Sound Quality

Disc recognition

See my first review below.

After trying 4 different brands of CD-RW's, and after the record side of the CDR2 failed to recognize any of them, I took it back to Circuit City for good.

Based on what I've read about Harman Kardon CD players, disc recognition has become a major problem for them, and I'm not waiting around to find out when they fix it...

It's a real shame, because the sound quality was sterling...
but when you spend $650, you expect a fully-functional machine, and this was not "it."

Similar Products Used:

Various Philips CDRs

Looks sharp, feels solid, decent manual.

Must use Compaq Disc Digital Audio Recordable CD-Rs

I haven't used my unit yet, but thought I'd post to clarify. The CDR-2 manual indicates that it can record on discs that carry the Compaq Disk Ditital Audio Recordable logo. Perhaps the reason some people had some problems was due to having non-digial recordable discs.... or perhaps they got a lemon.

I work in the computer industry. The first thing I did when I got the unit was to try several normal CD-R's we have in the office. They are labeled Compaq Disk Recordable, but they do not work. The unit sees the disc all right, but when you try a dub, it indcates that there is NO AUDIO. The troubleshooting guide says that that means "a non-audio disc is in the record drawer."

As such, I have just placed an order on-line with http://www.cd-recordable.com/ to get some discs. They were very cool to deal with. They had some specials going, so I got a lot of discs for an excellent per-disc price. You can normally expect to pay about a $1.00 or so per disc if you buy in a 50-bundle set of the regular old CD-R's. I got a similar price point for the more advanced digitals that are needed, so I am quite happy.

That said.....

The reason I have purchased my unit was due to some problems with recording CD's on a computer. It doesn't always work, as some of the discs have errors or have difficulty playing in any source. I copied enough CD's and tried them in enough computer cd-drives and my car cd-changer to know. That said, they always worked in a component player.

There is also some bad information out there about what these recorders can do. Some commercial discs have anti-copying features and you can't copy them. That isn't the fault of the recorder. Also, due to special software, no commercial recorder can make a digital copy off of a copy. It goes into analog mode. You must therefore be dubbing from the original to get the benefit of digital.

Purchasing a CDR-2 or any commercial CD recorder may not be for you, so choose wisely.

After I have used this product for some time, I will post again. So far, it looks very sharp, so I won't bash it yet. I'm giving it 4 stars for value, as it would be nice if you didn't have to buy digital CD-R's.

P.S. If you want to buy, look on-line. You may be able to find it for less than the $625 - $650 most stores are selling the unit for. Try US Uncle's Stereo.

Similar Products Used:

Computer based CD-recorders, minidisc recorders from Sony and Denon DMD-1000.

Input/Output flexibility; 4X recording; Outstanding D/A A/D converters; Programmability.

Could be difficult to hook up, understand, and operate AT FIRST. Manual could be better written. Difficulty with some brands of CD-R for Multispeed recording.

Outstanding product! Worth every penny! However,I can see how some might be initially confused and frustrated by setup and operation, possibly even mistakenly thinking unit is defective. But once you get the hang of it...forget about it!

The only difficulty I experienced was with Multispeed recording on certain brands of audio CD-R's (regardless of the quality of the original). I tried Memorex and Maxell and consistently had defective multispeed recordings. I then reluctantly bought TDK "all speed" rated audio CD-R's (reluctantly, because I thought that it could be a marketing ploy). Allegedly, the TDK's are "certified" for high speeds. My 4X recordings have been perfect since. I will now ONLY buy TDK ALL SPEED's.

A million thanks to a previous reviewer...who shared how it is possible to record individual tracks in multispeed mode...making it incredibly fast and easy to create an impromptu mix CD. (in dub mode,set speed, use next/previous button to select the track you'd like to record and press select).

Before purchase, I was concerned about being forced into Analog mode when making a copy of a copy (I like to make mixes from mixes). However the CDR2's D/A converters are so extraordinary on this unit that there is NO audible difference between an exact digital copy and a first generation analog...Believe me I'm obsessive about this stuff...I would have noticed.

Other reviewers: please share your experience with CDR brands regarding multispeed use. Maybe MY unit is defective, in that it will only consistently tolerate High speed recordings on TDKs.

Flexibility of inputs and outputs
Speed of dubbing
Analog record level adjustment
Looks

Can only add track marks while recording initially, can't go back to add them, this is not unique to only the H/K.

I work at the company I bought this from and couldn't be happier with its performance. I've burned probably close to 200 cds at 4x the speed and have never noticed any "noise" in any cd's. They also always are in perfect sync with each other. I have also recorded from external sources such as a turntable, and I think the analog record level adjustment is awesome. I have also recorded concerts on MD and transfered them to cd, the sound is amazing.

I only wish you could go back and add track marks to analog recordings after the fact, such as in the case of MD. Other than that, I would never consider buying another unit. This is awesome.

Similar Products Used:

Phillips CDR 775

Sound quality, ease of use, overall quality of results

I'll let ya know in a few months.

I did a lot of research and a lot of thinking about this purchase. I couldn't have picked a better machine. The guy's right. This thing reeks of the term "superior product". I've used DAT machines, computer CDRs, and other stand alones. I am the most satisfied with the results I get from the CDR2, and the flexibility it offers. The blank discs are cheap (about 50 cent cheaper than a 90 min. chrome tape), and it sounds fabulous! Get one if you don't have one! If you value your dollar, it is definitely worth it. As a note, I picked this over the Philips CDR765 dual deck recorder. Even though the Philips has a "one decible" difference in dynamic range on recordings, the convertors on the HK definitely help make a difference. Also, I opted to have an analog level control because most of the material I record is external, and the digital control on the Philips makes adjustments in increments, instead of smoothly. This may not matter to many, but it was an important issue to me. In any case, the HK is simply a well thought out machine, built to a high quality, for people who look for high quality audio equipment.

Similar Products Used:

Philips CDR 870

None

Did not work.

I purchased a "reconditioned" unit from UBID. It was DOA. Did not play cd's or record them. Very poor quality control from HK. I don't know what happens once they are returned a second time. This unit was never "refurbished" so HK may choose to keep reselling them. I've also noticed a large number of "refurbished" units on eBay. Caveat emptor.

great player, great recorder

lousy instruction manual

since so many of the people who have had problems with this player have posted more than once (which i for one feel is a bit unfair) i thought i would simply say that i have had this product for well over a year now and i have had absolutely no problems with it. it plays and records perfectly.

i can't understand the complaints about sound quality at all -- this unit may not sound as good as dedicated cd player in its price class, but it certainly an excellent player. recorded copies are in prinicple impossible to distinguish from originals. i have no idea how this recorder has been received in the us, but in both german and swedish hi-fi magazines, this unit has received excellent ratings compared to recorders like pioneer pdr w839, yamaha cdr d651,marantz dr4050, and philips cdr 785.

about multiple reviews:
of course i understand that if you get a bad unit it, it is valuable and important to warn others. i also sympathize with those who are somehow disappointed with hk because of service problems. however, repeated postings with bad ratings seem to me to be unnecessary and, as far as i can see, only occur because the postees wish to ventilate their frustration. the review guidelines clearly state that reviewers show write only ONE review per product -- put concisely, these multiple negative reviews do not give an accurate reflection of the this product. test the products yourself and make up your own mind.

Similar Products Used:

pioneer, philips, yamaha, marantz

Price, quality and recording ease

none

Purchased this unit direct from Harman Kardon outlet. Reviewed other listings prior to purchasing and most users have had good luck with this unit when it worked properly.
This unit can be purchased direct from Harman Audio Outlet
refurbished for $208.00. Although this is a refurbished unit it has a no hassel 15 day return for refund and a ONE YEAR factory warranty. I took it out of the box and recorded 27 cd with flawless results. It was very simple to use. Check out the specs. Recording THD 0.005%@-85db. This unit is well worth the investment for the causual cd recorder. Shame on anyone who buys one for more than $200.00 and less than a one year warranty.

Similar Products Used:

harman 8470

Easy to use. I have not had any problems with reliability. I bought 2 (one for my son) and we have burnt many CDs without any problems. Sound quality is okay. I had a Sony ES unit before which was replaced under warranty and then the second unit failed (both would eat CDs). I thought the SONY had a better more mellow sound but it cost more for just a player.

Instruction manual is difficult to use.

A good unit for the price at the time. Of course, there are better recorders for less money now. Since I haven't had any problems with the units I don't know what sort of response I would receive from the dealer or HK.

Similar Products Used:

None. I have burnt CDs on a PC.

Very good sound, easy too use, fast record, good display, nice design ! Woul`d it buy again !