2. pc-audio
  3. 1016168237

Dell purchase

Hi folks,

I am considering buying a Dell computer. I don't have a strong desire to *play* music through my computer, but I would like to be able to copy CDs, and especially record my LPs to CD. I'd want to experiment and see the quality.

Dell offers a CD/CDR/CDW device with their machines. No brand name listed! (Just "Dell"). Any sense of the quality for these purposes?

Also they offer a choice of two "premium" sound cards. I understand sound card quality is important when recording from analog sources. Choices are: the Sound Blaster "Live" (this is a step down from the top-of-the-line soundblaster) and the "Turtle Beach Santa Cruz". Any thoughts on these two sound cards?

Or are these parts too low-quality, such that I should just buy a "bare" box and add better quality parts?

Thanks for any thoughts!
ehart
jaguar
84 posts
 
I have a Dell 8100 with the Turtle Beach sound card. Before I purchased, I was able to compare the two sound cards you mentioned and the choice was easy. The Turtle Beach is cleaner, clearer and more dynamic.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I recently purchased a Dell for my office. Well dude, I'm not too impressed. Since you should mention the cdw, don't know the brand nor care to, it is a piece of ...., I've attempted to make 4 copies of music and all are flawed. Data other than music SEEMS to be adequate and this is the main purpose for it. I guess I should have upgraded the cdw to one that actually works instead of the made in China no name unit I got. One thing good about Dell though is their customer service, excellent. Mac, I'll be taking a long hard look for my next home unit. I miss using them but it has been a while.
gboren
143 posts
 
Tubegroover,
I strongly suspect your problem is your software settings. I have made a zillion music cd dupes on perhaps six different machines with components made in Mexico, Singapore, China, Brazil, Malaysia, Korea, etc. I invariably have a few problems with the first try, but when I get the settings right, everything works perfectly.

BTW, where can you get a machine with components made entirely in the US?
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Thanks Gboren I'll check it out and get back. I really don't see how the settings have anything to do with a straight copy from one cd to another and have never found this to be a problem in the past with other computer based cdr's. Furthermore on each copy I attempted to make, I did the laborious scan mode for defects prior to copying. The unit just may well be defective.
davewavaolcom
193 posts
 
I build my own computers. I have owned several Turtle Beach sound cards- great for what they do. I also have Altec Lansing mini monitors and separate sub from(good guys)retail $85.00 (they sound good). I also own an hp cd-writer 9100 cdr/cdrw. Every CD I burn sounds sub-par on my hifi system; even using an old denon changer. Through my computer and car audio system I can't hear the difference. Any non-prof cd burner will suffice. You could also check out sony's website. They now have DVD-Burners as well.

Best of Luck
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