Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Alesis Masterlink 9600 CD Player/Recorder by Wlutke

Model:	Masterlink 9600
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$1699
Description:	Hi rez CD burner
Manufacturer URL:	Alesis
Model Picture:	View

Review by Wlutke ( A ) on June 07, 2002 at 13:13:46
IP Address: 132.239.195.39

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for the Masterlink 9600

First, since this is actually a piece of studio gear, let me preface the review by saying my use of it is home stereo. I'm transcribing vinyl to hi-rez 24/88.2 CDR. For a complete detail of the capabilities of this unit, see the manufacturer's link . I'll cover just a few here. Without getting into great detail, here is a typical transcription: Record album to the hard drive. Adjust gain (digitally). Apply any DSP functions (equalize, normalize, peak limit, compress). Split file into individual tracks. Burn your choice of CDR. Either standard "redbook" or Alesis CD24 at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 khz and 16, 20 or 24 bit resolution. The AD converter is quite good and the resulting 24/88.2 CD24 rivals the analog source in musical involvement while retaining detail and liquidity far beyond the ability of the redbook format.
As for copying cd to CDR, the resulting CDR seems a little toned down in the upper frequencies and subjectively sounds warmer. Using an external transport produces in an overall better sounding CDR but requires recording in real time rather than 8x. Redbook playback is ok but nothing special.

This is machine is fun to use, a pleasure to listen to and well worth the money. The playback quality on CD24 is so good that I'll rarely play the vinyl once the disc is made. They can be found easily for $1000. Bpmmusic.com now sells them for $899 shipping included. Go for it!

Product Weakness: Remote off axis is very poor. Hi-rez CD's can only be played in Alesis or PC.
Product Strengths: Value. Sound quality blows away standard redbook cd's. Versatility. Uses inexpensive data CDR's. Fun!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Classe ca-201 200 W/CH
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC SP-9 MKIII Telefunken E88CC line, Siemens E88cc phono
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Meridian 506 cdp VPI HW-19 MKIV SAMA SDS JMW 10" Ortofon MC25-FL
Speakers:	Vandersteen 3A 88dB sensitivity
Cables/Interconnects:	Legend Audio Design "Le Maa" interconnects, Acoustic Zen MC2 digital cable, Audioquest Indigo biwire speaker cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Popular
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 10 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	A nearfield set-up in a polygon shaped room with canted ceiling. Carpet on wall behind sweet spot. Drapes hung behind speakers. Sonex on side walls and between speakers.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster HTS-2000 Amp plugged directly to wall outlet.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Remote off axis is very poor. Hi-rez CD's can only be played in Alesis or PC.
Product Strengths:	Value. Sound quality blows away standard redbook cd's. Versatility. Uses inexpensive data CDR's. Fun!