Topic: FR-2LE - PMD671 opinions

[dlh]

I am reconsidering my choice of either a Fostex FR-2LE or Marantz PMD671.
I had settled on the FR-2LE because of low noise and dynamic range.
Either unit is within my budget.


                                      (wtd/unwtd)

Fostex FR-2LE         -129dBu/-125dBu     84dB


Marantz PMD671    -125dBu/-123dBu     75dB

I'm reconsidering because the 671 has spdif in/out which expands my capabilities if I carry my A/D interface.
(I also have a MicroTrak II which I could use as a bitbucket.)
My question now is how audible will the 2-4 dB of noise be?
How much difference will I hear in the 9dB of dynamic range?

I'm trying to create a low to moderate cost all-in-one kit for nature recording and acoustic recording of classical & jazz.
(not for profit, just my own enjoyment)

So, I'd appreciate comments and opinions from anyone that has used these or switched from one to the other.

Thanks
Dave

[notlance]

Nature recordists need very low noise preamps and microphones.  Here is a chart prepared by a company selling to that market that you may fine helpful.

http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

See also:

http://www.avisoft.com/tutorial_mic_recorder.htm

Note that part of the the lower dynamic range of the PMD671 relative to the FR-2LE comes from the slightly lower 0 dBFS level of the PMD671.

I once owned and have used the FR-2LE for recording Classical music, and preamp noise was never an issue.  Note however, the headphone output on this unit is noisy which is disconcerting until you get to know the recorder.

I've never use the PMD671 but I doubt noise would be an issue with it either.

[dlh]

Nature recordists need very low noise preamps and microphones.  Here is a chart prepared by a company selling to that market that you may fine helpful.

http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

See also:

http://www.avisoft.com/tutorial_mic_recorder.htm

Note that part of the the lower dynamic range of the PMD671 relative to the FR-2LE comes from the slightly lower 0 dBFS level of the PMD671.

I once owned and have used the FR-2LE for recording Classical music, and preamp noise was never an issue.  Note however, the headphone output on this unit is noisy which is disconcerting until you get to know the recorder.

I've never use the PMD671 but I doubt noise would be an issue with it either.

Thanks.  I've been referring to the avisoft specs for a while.
You've given me exactly the info I've been looking for.
I doubted that the noise level differences would be significant.
The spdif in/out of the 671 are becoming more attractive.

Thanks

[fmaderjr]

I hate my FR2-LE for many reasons (battery system, headphone amp, can't delete single tracks, not enough gain to suit me).

From what I read here, if you can live with optical in, the Marantz PDM-661 is a much more convenient recorder to use (as well as cheaper) than the 671. If you probably won't use digi-in often, I would definitely get the 661 rather than the 671.

[JasonSobel]

From what I read here, if you can live with optical in, the Marantz PDM-661 is a much more convenient recorder to use (as well as cheaper) than the 671. If you probably won't use digi-in often, I would definitely get the 661 rather than the 671.

FYI, the Marantz PMD-661 has a coax S/PDIF input, NOT optical.  You are probably thinking of the Sony PCM-D50, which has an optical input.

[fmaderjr]

Thanks, Jason-my mistake.

Then I really see no reason to get a 671 instead of a 661.

[gatorglenn]

"I hate my FR2-LE for many reasons (battery system, headphone amp, can't delete single tracks, not enough gain to suit me)."

Send it to me and I will take care of it.   

Glenn

[setboy]

I love my FR-2LE. I think i would only trade it in for something with more channels or if i wasn't going to open tape anymore.

Edit: But i can't really answer your question on if you will hear a difference or not

[fmaderjr]

"I hate my FR2-LE for many reasons (battery system, headphone amp, can't delete single tracks, not enough gain to suit me)."

Send it to me and I will take care of it.   

Glenn

I would like to get rid of it if someone would buy it, but you wouldn't want it unless I gave it to you for free. When I first got it, every recording was marred by frequent clicks no no matter what card I used. I finally sent it back to Busman (it has his original mod, whatever one that was) and he finally returned it in 2 months or so with no comment. I tested it once and I think he fixed the problem, but he left a broken piece of plastic or screw rattling around inside that I can't get out that drove me crazy (I can't figure out how to take it completely apart). Again, I'm in the minority having a bad experience with Busman.

[gatorglenn]

Hi,

Did you list it for sale? I'm sure if the price is right you could sell it. I might even be interested.

I am sorry to hear that you have not liked it and had problems. I m not familiar with the Busman mods but it does not seem to have helped in your case.

Glenn

"I hate my FR2-LE for many reasons (battery system, headphone amp, can't delete single tracks, not enough gain to suit me)."

Send it to me and I will take care of it.   

Glenn

I would like to get rid of it if someone would buy it, but you wouldn't want it unless I gave it to you for free. When I first got it, every recording was marred by frequent clicks no no matter what card I used. I finally sent it back to Busman (it has his original mod, whatever one that was) and he finally returned it in 2 months or so with no comment. I tested it once and I think he fixed the problem, but he left a broken piece of plastic or screw rattling around inside that I can't get out that drove me crazy (I can't figure out how to take it completely apart). Again, I'm in the minority having a bad experience with Busman.

[jlykos]

I ran a 671 for a little while and loved the unit.  Very easy to use and has a great interface.  Its S/PDIF coaxial input was a major feature for me, as I originally envisioned using an external A/D with it.  After a little experimentation, I realized that the internal A/D in the unit was so good that I really didn't need an external A/D.

I don't know if the 671 and the 661 have the same A/D or preamplifier circuits, but if they do, you may be better served with the 661, as you won't really need an external unit.