[[email protected]]

Hi,

I'm in the process of upgrading my audio system from casual-listening
components to entry-level audiophile components. Right now, I am
planning to get a CD-recorder to digitize my analog recordings (about
700 albums - LPs and cassette). I would also prefer if I could use the
CD-recorder as my main CD-player. My budget is around $500-600. After
some searching on the Internet, I have narrowed my choices down to
three. I am looking for some input or suggestions about these choices.

1) Denon CDR W1500: Not a pro-model (needs music CD-R). Good reviews
on the Internet saying that it's a good player too.

2) Tascam CDRW 900SL or Tascam CDRW750: Pro-model. Works with all
blank CD-R media.

3) Marantz CDR 632: Pro-model. Works with all blank CD-R media.

For 2 and 3, I am not sure about playback quality because there aren't
that many Internet reviews for them. Is their playback quality
comparable to the Denon, or for that matter, to an entry-level ($300-
ish) NAD or Cambridge Audio CD player? Also, how do 2 and 3 compare
with each other?

Finally, a slightly OT question: Is it possible to burn CD-R discs on
a DVD recorder? (for example, Philips DVDR 3576 specs say that it can
burn only DVD media, no CD-R media)

Some more info: I don't need pro-features on the CD-recorder - just
track splitting and basic track editing should be fine. I'd prefer if
I could use general purpose (not music-only) CD-R-s. I don't need mp3,
HDCD or DVD playback or models with a HDD.I am not interested in
computer audio at this point and I've used several digital audio
processing software and hardware over the last 8 years.

Current system:
Tape deck: Nakamichi 600, Pioneer CT W616
Turntable: Goldring GR 1.2
Pre-amp: Rotel RB 980BX
Monitors: Mackie HR 824
CD player: looking to upgrade from Pioneer DV 525.

-P

[Sonnova]

On Sat, 7 Mar 2009 07:35:49 -0800, wrote
(in article ):

Hi,

I'm in the process of upgrading my audio system from casual-listening
components to entry-level audiophile components. Right now, I am
planning to get a CD-recorder to digitize my analog recordings (about
700 albums - LPs and cassette). I would also prefer if I could use the
CD-recorder as my main CD-player. My budget is around $500-600. After
some searching on the Internet, I have narrowed my choices down to
three. I am looking for some input or suggestions about these choices.

1) Denon CDR W1500: Not a pro-model (needs music CD-R). Good reviews
on the Internet saying that it's a good player too.

2) Tascam CDRW 900SL or Tascam CDRW750: Pro-model. Works with all
blank CD-R media.

3) Marantz CDR 632: Pro-model. Works with all blank CD-R media.

For 2 and 3, I am not sure about playback quality because there aren't
that many Internet reviews for them. Is their playback quality
comparable to the Denon, or for that matter, to an entry-level ($300-
ish) NAD or Cambridge Audio CD player? Also, how do 2 and 3 compare
with each other?

Finally, a slightly OT question: Is it possible to burn CD-R discs on
a DVD recorder? (for example, Philips DVDR 3576 specs say that it can
burn only DVD media, no CD-R media)

Some more info: I don't need pro-features on the CD-recorder - just
track splitting and basic track editing should be fine. I'd prefer if
I could use general purpose (not music-only) CD-R-s. I don't need mp3,
HDCD or DVD playback or models with a HDD.I am not interested in
computer audio at this point and I've used several digital audio
processing software and hardware over the last 8 years.

Current system:
Tape deck: Nakamichi 600, Pioneer CT W616
Turntable: Goldring GR 1.2
Pre-amp: Rotel RB 980BX
Monitors: Mackie HR 824
CD player: looking to upgrade from Pioneer DV 525.

-P

The TASCAM models are both excellent. I have a CDRW700 and am very happy with
it. It's well made and has served me faithfully for about 10 years. As a
playback deck, it works just fine. Even so, if you don't like the playback
quality, you can buy a fine outboard DAC on E-Bay to go with it for about
$100, so it's hard to go wrong. For a number of reasons, including
availability of the blank discs and the pain-in-the-ass that is SCMS (Serial
Copy Management System), I'd steer clear of the consumer units if I were you.

[Arny Krueger]

wrote in message
...

I'm in the process of upgrading my audio system from casual-listening
components to entry-level audiophile components. Right now, I am
planning to get a CD-recorder to digitize my analog recordings (about
700 albums - LPs and cassette). I would also prefer if I could use the
CD-recorder as my main CD-player. My budget is around $500-600. After
some searching on the Internet, I have narrowed my choices down to
three. I am looking for some input or suggestions about these choices.

1) Denon CDR W1500: Not a pro-model (needs music CD-R). Good reviews
on the Internet saying that it's a good player too.

Non-pro CD burners are a hassle because they need special media. A pro model
will burn the same media as a PC.


2) Tascam CDRW 900SL or Tascam CDRW750: Pro-model. Works with all
blank CD-R media.

I've got a lot of experience and respect for Tascan CD burners.



Is their playback quality comparable to the Denon,

Yes, if not better. Also they have digital outputs, so you can use them with
external DACs and receivers with digital inputs.



Finally, a slightly OT question: Is it possible to burn CD-R discs on
a DVD recorder?

AFAIK, no.

(for example, Philips DVDR 3576 specs say that it can
burn only DVD media, no CD-R media)

Sounds right.

If you want to burn both kinds of media, you want a PC.

I'm sure that lots of people are wondering why you don't want the ultimate
in CD burners - a PC. A PC with a good audio interface is more than the
equal of a stand-alone CD burner. They are totally superior when it comes to
editing.

[Sonnova]

On Sun, 8 Mar 2009 04:55:05 -0700, Arny Krueger wrote
(in article ):

wrote in message
...

I'm in the process of upgrading my audio system from casual-listening
components to entry-level audiophile components. Right now, I am
planning to get a CD-recorder to digitize my analog recordings (about
700 albums - LPs and cassette). I would also prefer if I could use the
CD-recorder as my main CD-player. My budget is around $500-600. After
some searching on the Internet, I have narrowed my choices down to
three. I am looking for some input or suggestions about these choices.

1) Denon CDR W1500: Not a pro-model (needs music CD-R). Good reviews
on the Internet saying that it's a good player too.

Non-pro CD burners are a hassle because they need special media. A pro model
will burn the same media as a PC.


2) Tascam CDRW 900SL or Tascam CDRW750: Pro-model. Works with all
blank CD-R media.

I've got a lot of experience and respect for Tascan CD burners.



Is their playback quality comparable to the Denon,

Yes, if not better. Also they have digital outputs, so you can use them with
external DACs and receivers with digital inputs.



Finally, a slightly OT question: Is it possible to burn CD-R discs on
a DVD recorder?

AFAIK, no.

(for example, Philips DVDR 3576 specs say that it can
burn only DVD media, no CD-R media)

Sounds right.

If you want to burn both kinds of media, you want a PC.

I'm sure that lots of people are wondering why you don't want the ultimate
in CD burners - a PC. A PC with a good audio interface is more than the
equal of a stand-alone CD burner. They are totally superior when it comes to
editing.



I have both a PC (a Mac Pro, actually) and a stand-alone CD burner (the
aforementioned TASCAM CDRW-700). I went this route for convenience sake. Sure
the PC can do the job, but its in my office and my stereo system is in
another room. It is simply NOT convenient to get the two together. Plus the
stand-alone burner can make CDs from LP, DAT tape, reel-to-reel or radio
without physically having to move or re-patch anything. Plus, when copying
from LP or DAT or R-to-R tape, the PC becomes a two-step recording process.
First I have to capture the source in real time and then transfer it to CD.
The fact that the CD can be written at many times real-time speed, doesn't
matter when the source has to be captured in real-time, so the PC is of
little advantage here. I do, of course, use the PC for CD-to-CD copies and to
make CDs of sound files that I have recorded myself or downloaded. Otherwise
the stand-alone CD burner is the better option.

[Arny Krueger]

"Sonnova" wrote in message
...

On Sun, 8 Mar 2009 04:55:05 -0700, Arny Krueger wrote
(in article ):

If you want to burn both kinds of media, you want a PC.

I'm sure that lots of people are wondering why you don't want the
ultimate
in CD burners - a PC. A PC with a good audio interface is more than the
equal of a stand-alone CD burner. They are totally superior when it comes
to
editing.

I have both a PC (a Mac Pro, actually) and a stand-alone CD burner (the
aforementioned TASCAM CDRW-700).

I have 3 PCs with DVD burners, and two laptops with DVD burners.

I went this route for convenience sake. Sure
the PC can do the job, but its in my office and my stereo system is in
another room.

Laptops of course can be anywhere.

It is simply NOT convenient to get the two together.

Laptops of course can be anywhere. Some of the PCs are sited along with
various analog players for the purpose of transcription.

Plus the
stand-alone burner can make CDs from LP, DAT tape, reel-to-reel or radio
without physically having to move or re-patch anything.

Somehow I'm not worried about repatching a cable or two, at the most.

Plus, when copying
from LP or DAT or R-to-R tape, the PC becomes a two-step recording
process.

?????????????

First I have to capture the source in real time and then transfer it to
CD.

That would be a limitation that exists only in your mind.

The fact that the CD can be written at many times real-time speed, doesn't
matter when the source has to be captured in real-time, so the PC is of
little advantage here. I do, of course, use the PC for CD-to-CD copies and
to
make CDs of sound files that I have recorded myself or downloaded.
Otherwise
the stand-alone CD burner is the better option.

That would be due to artificial limiations that are easily and economically
lifted.

[[email protected][_2_]]

I want to transfer from LP source on my VPI turntable to CD, thence
to my
iMac. How do I transfer from the turntable to a CD using the Tascam
recorder/player? I'm using a Creek integrated amp.
Thanks for help.
Max.

[Sonnova]

On Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:39:38 -0700, wrote
(in article ):

I want to transfer from LP source on my VPI turntable to CD, thence
to my
iMac. How do I transfer from the turntable to a CD using the Tascam
recorder/player? I'm using a Creek integrated amp.
Thanks for help.
Max.

Easy enough. The "Tape Out" outputs from the Creek (I assume it has them) go
to the analog inputs on the back on the TASCAM. Set the TASCAM's input
selector to "Analog in". Next, select "LP" as your source on your Creek, and
start playing a record. With a blank CD in the TASCAM, put the unit into
play-pause and do what is called a "punch-in" record. IOW, with the unit
paused, hit record and play simultaneously. This will place the recorder in
record pause mode. Find the loudest section on the LP and set the record
volume on the TASCAM so that it approaches, but never touches '0' on the
meters. Be sure that this is on the loudest section of the LP. You can often
tell by looking at the LP physically, exactly where the loudest part is, the
grooves are generally farthest apart during those sections of the recording.
After the record level is set, return the stylus on the turntable to the
beginning of the side and just before the music starts, hit the pause control
on the TASCAM again to begin recording. On some recorders (mine being one of
them) everytime you cycle the pause control, it makes a new CD "track". If
you momentarily pause and un-pause the recorder between each band on the LP,
you'll be able to make individual cuts that a CD player will recognize
allowing you to go to individual cuts just like on a commercial release. Some
recorders have a silence detector which will automatically band a recording
CD into "cuts", but I don't find this very reliable as it usually ends-up
treating any on-purpose lull in the performance as a new band.

Hope this gets you started.

[Arny Krueger]

wrote in message
...
I want to transfer from LP source on my VPI turntable to CD, thence
to my
iMac. How do I transfer from the turntable to a CD using the Tascam
recorder/player? I'm using a Creek integrated amp.

Connect your CD recorder player's line inputs to the main outputs of the
same preamp that you are accustomed to using with your VPI turntable. Set
levels and record!