[PanamaMike]

Does anyone have experience with these drives?


Pioneer A08XLA

NEC 3500A

Plextor

Lite-ON SOHW 832S


Which is most reliable

quiet

small


I've seen reviews, but not a head to head between NEC and Pio.

16x A08 and more DVD-R review

NEC review



Mike

 

[def&dum]

Hi Mike,


I have a Lite-on SOHW 832S and really like it. It's however an 8x burner though. The 16X model your thinking of might be the SOHW 1633S. I can't speak for the others, but have heard good reviews of them. For what's its worth, I'm using Nero 6 ultra for my burning and had no problems.

 

[brickie]

Hows the dual layer burning coming..


brickie

 

[Cruzmeister]

I have the NEC and it works flawlessly with all media. My Lite-on 4x burns lots of coasters when it doesn't like the media. The Pioneer is similar to the NEC (it uses NEC electronics) but is supposedly quieter. Since none of them burn at 16x yet (meaning that you'll need to eventually get a firmware upgrade) I would definitely stick with Pioneer or NEC, because they issue firmware upgrades regularly. Lite-on is very slow at offering firmware upgrades, and in my experience they are more finicky.

 

[def&dum]

Haven't had any problems with dual layer, but I haven't burnt much on dual layer as the media is simply to expensive right now. I haven't had any coasters though.


Cruzmeister, what are you using to burn with? My brother has a Lite-on 4X(non-dual layer) and hasn't had any problams or coasters.

 

[PanamaMike]

These two are a little smaller form factor. About an inch shorter. They will probably be the best bet for a mATX that I'm considering.


Mike

 

[Lanurd]

I've got the 16x NEC 3500A and the MADDOG 8x both dual layer and haven't had any problems yet.


I like the NEC better but no good reason other than support.

 

[brickie]

Dual layer media is high, but amazing how cheap the burners can be had for..I might check into the Mad Dog.I had a bad experience with a Nec burner that died in 2 days.after that I haven't looked at them since..


brickie

 

[MartinK]

Neither 16x nor dual layer are ready for prime time - dual layer has horrible quality and 16x as well. On top of that, you only get 16x at the last 10% of a disc.


There is no way of telling when the situation with dual layer media will stabilize. My advice is to buy cheap (i.e. the NEC) and lepp in mind you may need to upgrade for reliable dual layer operation.

 

[brickie]

Martin my gut was saying same thing..Don't jump on the bad wagon too early..At least wait for more media from different vendors..Voice of reason chimed in.


brickie

 

[ucfknight]

Go with the NEC 3500a. I've never had a problem burning anything with it, and it can be had for around $70 right now.

 

[Gujustud]

I just picked up the Pioneer, very happy with it so far. Burnt 2 DVD's and they worked out perfectly. Haven't tried Dual layer yet, again, as per the high prices of media.

 

[brickie]

For those about to purchase my Sony 4x has never let me down..I almost hate to still say i'm using a 4x..Prices fall just too fast for computer parts..May upgrade it later.


brickie