Topic: reliability of marantz 661 vs. tascam HD P2?

[marc0789]

Hey all, any opinions? I only hit about 10-12 shows a year, really just want something that holds up. I'd much prefer the small size of the 661, but if it has some issues, it seems that the P2 is much sturdier. either way, I'll be picking up an oade wmod unit.

Thanks much, Marc.

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

There were issues with rust on some people's HD-P2s, but I've never encountered any issues in the few years I've had mine...

I've never used the 661, though I've seen it in use.  Its looks like a great recorder...

Functionally, I think you're golden either way you go...  I went with the HD-P2 over the 671 because it had a larger display, I'm sure I'd pick the HD-P2 over the 661 for the same reason - size is of little concern to me though...

Terry

[DigiGal]

Can't personally speak for the Tascam but do know people using them and they look like nice units. 

The Marantz 661 does have a solid build with XLR inputs for mic/line 1, 1/8" line 2 for consumer level & RCA SPDIF, uses readily available SDHC cards.
I keep it housed in the optional case Marantz makes for it for extra protection.

[JasonSobel]

I used the Tascam HD-P2 for 2-3 years, and now I use the Marantz PMD-661.
Both decks are solid and reliable.  I've never had an issue with either deck, recording wise.
The only thing the bothers me with the PMD-661 is that there is a slight lag (maybe half a second) from the time you push the button to the time you see the deck respond.  But it's never an issue, and it's something that you get used to pretty quick.

So just on a pure reliability rating, I'd say they are the same.

In addition to the size, the feature set is a bit different (although similar).

• The HD-P2 does 24/192, while the PMD-661 does 24/96 max (does anyone ever really use 192 kHz, though?  When I had the HD-P2, I did 192 kHz once, just for the fun of it, but that was it).
• HD-P2 uses CF cards, while the PMD-661 uses SDHC card.
• HD-P2 has S/PDIF in and out, while the PMD-661 just has S/PDIF in.
• HD-P2 has wordclock (to make it easy to sync to an external A/D or another deck), PMD-661 does not have wordclock.
• Ergonomically speaking, the HD-P2 sat in my gear bag and was easy to run.  The PMD-661 doesn't sit in my bag the same way, but it's smaller and easy to deal with (and easy to go low profile with).
• Level knob on the PMD-661 is a lot smaller than the HD-P2.  If not using S/PDIF input, the HD-P2 is easier to adjust levels (though you get used to the PMD-661 level knob quickly)
• The HD-P2 needs either 8 or 12 internal AA's to use internal batteries (offhand, I forget how many internal batteries it needs, because I always used an external battery).  The PMD-661 takes 4 AA's, and gets 4+ hours (at least, depending on the mics) running phantom.  So I don't have a need for an external battery.  So things are nice and compact.

[macdaddy]

You can sync the p2 to other machines, and that is a bonus. I believe the latest firmware allows for up to sixteen gigs per cf card (the limit used to be eight; I haven't updated as I only have eight gig cards, there hasn't been a pressing need to update). I thought the aforementioned rust issue came from climate, not the equipment, but maybe it is a combination of the two; do the oade mods change the components? (my only experience is with the oade variety - I have two of them: my poor man's 744). Anyway-I think the machine runs great, and is completely reliable. My only gripes are the form factor (I think the unit is too big) and the power cord (you really have to splice the power connector for the most secure fit-supposedly the connector is some proprietary, spring-loaded piece, so the radio shack lettered connectors work, but are not the ideal solution).

[marc0789]

thanks all, really appreciate the feedback. I got to run the 661 (for awhile) at the Truckers in Vegas last week, phantom on. Unfortunately, I discovered that either my 4022 actives or one of the internal mic preamps failed, causing spikes on the recording, and burning through a set of fresh duracell camera batteries in about an hour and a half-thinking that the mics somehow managed to suck too much phantom and kill the batteries. About every five years, the DPAs seem to need to go to Colorado for service.    I really like the layout size and sound of the 661, and don't believe the problems had a thing to do with the unit.

Thanks again, Marc.

[DigiGal]

It may be brick walling if the 4022's have a hot output, this would require using a different internal attenuation setting on the 661.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=139705.msg1830466#msg1830466

[mattmiller]

I thought the aforementioned rust issue came from climate, not the equipment, but maybe it is a combination of the two...

I think my HD-P2 is the one that has exhibited the worst problems with rusting (there's a thread devoted to it somewhere, with photos).  After nearly 5 years of dealing with it, I can say with 100% certainty that it's not an environmental problem.  But it is also apparently not a widespread problem with the unit.  I (and a few others) apparently got a bad batch.  Mine is never subjected to anything more than 30-40 percent humidity, and is kept in the same environment that about 142 other electronic devices have been kept over the last 34 years.  And none of them ever rusted.  I spent about $250 having all of the inputs/outputs replaced on it a couple of years ago, and now they're well on their way to needing it again.  But I'll just trash it next time and buy something new.  That said, I love the thing and wouldn't hesitate to have another one (knowing I'd be unlikely to get another bad one), but my poor experiences with Tascam tech support (despite offering what I considered proof of a manufacturing defect) will keep me from buying another Tascam product.

[datbrad]

thanks all, really appreciate the feedback. I got to run the 661 (for awhile) at the Truckers in Vegas last week, phantom on. Unfortunately, I discovered that either my 4022 actives or one of the internal mic preamps failed, causing spikes on the recording, and burning through a set of fresh duracell camera batteries in about an hour and a half-thinking that the mics somehow managed to suck too much phantom and kill the batteries. About every five years, the DPAs seem to need to go to Colorado for service.    I really like the layout size and sound of the 661, and don't believe the problems had a thing to do with the unit.

Thanks again, Marc.

Yep, it's those DPAs that did that to you. I know a couple of folks that have had that kind of thing happen, usually due to a cable issue at the point they are hard wired to the back of the capsule housing. When you get shorting, the spikes and phantom power drain issue is common. I have personally seen it happen at a show where the same problem with a bad 4022 sucked the batteries dry in a Sonosax. Send those suckers back to Sonic Sense and don't worry about the 661, it's fine.

[marc0789]

thanks Brad, really helps to confirm what I thought was going on...4022's are in Longmont CO, just waiting to hear what the damage is going to be.  Seems that about every five years, the actives go bad. And every time it happens, my Schoeps snob buddy Richard is there to heckle me about the thin cables compared to the heavy duty Schoeps actives. 

[skaggs]

thanks Brad, really helps to confirm what I thought was going on...4022's are in Longmont CO, just waiting to hear what the damage is going to be.  Seems that about every five years, the actives go bad. And every time it happens, my Schoeps snob buddy Richard is there to heckle me about the thin cables compared to the heavy duty Schoeps actives. 

They got those from MBHO.  But i am having problems with my p2.  I think it is a bad phantom power unit or a bad xlr connection.  i hope doug can figure it out, second time.  it only happens when i run phantom power on, xlr in.  no one else had this problem?  i have a WMODP2.  thanks