Digital Drive: REVIEW: Yamaha CRW-3200 CD Player/Recorder by Tromatic

Model:	CRW-3200
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$199.00
Description:	CDR/CDW
Manufacturer URL:	Yamaha
Model Picture:	View

Review by Tromatic on December 19, 2001 at 09:29:43
IP Address: 209.178.165.186

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for the CRW-3200

This is a quick report on the Yamaha CRW3200EZ CD-R/CD-RW recorder. I bought it for burning copies of music CD's. No, I don't share or rip MP3's. I copy my favorites so I can tear up the copies, rather than the original. As far as data goes, it's smokin' fast.
The 3200 comes bundled with Nero Burning Rom, version 5.5.5.1. This version has a mode called "Audio Master Quality Recording". This mode burns at 4x, Disc-at-once. This mode reduces available recording time to 63 minutes on a 650 mb disc, and 68 minutes on a 700 mb disc. This recording mode works by increasing the dstance between tracks and making the pits bigger, thereby reducing the evil jitter. More info can be found on the Yamaha site.
OK, how does it work? IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, the Audio Master mode does result in a smoother sound. I recorded Willie Nelson's "Milk Cow Blues" and Delbert McClinton's "Nothing Personal". To me, the original CD's seem to be well recorded. The copies have a smoother top end, and everything seems to be just a bit clearer. Insert your favorite audiphile term here.
I then recorded some of my favorite Shriekback discs, which all seem to suffer from some digititus, with some harsh highs and hardness. A definite improvement here. Much smoother highs, and a more relaxed sound overall. All of the odd sounds and noises happening on these tracks also seem to be much easier to pick out. Much nicer overall.
All of the copies I have made have been on Memorex Black CD-R, 700 mb. All of them play in my car, a NAD C540 and my Sony discman with no problems.
Better sound? Don't know about you, but I think so. The only problem I have with the drive is that on data discs, it cranks up to a very high RPM and is a bit loud. Other than that, it seems o be an excelent buy if you want to make good copies of music CD's.
I hope this may have been of some use to you!
Matthew

Product Weakness: High rpm a bit noisy with data discs.
Product Strengths: Speed, Software, Audio Master recording mode.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	None
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	None
Speakers:	None
Cables/Interconnects:	None
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Various
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	High rpm a bit noisy with data discs.
Product Strengths:	Speed, Software, Audio Master recording mode.