Running PMD661 unmodded?

[Unitmonster]

Anyone tried this yet? I searched around and can't seem to find info.  I know the 660s were virtually unusable for concert recording unless they were modded. Same situation with the 661?  I'm based in the UK now and can't get the Oade mods sent over.

Thanks!

[datbrad]

I would run an outboard preamp at least. Based on the stock specs in the manual, the SNR for mic in is only 65db, which is not very good. If you can't get one modded, I would pickup a good preamp and go XLR line in.

[Unitmonster]

Thanks for the info.  was hoping to use this as an all-in-one, so I guess modding is preferable...

[datbrad]

I have heard of overseas folks getting a trusted friend in the US buy the modded gear, and then shipping to the person in another country. You would have to pass the unit back through that person for any service issues, but that is the only downside I am aware of. Just an idea you might want to consider.

[flintstone]

The PMD661 is miles better than the PMD660, and it includes digital in and out.
The preamp of the PMD661 is similar in performance to the Sony PCM-D50,
in other words, quite respectable. 

You should purchase from a reputable dealer that will allow you to return the
unit after a few days if you're not happy with it.  Then try the recorder with your
mics, and if you don't like it, return it without charge.  In general, the gear has
to be in pristine condition with all the packaging materials intact.  So don't think
you can take gear to a festival weekend, and then return it!

Lots of internet dealers give you one to four weeks to evaluate a product.  Below
are a few in USA, with links to their web pages that explain the return policy.

Flintstone

----------------------------------------------
Vendors that accept Returns in 30 days
----------------------------------------------

8th Street
www.8thstreet.com/returnpolicy.asp

American Musical Supply
http://www.americanmusical.com/Content--id-11--lr-y.html

Core-Sound
http://www.core-sound.com/products.php

Guitar Center
http://guitarcenter.custhelp.com

J&R Music
http://www.jr.com/templates/information/general_shopping.tem#G05

Minidisco
http://www.minidisco.com/Info-Items/Return-Policy

Music 123
http://www.music123.com/Music123-Return-Policy-g24t0.Music123

Musician's Friend
http://tinyurl.com/ypklyp

Musician.com
http://musician.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/musician.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1263

Sam Ash
http://www.samash.com/help/#Anchor-What-3800

Same Day Music
http://www.samedaymusic.com/returns

Spectrum Audio
http://www.spectrumaudio.com/support.php#returns

Streamline Audio Video
http://www.streamlineaudiovideo.com/info.html

Sweetwater
http://www.sweetwater.com/help/returns-exchanges.php#2

Zzounds
http://www.zzounds.com/returns


----------------------------------------------
Returns OK in 15 days (or less)
----------------------------------------------

Adorama
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=faq#Our%20Return%20Policy

B&H Photo Video
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/ReturnExchange.jsp

Front End Audio
http://www.frontendaudio.com/category_s/154.htm

Mic Supply
http://www.micsupply.com/returnpolicy.htm

Trew Audio
http://www.trewaudio.ca/faq.htm

[cottle]

The PMD661 is miles better than the PMD660, and it includes digital in and out.

^The PMD-661 does not feature a digital output, only analog RCA out.  I think Marantz only offers a digital output (S/PDIF) on the PMD-671.