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A CD burner in my computer—cheap and reliable. Still looking for the best compilation and editing software.

Philips re-writer, very impressive. I ordered it with my Gateway system and have nothing short of joy!

Use it for audio CD compilations, computer backup, and data transfer.

I have a Pioneer PDR509 with which I am very pleased—audibly superior to my MiniDisc machine, and great for making my own compilations for use in-car.

I actually have 2 machines and am using them to transcribe the hundreds of out-of-print LPs that I have across to a digital medium—I just wish that the blank discs were a bit less expensive.

CD recorder or MiniDisc recorder? The music recorded will be strictly for playback on my laptop, in the car, or on a portable, so I'm having trouble making a format choice. MiniDisc is ahead in the primaries; the final choice comes in March.

I use CD read/write for data backup on my Mac G3, hence writing CD-ROMs (data and audio) comes free. I'd recommend this approach over a standalone recorder, as it is possible to make compilations from CDs (e.g., for car use) very easily using Adaptec Toast and Jam programs. I also intend archiving analog audio material direct from LP turntable and audio cassette, and indirectly from my DAT recordings (e.g., off-air from Tuner). I could easily convert to MP3 if I can tolerate the loss in sound quality, or wish to send samples to my friends via the Internet.

I like minidisc recording much better for features and sound quality

I have had one in one of my computers for the past 2 years(SCSI CD-R & SCSI CD). When making digital direct recordings (CD to CD) with no conversion the copy does sound different. I'm still not sure which sounds better. For compilations while driving, CD-R's sure beat tape.

I use my computer & CD-ROM burner to copy some of my vinyl that has not been released on CD.

I record amateur performances on Mini-disc, and make copies on my PC CD Read-write for friends. I wish I had purchased the mini-disc several years ago, but I believed older Sterephile opinions that they were non-fi. Mr Fremer has since confirmed what I hear, the MDs are quite good and an excellent portable recording medium. The microphones are $2 Panasonic electret condenser capsules, powered by the recorder which I buy from digikey electronics.

Funny, I was just using pricewatch.com to search for a Matrox CD-R... Looking forward to making custom CD's. Especially since multichannel DVD-A and multichannel SACD are still far away...

I have "invested" in a harmonkardon, But some say that consumer products are not the best to use, as they will/might not work in other brand name recorders. They suggest using a comercial product. Others say that by the third generation it is ok and that the power of the laser is all matched by a minium power requirment in all consumer products. I have not had any problems thus far. Has anybody else?

I'm waiting for a truly univeral recorder that will not be obsolete with the next digital format.

Plextor is definitely the brand to go for if you want a high quality CD writer.