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Best/Cheapest/Easist Way To Burn CD's?

I've heard audiophiles put down CDR's. I honestly don't know why burning a copy of a cd can yield something less than the original, but that appears to be the case based on what I've heard.

I'm looking for an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make copies of CD's that will yield EXACT COPIES. In my research, I was told that downloading "Exact Audio Copy" was a great approach, though I must say that after downloading it, I was completely baffled on how to use it effectively. I looked for instructions online, and only found 50 page PDF instructions. This is just beyond my ability (or more likely patience) to pull off.

So now I'm looking at stereo component cd recorders. I actually bought a Philips CDR785 for $400+ when it came out 8 or 9 years ago or so, and it worked like a charm for about a year or so before the burning part crapped out on me. I'd get it repaired, but I'd rather spend the costly repair money on a new machine.

Now, that said, am I really going to get a higher-quality burn from a Marantz as opposed to a cheaper Sony or other model? I'm not talking about a unit to play amplified music through for enjoyment, but JUST for burning/recording purposes.

What are people's experiences in this whole area? What's the least I can spend to get an exact copy without going insane trying to use complicated burning software? Is there a school of thought out there about computer burners vs. stand-alone stereo component cd recorders? Does the brand of cdr REALLY matter? Will any name brand do or does it have to be Matsui or some really expensive brand?

Any input would be gratefully appreciated? I need to buy something that will fit my criteria soon...
soulgoober

Showing 4 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
The $600 Denon unit in my system makes perfect recordings every time. I can easily recommend it. I've used Fuji and Maxell CD-Rs with it for over two years and have never had any problem getting perfect recordings.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
Having heard many recordings created with many different recorders over the years, it's silly to put down CDRs in my opinion.

I've used a $600 Denon cd player/recorder for over 2 years now and can easily recommend this device without reservation as a way to achieve essentially perfect reproductions for very reasonable cost.

The Denon works reliably every time and the recordings sound every bit as good as the originals, even on my reference system.

I've also used computer-based CD recorders in the past....these were very much hit or miss.

Many audiophiles do not care for the sound of CDs compared to vinyl, for example, so its not surprising I suppose that many also would not take to CD recording.

I record mostly vinyl albums to CD-R. The result is essentially perfect reproduction of the sound of the vinyl but now on a CD. I can even now even have some of that vinyl sound that so many love in my car!

When recording from CD to CD, nothing is lost that I have ever been able to detect...and I am always listening for defects or imperfections in my recordings.

Shunning CD recording is really like looking a gift horse in the mouth, in my opinion.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
Markphd,

Good point. The book is still open on the longevity of recorded CDs. I haven't had problems so far, but have only been doing it for 5-6 years now.

"Burning" in a lossless manner to file/server storage is an interesting approach as well, but there would be risk of losing the files somewhere down the road, I would think, unless they are also securely backed up to some media somewhere that the owner has unrestricted access to, like CD-Rs, so you are back to the issue of having persistent, accessible storage somehow or else you must trust others to preserve your stuff and always make it available for you as needed.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
Soulgoober,

I would not think it possible to assert that either computer burning or stereo component burning is categorically better or worse. The technology required to do a good job is similar in either case and I'm sure there are devices that do a good job and others that do not do it so good on either side.

In general, a product from a company whose business is built around good sound quality rather than just software and hardware technology, should produce a good product in this category as well.

I chose the Denon based on the value, reputation of the company and stellar reviews it received by many on various web sites.

Generally, if see many positive reviews of a good value product by a good company, whose business is quality audio/video, like Denon, for example, you should be golden.
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