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CD Recorder :Fostex or Tascam?

Hi
I am seeking help from someone who is familiar with the sound quality of recording from analog on both decks.I currently have a Fostex CR 500 recorder ($499)and have 15 days to return or exchange.I am aware about major differences in these recorders (Fostex-no remote,track increment function inserts a 100 ms gap,no coax digital in (only balanced)I am looking to exchange it for Tascam CD-RW900SL ($489) which has a remote qand coax digital input.Main purpose-transfering LPs.I have great results with Sony Music CD-Rs on Fostex but am wondering about the sound quality of recording on Tascam deck.I can put up with Fostex lack of certain features if it has a superior quality of sound.Any advise would be greatly appreciated.Thanks a lot!
overhang
vernonwtx
53 posts
 
While I previously used Tascam, now I use Yamaha CDR-HD1500 (eBay $620 new) to record LP's to WAV on harddrive. You can upgrade harddrives (I am using 650gb) and backup to computer. You also can burn a higher quality disk copy called "Audio Master Quality Recording" to compensate for higher "jitter" in recorded CDs. AMQR extends the length of the pits and lands on the CD in an attempt to produce a more stable signal. This reduces the recordable length of the CD -- a 74-minute disc only holds 63 -- but produces noticeably improved audio. See

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/computer/handbook/audiomaster01.html
vernonwtx
53 posts
 
Thought I would add the CDR-1500 has a DAC function, with coax and toslink in/out connections...
bondmanp
1,832 posts
 
FWIW, I have been using a Marantz "prosumer" CDR-632, which is nearly identical to the entry-level TASCAM CD recorder, to digitize analog source material (tapes, LPs) for over three years. In spite of a wobbly CD drawer that does not inspire confidence, it has been completely reliable, easy to use, and makes very good recordings on inexpensive CDR media. A plus is that these prosumer machines can use data-CD-Rs and CD-RWs, saving you money. I use mainly Tayo-Yuden CD-Rs, and have had maybe one drink coaster out of well over 100 CD-Rs used. The newer Marantz CD recorder replaces the drawer with a slot-load CD drive.

I do agree, however, that the Alessis is a better way to go, and if I was buying a CD recorder right now, that is what I would buy. The main reason is the hard drive. I don't leave the track divisions when recording LPs to the Marantz's auto track feature, so I insert the track divisions manually. The result is that I usually get the track division right, but miss a few. The hard drive would allow me to just record the whole LP, then insert track divisions, then burn the CD-R, eliminating the errors. Plus, if I mess up a CD-R with the Marantz, I have to start again (or take the messed up CD-R to a computer and reburn a new CD-R).

I would guess the Yammi has similar flexibility.
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