.

I was in the same place as you Mc. I eventually went with the Denon 1500 dual deck CD burner. However, I sold it and am now in the process of purchasing a unit from Lansonic. Please go to there web-site at Lansonic.com. I guarantee you will be interested.

E-mail me and let me and let me know what you think.