Topic: Marantz PMD-671 vs. Tascam HD-P2

[JasonSobel]

I'm considerind getting one of these two units to replace my MicroTrack.
I've read everything that has been posted already (although there isn't too much about HD-P2), and they seem fairly comprobable.  Just so we can try to keep this discussion focussed: here's what I want.  I only ever plan to run S/PDIF from my V3.  So I don't want/need an ACM PMD-671.  (I don't know if Doug even mods the Tascam yet, but even if he did, I'm not really interested).  Additionally, I'm not considering the Sound Devices units, mostly because of cost.  I've thought about selling everything, and buying a 722.  but I like the V3 too much, and I can't part with it.  (also, I like the CF cards better than harddrives.  no moving parts   and I never really tape festivals, so the storage limitations of CF cards aren't really a big deal to me.)  So, S/PDIF from the V3, and something that will reliably write the data.

Here are the basic features that I care about:

Marantz PMD-671

• seamless auto-split feature: yes
• size: 10.4" x 7.3" x 2"
• 15V DC external powering (although people have successfully powered it with 12V ? )
• reliable: yes

Tascam HD-P2

• seamless auto-split feature: yes
• size: 9.6" x 7.4" x 2.36"
• 12V DC external powering
• reliable: yes

pricewise, both are pretty much the same.  within $30 of each other.  right now, I'm leaving towards the Tascam.  it's a little smaller than the PMD-671 (well, less wide.  The Tascam is slightly thicker, and slightly taller).  but both would fit in the bag I already use.  (for reference, the V3 is 8.3" x 6" x 1.6")  I'd probably get an external battery (12V SLA?  maybe there's an a good 12V NiMH option out there, I need to check it out.)

I guess, what I'm wondering it, has anyone actually used both of these units?  can anyone actually provide a direct comparison?  They seem very similar to me, and it appears as though both would be a good option.

edit to add:  what I'm really interested in hearing about it the useability of each unit.  I'm assuming that both are well designed, but, is one or the other a hassle to use?  does one have a really great interface? etc, etc...

thanks for any input
- Jason

[jmerin]

love the tascam, flawless. 

[leehookem]

love the tascam, flawless. 

I say the same about the Marantz.  I've never used the HD-PD, so I have no point of reference, but the 671 is damn near the easiest thing I have ever used.  Once you set the presets, you just turn it on and hit record.

[Chuck]

FWIW, Doug Oade made a comment on his board that he prefered the Japanese build quality of the PMD671 over the Chinese built HD-P2. I'll fluff the PMD671 here too. I own it and love it.

Yes 15v - 9v will power the PMD671. I use battery packs an/or a 12v SLA. I recently have had success with certain NiMH batteries internally.

edit:

Doug was selling the unmodded PMD671's for $850 shipped too. That's cheaper than you can find at most of the other outlets.

[JasonSobel]

thanks for your comments everyone.

I've been looking on the web, specifically at www.batteryspace.com, and it looks like there are plenty of NiMH external battery packs that I could use instead of a lead acid battery.  which is good, because I already have a smart charger for NiMH battery packs that works with 6-12V batteries.  where as if I get a 12V lead-acid, I'd need to get a new charger for that as well.

how about current draw on either of these.  I'm guessing it won't be too much, because I won't be using phatom power, or the internal pre-amps, etc, etc...  maybe a 12 V 5 AH battery?  more power, less power?  how much amp-hours in all of your batteries?

Doug was selling the unmodded PMD671's for $850 shipped too. That's cheaper than you can find at most of the other outlets.

I've gotten price quotes from Oade, Cascade Media, and Sonic Sense (all the usual folks).  They are all very similar, and I've done business with all three before.  so that's not really not a concern right now.

more comments are certainly welcome.

[JackoRoses]

nothing to add but same interest in the hdp2
I like the point of being able to record at 24/192 not that I will be anytime soon at all, but it seems like it would be nice to grow into and something to hold onto for quite a few years.
don't know though just looking and not in any hurry, going to stay 16 bit for the summer I think

[esteyes]

fwiw, i run a sony dmx-p01 4ch digi mixer to my unmodd'ed 671 via s/pdif and love it. i use LiION batteries from batteryspace - 14.8v battery pack rated at 6000mah as well as a 12vsla that will power both the mixer and the 671. i have used reels, cassette, pcm-beta, dat to tape with over the years (i'm 48) and find the current combo to be the best i have used in ease of use and portability.

were i to be using this setup w/o the sony, i am not sure i would be so happy. i don't think the menu on the 671 is all that intuitive. of course the sony menu is soooo simple to use that perhaps i am just spoiled by it. still, i feel the 671 build quality is pretty damn good and the only problems i have had with it are related to rechargeable batteries and the battery sled. i suggest you read the 671 thread that is alive in recording gear and see what you think.

neil in san marcos

[OOK]

I too am going to purchase  the tascam...I first looked at the 671, but since a friend got the tascam and feels its flawless and the reputation of the P1 as a tank.  The P2 is likely the dirrection I will go.   Plus the recent issue with the 671 not accepting 8gig cards and the tascam not having any trouble accepting 8 gig cards has swayed my choice to the tascam....

[JasonSobel]

for those of you who use the HD-P2 - here's a question for you.  Can you easily view the screen from any angle?  Here's my concern.  I'd like to use the same bag as I've been using.  it's a nice bag.  when looking straight down on the bag, the HD-P2 will be run vertical, and the V3 will be vertical just below it.  So, usually the bag is on the floor in front of me.  with the tilt of the screen, and set up in this configuration, the screen will actually be slanting away from me.  will I be able to view the screen?

[sygdwm]

i have played w/ a stock 671 and and an acm671. both are  soooo easy to use and sound phenomenal. i have never used the tascam, so i can't comment. i only use internal AA's for power and have never had an issue. doug also said he liked th a/d better on the 671 (i know that doesnt apply to you, but other people might be on the fence). i have only used kingston 45x 4GB cards, and both work flawlessly (never tried an 8gb). i dont go over 24/48 so 4gb is plenty for me.

[kskreider]

Sounds like it might be time for some folks to gang up and do a shoot out between the 671 and the P2.

[F.O.Bean]

been wondering the same things as jason, great thread

im currently on the fence towards the tascam

[SClassical]

FWIW, Doug Oade made a comment on his board that he prefered the Japanese build quality of the PMD671 over the Chinese built HD-P2. I'll fluff the PMD671 here too. I own it and love it.

Yes 15v - 9v will power the PMD671. I use battery packs an/or a 12v SLA. I recently have had success with certain NiMH batteries internally.

edit:

Doug was selling the unmodded PMD671's for $850 shipped too. That's cheaper than you can find at most of the other outlets.

You can get it cheaper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marantz-PMD671-Portable-Solid-State-Recorder-PMD-671_W0QQitemZ9706530271QQcategoryZ14976QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Some places will beat or match online pricing, too. Most likely you can get one for less than $800. When it first came out I purchased a stock 671 and after a few weeks I sold it because I never thought I would use it because of the size especially putting it together with my V3. (I record classical music and no one carries a big bag in the arena of classical venues).

Now, like Jason I'm thinking of getting another 24 bit recorder because I don't trust my MT. I am planning to use my V3, too. So I might purchase the 671 again (or try the Tascam). I am also thinking of other options, maybe getting the 702 or 722 (not really interested in the HD version because I always backup my concerts by the end of the day at home...never keep them in the recorder so no point getting a 40GB HD with the recorder). Or I might wait for a new portable 24bit recorder with S/PDIF input. I know Zaxcom is going to release a new mini CF recorder (ZFR100). I might just wait and see if it is a 24bit recorder with S/PDIF input before deciding on what to buy. Planning of getting a new 24bit recorder by End of Sept.

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

I've gotten price quotes from Oade, Cascade Media, and Sonic Sense (all the usual folks).  They are all very similar, and I've done business with all three before.  so that's not really not a concern right now.

more comments are certainly welcome.

I sold my 671 because I knew I wasn't going to get much use out of it for at least 6 months, I planned on replacing it before summer.  When the Tascam unit was announced I was pretty interested in it, especially that it can accept a time code that I could use for post matrixes.  Even though the Tascam has the time code feature the construction of the unit doesn't sound all that great.  Doug commented that the CF slot was pretty cheap, the internal components left some things to be desired and that the A/D in the Marantz sounds better.  Since you're using the V3 you might just want a bit bucket, but if you bought a stock 671 unit from Oade you could always have it modified in the future if you wanted to try it.  With the results I got from my BCM (Basic Concert Mod) 671 when compared to my V3 sources of the same shows I wouldn't hesitate to run mics>671.  I can't wait to hear an ACM 671, you might even be able to sideline the V3. (or run 2 rigs)    

Side note:  I had no problems powering the unit on internal NiMH's or an external 12v SLA, both gave me plenty of time.  With 2200mAh Powerex cells I let the 671 roll for 4.5 hours and it still had juice left, I was recording line in without supplying phantom power, after that I started leaving the SLA at home.

[eric.B]

for those of you who use the HD-P2 - here's a question for you.  Can you easily view the screen from any angle?  Here's my concern.  I'd like to use the same bag as I've been using.  it's a nice bag.  when looking straight down on the bag, the HD-P2 will be run vertical, and the V3 will be vertical just below it.  So, usually the bag is on the floor in front of me.  with the tilt of the screen, and set up in this configuration, the screen will actually be slanting away from me.  will I be able to view the screen?

I too am curious as to the answer to this..  anyone?