Any suggestions for a standalone CD recorder

[TommyTunes]

I used a Pioneer PD-05 since it was released but I now looking to upgrade to a unit with a state of the art ADC. I recently have aquired a brand new unplayed set of the Beatles Mono Collection from Japan and before I start playing them I thought that an update of the recorder would be in order. Some of the units that I've read about are Sony CDR-W33(24bit and SBM capable), Marantz CDR631(20 bit ADC) and HHB CDR 830 (24bit ADC).
I can go Balanced out from my preamp but only the Marantz offers balance inputs for analogue.
Also does anyone have experience with the Alesis Masterlink from what I read it offers 24/96 capability but can I burn either a Redbook standard or DVD disk that could be played back ala Classic's DAD disks(ie. on a DVD player through a 96/192 capable DAC)?
Any help is appreciated.

[Steve Hoffman]

TT,

For what it's worth, As a stand-alone machine in my mastering suite, I use a HHB CDR 830. It has never failed me yet, and I abuse the heck out of it....

However, I don't like it as a playback CD player. Way too bright. Works well as a recorder though... ;)

[jkerr]

Originally posted by TommyTunes:
Also does anyone have experience with the Alesis Masterlink from what I read it offers 24/96 capability but can I burn either a Redbook standard or DVD disk that could be played back ala Classic's DAD disks(ie. on a DVD player through a 96/192 capable DAC)?

From what I've read, the Alesis Masterlink uses a hard drive and then writes either a redbook cdr or what they call a CD24 - basically saves about 20 min of 24/96 sound files in aiff format. So you can playback these hi-res files either on the Masterlink or a PC/Mac. But I haven't seen any direct support for DVD. You'd need another system, probably pc based, to create a DAD.

Alesis Masterlink info (http://www.alesis.com/products/ml9600/about.html)

Unfortunately with the new cheap DVD burners from Pioneer and Panasonic I haven't found any software that supports 24/96. Of course these are pc based. I know you're looking for a standalone.

[TommyTunes]

Thanks for the feedback, I only need it as a recorder, I'm going to see if I can arrange for a test drive on the HHB.

[Jeffrey]

Hi TommyTunes,

Gotta Sony CDR-W33 that's done me right. Oade Brothers have a pretty hip site where ya can check most of these units out. Was gonna score one of the Tascam burners but a couple engineer friends explained to me why the Sony is better bang for the $. These guys are good but how can ya not go w/ Steve's advice. Plus I think the HHB unit is purple :)

Long Live Rock,
Jeffrey

[TommyTunes]

I just got off the phone with Oade Brothers. HHB offers a model 850 which offers balanced I/O and they claim that the analogue section is the best of the available units. I am leaning of this unit as of now.

[remaster]

I just picked up the NAD C-660. Sounds great and easy to use. Looking to sell my classic pioneer elite PDR-99.