Hello Tapers!
I am here for longer as an occasional reader, but from now on with an active account, so I’d like to say “Hello” first to all in the forum.
I bought a PCM-A10 last week and I am not complete sure what to think about it. So I like to prepare a small review but this will take a bit longer than my post right now. I provide you just with my thoughts and first impressions. Sebastian already posted good infos on it and I like to add mine.
Pros:
- The PCM-A10 is Gorgeous! It’s light, easy to use and has a great design. This separates it from Roland and very much from the Zoom devices (in my eyes, for sure )
- Handling and menu-operations are great, it turns on in a second and setting input level is fast and easy, so is the hold button.
- compared to the ICD-SX2000 it can record 96/24 onto the SD Card (I don’t have the Sx2000, but it seems to be a limitation of the device).
- For the few worrying about metal detectors. I was passing one with the A10 in the pocket and it was no issue.
Cons:
- First Impression of the Build-In Mic is mediocre, not bad, but also not very detailed and with a well recognizable noisefloor*. To judge this, I like to post some samples.
- Headphone amp is not impressive. It is not suited for demanding Headphones I guess*.
After all, Design and Usage are perfect! But I still struggle on the Sound part*.
I lent a PCM-M10 from a friend now to have some testings. It’s good to see the comparison from Sebastian with the Roland R-07. From there it looks like the Line IN quality is comparable. After a first Test I had the impression that the Line IN from the M10 is still better.
*I have to clarify, I own and love a Sony PCM-D100, so maybe I am spoiled on the sound part and I expected too much from this little device. I quite comparing it with the A10.