Sony CDRW DRIVE 40X/12X/48X INT EIDE 98SE/W2K/ME/XP SW-SUITE CBL RETAIL (Sony-CRX195A1)

Sony CRX195A1

CDRW DRIVE 40X/12X/48X INT EIDE 98SE/W2K/ME/XP SW-SUITE CBL RETAIL (Sony-CRX195A1) Review, by Melissa J. Perenson May 23, 2002

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• Reviewed by: XweAponX

  Strengths: Not one coaster. Fully functional for making AUDIO CD Masters. Compatible with all my mastering software, works flawlessly with Windows XP, Roxio, Diskjuggler, CDR-WIN, Wavelab and Fireburner.

  Weaknesses: Sound Forge CD Architect does not support drive under Windows XP (But does under Windows 2000)

  Overall: Previously I had Four Sony CRX160E's which I used with a multiple burning setup. Even with no Burn Proof? I got very few coasters and I burned probably over a thousand CD's with that setup. So, I am maybe slightly biased toward Sony products. I had to change to another popular brand of 40x burner and I was not happy with the units: Inspection of the burned medium through the underside of the disk revealed visible defects, I had to reburn several projects, many many coasters. I got sick of this and purchased the CRX195A1 (Fireburner and CDR-WIN return the Product ID as CRX195E1 revision ZYS5) for $59 from a local supplier (10 dollar instant rebate and $20 mail-in rebate). So far I have burned about 300 CDs and I have had not one coaster, and all the medium is EVENLY burned. For Audio Masters I need certain functions such as CD-TEXT and UPC Code writing and this unit does all that. I Highly recommend this unit for recording studios. This is an unparalleled workhorse, I plan to get 3 more.

• Reviewed by: ezcomp

  Strengths: Very fast, not too expensive

  Weaknesses: Intermittent glitches

  Overall: This drive is indeed very speedy. Entire CDs can be burned in just a few minutes with no errors. It is very compatible with Windows XP, I got the OEM version of this drive without any CDs or manuals, and did not require anything extra except the audio cable. It's noise level is acceptable for a drive of this speed as well. The only problem I have encountered is that every now and then, the drive will hiccup and it will take a long time to read from the CD. This is nothing major, and putting the drive on its own IDE channel helped alot. Overall however, it is a great drive and I would recommend it if you want a brand name product.

• Reviewed by: IBuildThem

  Strengths: Fast CD-Read, CD-R, and CD-RW speeds.

  Weaknesses: The software package that usually comes with this isn't quite as good as Nero, but this software is better in a few respects. 1 year warranty: I know this is the industry standard but I want more.

  Overall: Sony decided to change their new CD-R/RWs; starting with this one I think. They are now using a different R/RW technology then most if not all of the rest of the industry. Noise Improvements: The default read speed is 40x, but you can easily move to 48x. Holding the eject button for 5 seconds toggles between the two (40x and 48x) read speeds. This is convenient for changing between low noise and fast performance. The Overall noise level is low to moderate (never exceeding the later). Even at the fastest burn speeds I barely heard the drive working. You might find cheaper burners but I'm not sure they're worth the tradeoffs. Overall this drive is an excellent bargain and a superior product.