CD Recorder :Fostex or Tascam?

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.

Thought I would add the CDR-1500 has a DAC function, with coax and toslink in/out connections...

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

I have the Tascam CD-RW900SL . It makes fantastic copies!

I have a modified (by Balance Power Technologies) Alesis ML9600; it makes much better CD's than the Fostex machine than I had.

If you go this route, you will be unhappy with the results, sooner or later. As Macdadtexas suggests, archive to computer at a higher resolution (so you don't lose all the advantages of lp's), print cd's as needed and be ready for a digital server system when you are ready.

For what it's worth, I've had a Tascam CD-RW700 for years and find that it makes really superior copies of LPs, open reel tapes and CDs. MUCH better sounding than the computer-derived copies I've heard, albeit a lot slower (1X). Good luck, Dave

If you look up member ' Pedrillo ' in his digital threads, you will see that he was asking the same thing. Whether or not he went this route, that I dont know.

I would look at the Aleisis or Korg MR1000 before I would check out those others. They do a lot more than just record to CD, and the KORG will record directly to DSD so you get a much higher quality than just REDBOOK CD. You can take the recordings staight to your computer off the hard drive of the Korg, then make WAV or FLAC files, and make discs from those if you want, or just play the files in your system depending on your system set up.