Price Paid:  $129.00 from J and R

Summary:
Versatile deck. Disc dubbing is a snap but using other features requires patience and experimentation, because the instruction manual contains several errors and omissions. Requires TDK blanks!

Strengths:
A cheap deck that does a professional job... with practice.

Weaknesses:
The instruction manual is frustrating, telling you to hit the "record" button again to add track numbers on manual projects, instead of "enter," or leaving out that step altogether. I ended up writing my own instructions for regular tasks. And I was unable to get any recordings at all with any Cd-R blank other than TDK. That's one way to sell your blanks! Fortunately, Target stocks the big, inexpensive spindles.

Similar Products Used:
None, excpet for PC.

Price Paid:  $129.00 from J&R Music

Summary:
Easy as a toaster to operate. You can read the manual in about 2 minutes and understand everything. Sometimes basic is good. This thing cost as much as a cheap player and it records CD-R and CD-RW just fine.

Strengths:
PRICE! Ability to record in real time without a computer. Dubbing feature. Headphone jack with level knob. Variety of input options, more than some pro gear I know of. Easy to use and understand. Nice full function remote w/batteries. Did I mention price?

Weaknesses:
Weird button placement, but I think this thing was made with CD to CD dubbing in mind. I'm using it to record external sources. The record button for external is on the opposite side of the play button. The dub button is a big red thing in the middle, which can be confusing. Maybe it's just too many buttons? Record levels are in very coarse increments. Metering is pretty coarse as well. Also, you have to use the more expensive audio CD-Rs. It will refuse to record with a data CD-R. This a piece of consumer gear and will probably last as long as other consumer gear. I had a consumer Magnavox CD player once that lasted for 12 years of everyday use. It will be cheaper to replace than to repair.

Similar Products Used:
Computer for burning CD-Rs.

Price Paid:  $264.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
This is my first digital CD recorder; it is a fine unit, and I enjoy using it very much. The sound is great in both playback and recording, and it's very easy to use once you've mastered the owner's manual.

Strengths:
Great sound in both playback and recording, overall ease of use.

Weaknesses:
The instruction manual does not explain how to set the analog record level, which must be done before you start recording; it cannot be adjusted with the record mode armed or during recording.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic and Technics CD players, Panasonic CD/cassette boom box.