Best CD writer?

sporkpimp · Feb 6, 2003, 02:57 AM

My sucky Sony 24x10x32 is starting to suck. Well, it always sucked... so at least it sucks reliably (though loudly).

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new one... a new CD writer, that is. Something in the sub-$100 range (though that covers most everything, huh?)

Here's what I had in mind:

1) Very consistent, reliable reading and writing... minimal coasters (other than those caused by user stupidity) and good reads (gritty music even at 1x *SUCKS*).

2) Can burn in RAW mode, write weak sectors, etc. For, um, reasons

3) Quiet would be nice, but I'll settle for anything that doesn't take down birds in a three block radius.

4) RELIABILITY! No RMAs, no crappy firmware, no random malfunctions (other than those caused by Windows XP...).

As a sidenote, I run a dual-boot XP/Linux box... so compatability = teh rock.

(Oh, and I have done a little research, but all I can find is the typical "PLEXTOR IS TEH BSTEST THER IS" without any real backup... if Plextors -are- the best, no one can explain why.)

-SporkPimp

Necrosis · Feb 6, 2003, 03:12 AM

TDK
Lite-On
Yamaha
LG

DarkFoss · Feb 6, 2003, 03:16 AM

I'd say Lite-on would be a very good product to look into. I love mine it's fast quiet reliable. Lite-on also updates their firmware frequently adding new media support and occasional bug fixes. I picked up their latest the LTR 52246S 52X24X52 . I bought it for 63 retail version from Googlegear oem's are even cheaper. Lite-on also make the components for other company's, Buslink being one.

sporkpimp · Feb 6, 2003, 03:16 AM

I believe TDK drives are just remarked Lite-On drives, and I've never heard of LG... is Lite-On really as good as is advertised? I've heard very good AND very bad about them (as in... they're cheap and fast, but they sound like leaf blowers... haven't heard anything about their coaster-count, so I'll assume it's pretty good). Also, do you own one of those drives, or are those secondhand recommendations? (Don't wanna be rude, but I'm too po' to buy something I won't be happy with.)

Edit: How quiet is quiet? I've heard that Lite-Ons are just the opposite... very loud on spin-up. Anyone else have a Lite-On and wanna comment?

-SporkPimp

Mikeluv · Feb 6, 2003, 03:19 AM

I have a TDK burner and its sweet as hell also very nice price to it.

Dom · Feb 6, 2003, 03:38 AM

Lite-On! I've owned two, one 32x12x40 & 52x24x52. Never had a single problem w/ either, never had one disc mess-up while writing.

sporkpimp · Feb 6, 2003, 03:41 AM

Okay, so Lite-On's rock... but a 52x34x52? I can't see that one listed anywhere! What's the model number (I'd KILL for a 34x RW speed).

Dom · Feb 6, 2003, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sporkpimp
Okay, so Lite-On's rock... but a 52x34x52? I can't see that one listed anywhere! What's the model number (I'd KILL for a 34x RW speed).

I'm sorry, I ment 24 (pressed 3 be mistake).

sporkpimp · Feb 6, 2003, 04:10 AM

And here I had my hopes up

Anyway, I found a 52246S... with black bezel... for $60 (shipping included). GODDAMN that's cool! Thanks for the help and all!

Dom · Feb 6, 2003, 04:16 AM

It's a excelent drive, you won't regret it.

sporkpimp · Feb 6, 2003, 04:17 AM

(shakes fist at Dom)

HsuGotaQ · Feb 6, 2003, 04:50 AM

!Plextor!

Damn fast and stable burners, but slightly more expensive. For cheaper burners, the recent LGs are actually very stable and effective.... crap I got here too late.

sporkpimp · Feb 6, 2003, 04:52 AM

"Slightly more expensive" they are not... the plextors I saw were over double the price of an equivalent Lite-On model... I mean, I want quality, but I don't wanna pay $110 for a burner that is just a little better than the $60 lite-on...

Dom · Feb 6, 2003, 05:02 AM

My friend has a 48x24x48 Plextor was $110 at the time(months ago, and still is). It works fine but IMO it is in no way better than my Lite-On. I paid $77 at the time (2 months ago) for my 52x, now it's $54. Plus Lite-On drives come w/ Nero, Plextor's come w/ EZ CD 5 non-pro.

Vampyromaniac · Feb 6, 2003, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sporkpimp
My sucky Sony 24x10x32 is starting to suck. Well, it always sucked... so at least it sucks reliably (though loudly).

Ah, but does it suck like my Sony 8x4x32x ?

I'd give a vote to Lite-On, some of my friends have them, and they really like 'em.

vk2amv · Feb 6, 2003, 02:27 PM

I vote for the Lite-On too. Very high quality And QUIET drive for a realistic price. AREA_51

Necrosis · Feb 6, 2003, 04:41 PM

I meant to vote for Lite-On as well since that is what I use for my own PC and for ones I build. The only way I know it's burning a CD is the light turning red. However, you might of heard about their DVD-Rom which are so - so for quality.

merry · Feb 7, 2003, 11:32 AM

No one for TEAC? I have an 8x8x32, 18 months old - never spoiled a CD, and w/out BURN proof. Most of my friends have TEAC writers. I guess they're a bit more expensive than Lite-On, though.

jkayca2 · Feb 7, 2003, 01:27 PM

I have an HP 8200 in my other rig. Its slow but then its a couple of years old. Never had any problems with it though I've heard some complaints from others about HP's quality.

I know they're a little more expensive but have you considered skipping a CD writer and getting a DVD writer? All the present models suport CD-R and CD-RW formats. I have a Pioneer A05 which is awsome.

WyreTheWolf · Feb 7, 2003, 02:55 PM

Here is another thing about the LiteON drives..............

Get the slowest one that you can that has a 12x CD-RW speed...
Now here comes the fun part! Get the FASTEST FirmWare that has a 12x CD-RW speed...
Flash the slow drive with the faster firmware... and TADA... you get that drive! But at a lower cost.

Lite-ON has been building some of the highest quality drives on the market... I have used LG Electronics, Sony, LiteON, Plextor, and Ricoh... I have always gone back to LiteON.... Great drives, and a better price

I have done that particular trick numerous times and I have never had a problem. It may take a while to find the correct firmware... but well worth the looking

Also on a side note... If the firmware is incompatable with the internal parts of the drive, it simply wont flash.

Good luck!

sporkpimp · Feb 7, 2003, 03:17 PM

The diff between a fast and slow lite-on drive is.... $10? A lot of work for not so much speed

. As for DVD writers... yeah, they're just a little more expensive... like, 6 times as expensive. That's not a lot!

WyreTheWolf · Feb 7, 2003, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sporkpimp
The diff between a fast and slow lite-on drive is.... $10? A lot of work for not so much speed . As for DVD writers... yeah, they're just a little more expensive... like, 6 times as expensive. That's not a lot!

Actually the differences at the time that I flashed mine was nearly 60 dollars!

Started with a 24x12x40! OEM, White, Bland... Now it is alumi-coated, and spins at much faster speeds

sporkpimp · Feb 7, 2003, 03:26 PM

If it was $60 cheaper than the fastest lite-on, it would have to be free

Mikeluv · Feb 7, 2003, 06:28 PM

Where can you get these hacked firmwares at?

WyreTheWolf · Feb 7, 2003, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sporkpimp
If it was $60 cheaper than the fastest lite-on, it would have to be free

A year ago the fastest liteon was nearly 110 dollars, and it was only available in full retail. With OEM packaging, and it being an older drive... it was far less exensive, around 50 dollars.

WyreTheWolf · Feb 7, 2003, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mikeluv
Where can you get these hacked firmwares at?

It isnt a hack, just straight firmware off of the liteon website!

Feb 6, 2003, 02:57 AM	#1
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Best CD writer? My sucky Sony 24x10x32 is starting to suck. Well, it always sucked... so at least it sucks reliably (though loudly). Anyway, I'm in the market for a new one... a new CD writer, that is. Something in the sub-$100 range (though that covers most everything, huh?) Here's what I had in mind: 1) Very consistent, reliable reading and writing... minimal coasters (other than those caused by user stupidity) and good reads (gritty music even at 1x SUCKS). 2) Can burn in RAW mode, write weak sectors, etc. For, um, reasons 3) Quiet would be nice, but I'll settle for anything that doesn't take down birds in a three block radius. 4) RELIABILITY! No RMAs, no crappy firmware, no random malfunctions (other than those caused by Windows XP...). As a sidenote, I run a dual-boot XP/Linux box... so compatability = teh rock. (Oh, and I have done a little research, but all I can find is the typical "PLEXTOR IS TEH BSTEST THER IS" without any real backup... if Plextors -are- the best, no one can explain why.) -SporkPimp

Feb 6, 2003, 03:16 AM	#3
DarkFoss HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Downers Grove IL Posts: 688 Rep Power: 0	I'd say Lite-on would be a very good product to look into. I love mine it's fast quiet reliable. Lite-on also updates their firmware frequently adding new media support and occasional bug fixes. I picked up their latest the LTR 52246S 52X24X52 . I bought it for 63 retail version from Googlegear oem's are even cheaper. Lite-on also make the components for other company's, Buslink being one. __________________ Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety,deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Ben Franklin, 1755

Feb 6, 2003, 03:16 AM	Thread Starter #4
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	LG? TDK? I believe TDK drives are just remarked Lite-On drives, and I've never heard of LG... is Lite-On really as good as is advertised? I've heard very good AND very bad about them (as in... they're cheap and fast, but they sound like leaf blowers... haven't heard anything about their coaster-count, so I'll assume it's pretty good). Also, do you own one of those drives, or are those secondhand recommendations? (Don't wanna be rude, but I'm too po' to buy something I won't be happy with.) Edit: How quiet is quiet? I've heard that Lite-Ons are just the opposite... very loud on spin-up. Anyone else have a Lite-On and wanna comment? -SporkPimp

Feb 6, 2003, 03:19 AM	#5
Mikeluv DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 43 Rep Power: 0	I have a TDK burner and its sweet as hell also very nice price to it. __________________

Feb 6, 2003, 03:38 AM	#6
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Lite-On! I've owned two, one 32x12x40 & 52x24x52. Never had a single problem w/ either, never had one disc mess-up while writing. Last edited by Dom; Feb 6, 2003 at 04:05 AM.

Feb 6, 2003, 03:12 AM	#2
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	TDK Lite-On Yamaha LG

Feb 6, 2003, 03:41 AM	Thread Starter #7
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Hrm... Okay, so Lite-On's rock... but a 52x34x52? I can't see that one listed anywhere! What's the model number (I'd KILL for a 34x RW speed).

Feb 6, 2003, 04:10 AM	Thread Starter #9
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Damn! And here I had my hopes up Anyway, I found a 52246S... with black bezel... for $60 (shipping included). GODDAMN that's cool! Thanks for the help and all!

Feb 6, 2003, 04:16 AM	#10
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	It's a excelent drive, you won't regret it.

Feb 6, 2003, 04:17 AM	Thread Starter #11
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	I HAD BETTER NOT! (shakes fist at Dom)

Feb 6, 2003, 04:50 AM	#12
HsuGotaQ Hydrogenated Dumbass Join Date: May 2002 Location: Canuckland Posts: 755 Rep Power: 0	!Plextor! Damn fast and stable burners, but slightly more expensive. For cheaper burners, the recent LGs are actually very stable and effective.... crap I got here too late.

Feb 6, 2003, 04:52 AM	Thread Starter #13
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Hrm... "Slightly more expensive" they are not... the plextors I saw were over double the price of an equivalent Lite-On model... I mean, I want quality, but I don't wanna pay $110 for a burner that is just a little better than the $60 lite-on...

Feb 6, 2003, 05:02 AM	#14
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	My friend has a 48x24x48 Plextor was $110 at the time(months ago, and still is). It works fine but IMO it is in no way better than my Lite-On. I paid $77 at the time (2 months ago) for my 52x, now it's $54. Plus Lite-On drives come w/ Nero, Plextor's come w/ EZ CD 5 non-pro. Last edited by Dom; Feb 6, 2003 at 05:10 AM.

Feb 6, 2003, 02:27 PM	#16
vk2amv DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 73 Rep Power: 0	I vote for the Lite-On too. Very high quality And QUIET drive for a realistic price. AREA_51

Feb 6, 2003, 04:41 PM	#17
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	I meant to vote for Lite-On as well since that is what I use for my own PC and for ones I build. The only way I know it's burning a CD is the light turning red. However, you might of heard about their DVD-Rom which are so - so for quality.

Feb 7, 2003, 11:32 AM	#18
merry gargouille Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha Posts: 962 Rep Power: 0	No one for TEAC? I have an 8x8x32, 18 months old - never spoiled a CD, and w/out BURN proof. Most of my friends have TEAC writers. I guess they're a bit more expensive than Lite-On, though. __________________ There is a war between the ones who say there is a war and the ones who say there isn't. ~~Leonard Cohen

Feb 7, 2003, 01:27 PM	#19
jkayca2 DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 379 Rep Power: 0	I have an HP 8200 in my other rig. Its slow but then its a couple of years old. Never had any problems with it though I've heard some complaints from others about HP's quality. I know they're a little more expensive but have you considered skipping a CD writer and getting a DVD writer? All the present models suport CD-R and CD-RW formats. I have a Pioneer A05 which is awsome. __________________ [color=Blue]PNY Verto GeFORCE 6800GT AGP 256MB DDR3 - 1 GHz Win XP Pro (SP 2) - Directx 9.0c Intel P4 2.8C GHz - Abit IS7 Mobo 2x512 + 2x1024 MB PC 3200 DDR WD 74 GB Raptor + WD 120 GB HD with 8 MB Cache Hercules Gamesurround Fortissmo 7.1 Logitech Z5500 Speaker System Leadtek WinFast TV 2000 XP Deluxe LG GSA-4160B DVD Burner Logitech LX700 Keyb, mouse combo Mitsubishi DiamondPro 2070SB 22" CRT[/color]

Feb 7, 2003, 02:55 PM	#20
WyreTheWolf Wolfish Bastard Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cave; Ozark Mountains Posts: 2,110 Rep Power: 0	Here is another thing about the LiteON drives.............. Get the slowest one that you can that has a 12x CD-RW speed... Now here comes the fun part! Get the FASTEST FirmWare that has a 12x CD-RW speed... Flash the slow drive with the faster firmware... and TADA... you get that drive! But at a lower cost. Lite-ON has been building some of the highest quality drives on the market... I have used LG Electronics, Sony, LiteON, Plextor, and Ricoh... I have always gone back to LiteON.... Great drives, and a better price I have done that particular trick numerous times and I have never had a problem. It may take a while to find the correct firmware... but well worth the looking Also on a side note... If the firmware is incompatable with the internal parts of the drive, it simply wont flash. Good luck!

Feb 7, 2003, 03:17 PM	Thread Starter #21
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Why? The diff between a fast and slow lite-on drive is.... $10? A lot of work for not so much speed . As for DVD writers... yeah, they're just a little more expensive... like, 6 times as expensive. That's not a lot!

Feb 7, 2003, 03:26 PM	Thread Starter #23
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Heh... If it was $60 cheaper than the fastest lite-on, it would have to be free

Feb 7, 2003, 06:28 PM	#24
Mikeluv DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 43 Rep Power: 0	Where can you get these hacked firmwares at? __________________