Summary

I hadn't set out to buy the Sony RCD-W500C CD changer/recorder, (or any other)but I'm glad I did. I normally make music CDs on my computer with good results, so I really wasn't looking for a recorder at all. I was however, looking to replace my aging single CD player in my home stereo with a multi-disc changer. This Sony was on clearance sale for the same or lower price than many units that were changers only, so I bought it. Not until after I got it home, did I begin to understand the capabilities of this machine. First of all, it's big and heavy. I like that. I'm suspicious of gear that feels flimsy, no matter how stunning specs it may have. As a CD player/changer, it played every kind of disk I fed it, though an MP3 disk I made on PC with Cakewalk PYRO was a tad hissy. To me, the real trick for this machine is it's recording capabilities. I expected it could copy direct from source CD to CD-R, which it easily does, but I had no idea it could record analog audio direct to CD-R. I've been exploring this feature the most. I've copied DVD audio from concert DVDs to CD-R, I used a signal generator on my PC to record a calibration CD that matches my equalizers, I recorded analog audio from my PC of MP3s modified with winamp plug-ins, I copied VCR audio to CD-R, I recorded 2-track audio of my friend playing guitar straight from his mixer, and just for kicks, I recorded a few phone calls to CD-R, just because I could. The only things I didn't like are the confusing copy protection rules and the headphone amp output seems kinda low (using AKG 240M phones). Also, the manual could have been better.

Strength

Full function CD changer/recorder. Direct A to B copies are flawless. Analog input to CD-R recording feature is a blast. Big heavy sturdy machine.

Weakness

Headphone output amp level seems low. Manual could have been better.

Summary

The cd recorder is becoming a rarity these days with the onslaught of DVD recorders IMHO w/o dvd-dvd dubbing they're necessity wonders me.. The RCD-W500c is a great if not superb cd recorder with the strength of a programable 5 disc changer behind it... I had Doubts of it's accuracy with multiple cd's dubbing to one cd, but if you use the cd synchro option there is absolutely no gaps between tracks the recorder,pauses reads TOC of the next disc and then promptly burns the next track.. It has many Menu options also you can adjust the sensitivity of the trackmarkers, the digital record level of the Optical input(rare) the digital level of the 5 disc dubb deck(manual record only) The record level of the analog input(With Super Bit Mapping included!) MP3 Files/albums reading Fader controls on dubbing.. stop Gaps between tracks(alot of options for a non-pro deck) Of course SCMS copyguard has it's flaws but it will change to analog when detecting this. The Finalize time of one minute is excellent also... I tried to squelch the net rumors that it can't finalize 80 minute cd-rs & was correct no such trouble at all.... Plus where are 74 minute blanks now ?? The record/playback sonics are also superb for this Price... Overall a great machine with few flaws with the exception of no level control when synchro-dubbing... & No independent L/R controls...

Strength

Excellent features, Price sonics, 5 disc slim drawer changer, Super Bit Mapping(analog) Quick Finalize

Weakness

Confusing Owner's Manual !!!