CD Recorder

I have a Pioneer PDR-609, and I really like it. It's easy to use, and the copies of CDs sound virtually the same as the originals. Recordings from analog sources sound great too. A friend has a professional recorder. The main difference is that he can make copies of digital copies, and he can record onto any CDR, not just consumer audio CDRs. The price difference between computer and consumer audio CDRs is much smaller than it once was.

I also recommend Mitsui CDRs, but I've also get great recordings on TDK and Maxell.

The Tascam CDRW-700 was my choice after a "training wheels" Pioneer. At $450 from Oade Bros., this single-disc unit does everything. Uses cheap computer CDRs and CD-RWs, has a "direct digital" link to avoid sample rate converters, has a one-day timer, has an "unfinalize" feature in additon to the usual CD-RW erase mode, and has proven totally reliable. And it makes creat sounding copies (and copies from copies). Good luck. You're in for a lot of fun.

Did any of the retailers you purchased your unit from offer an extended warranty package? As a rule I am not big on these for most electronics, but in the case of a CD burner it seems a prudent precaution as I suspect due to the mechanical/electromechanical nature of the beast that there are more things that can potentially go wrong.