Topic: Recorder for Cassette and Minidisc Transfers - options ???

[tbger]

Hello,

I've been looking about the Marantz PMD 670 but I think I'm not already aware of other recorders available hence I'd like to ask if there are alternatives I should also consider.

I'll be feeding the recorder from my DAC's coax output fed by a minidisc deck, and from a tape deck via RCA's.

I might not know what exactly I should be looking for on a recorder other than a digital input (to hook the MD deck).

Of course I can always use my Sony PCM-M10's line-in.


Thanks for stopping by.  Any help appreciated !

[Ekib]

You'll get the best , digital transfer , when using SONY's Mz-RH1 . The only recorder who can do digital to WAV transfers .
It is getting pricey now though . I used it for al my minidisc's . Glad I bought it when it came out .
Years ago I transfered all my cassette's to Minidisc . So this was the best solution for me . Don't feel like transfering al my cassette's again . That was quite a job .

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Hello,

I've been looking about the Marantz PMD 670 but I think I'm not already aware of other recorders available hence I'd like to ask if there are alternatives I should also consider.

I'll be feeding the recorder from my DAC's coax output fed by a minidisc deck, and from a tape deck via RCA's.

I might not know what exactly I should be looking for on a recorder other than a digital input (to hook the MD deck).

Of course I can always use my Sony PCM-M10's line-in.


Thanks for stopping by.  Any help appreciated !

Depending on you budget, there are a few things to think about...

The PMD670 is nice and will do the job perfectly.  But if I was going to spend that money, I would get a Tascam DR100mkII (or another 24bit deck) for future use... 

If you want a straight Digital Transfer (preferable for those MDs), I'd look into getting a MD Player with SPDIF Out.  As it so happens, I'm in the middle of a MD Project.  I am borrowing a Sony MDS-JE510 right now that has 16/44 output via TOSLINK.  I'm running that through a Hosa ODL276 and recording the SPDIF output with my HD-P2. 

As for the cassettes, I would just run the analog out into the M10...  I have a Nak DR3 and I run my cassettes straight into my HD-P2...

For transferring, you could go for small/cheap like a MAudio Microtracker II ($100) or rackmount like a Tascam SS-R1 ($275), or you could get another field deck like a Tascam HD-P2 or Marantz 67x, etc...  There are a few options in this respect...  But again, for about $300, you could get a DR100mkII...

Food for thought,

Terry



BTW, there is this:  http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=162706.0;topicseen

[F.O.Bean]

IMO stay away from the micro trackers. They ate complete garbage. I had one very briefly. Had to basically give it away

[kylieshotpants]

is it worth transferring cassettes in 24 bit?

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

is it worth transferring cassettes in 24 bit?

Most of my cassettes were 2nd gen or worse so I didn't think it was worth it...  I recorded them at 16/48...

I suppose if you have a HQ Master, it might be worth the trouble??? 

Terry

[F.O.Bean]

is it worth transferring cassettes in 24 bit?

If they're masters, then I say he'll yes. If they're 2nd gen or worse, save your time

[404 Not Found]

I picked up a Marantz 670 the other day in mint condition with under 30 hrs use for under $100.  I talked with Marantz prior to the purchase in noting that they will issue my RA and do the firmware update for this unit for free, allowing for a 32GB max CF for the unit.  Not bad for under $100.  Depends on if you are ok as noted above with 16bit?  I am not sure if the firmware update for the 670 has any changes in the bit range to a 24?    BTW, I am going to also be using it for cassette transfers as well, as the 24 I felt was not required for my cassettes.

[tbger]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'd like to have a 24 bit recorder though it seems like I can't afford most of them.  I can only spend about $200 (and would purchase 2nd hand).

Any recommendation for something in this price range is more than welcome, otherwise I'll go with the PMD670.

By the way, is there a difference between the PMD670 and the PMD671 other than the improved built-in mic preamps (which I don't need and would anyway use externals if I did) ?

Also, is it just me or the PMD670 / PMD671 aren't as popular here, to say the least ?   

[404 Not Found]

B & H have a used one up for sale http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=USE&Q=&A=details&O=productlist&sku=800963283

The PMD671 can record at a higher bit & sample rate than the 670.  The 670 does have a free firmware update that Marantz will send an RA for as well as fix for free.  All I know is that the firware upgrade allows for some fixes in re. to the battery charging and allowing for a 32GB CF.

[tbger]

Thank you for this advice !

I thought it'd be better to have separate RCA's for Tape Deck's left and right output channels.

Do you know if I can do so with this PMD661's XLR inputs ?  I mean to use one for right and one for left, fed from the Deck's line out.  Maybe I should be posting this in the (if exists one) PMD661 thread instead.