I know there is never going to be a straightforward answer to this, but I am looking to buy the best DVD drive I can get for my money. But I don't want it just for good performance with DVDs (single and dual layer), I am also looking for a good drive for audio CD ripping/writing. I currently have a Pioneer DVR-111 and a Plextor PX-755a, what are people's thoughts on these drives? They certainly cost me quite a bit! What do people think of the PX-760SA for instance? I don't know much about BenQ or LG drives, but I hear they are very popular. Before somebody redirects me to the CDRInfo reviews - I have already read around there, and most ratings seem to be pretty similar - they haven't really helped me single out any drives. Would people recommend a DVD/CD-ROM combo for reading, and a separate writer? Any contributions are welcome! Many thanks
Most people are going to recommend you a BenQ 1640, 1650, or 1655 (all 3 use the same chipset but they have minor differences.) I bought a 1655 per recommendation and I love it. Your pioneer is as good as it gets for burning Dual Layer DVDs. Any time you burn dual layers use this drive. I'm sorry to tell you that your Plextor 755 is not actually a Pextor but a rebadged Teac drive. Its a good drive, buts its no plextor. The Plextor 760 is a genuine Plextor and it is a good drive. Lite-On drives are also good drives, I have one of those too and have not had a single coaster unless it was my fault. My scans are almost never below 95 even with "bad" media. I honestly think that you don't need another drive. Write your dual layer media on the Pioneer. Write your single layer and DVD-RAMs on the Plex. If price is no option and I had to reccomend you a couple I'd say look for these drives: Samsung SH-S182D (write your 16X rated media at 18X and still maintain quality with high burn speed. This is going to be my next drive.) BenQ 1650 or 1655 (Very solid burns and popular among the AD community. These drives are rare now so if you find them it'll cost you some money.) Plextor 716A or 740A (Again, very solid burns and popular. Very hard to find since its no longer in production. You'll pay a high price if you find one.)
Hi, thanks for replying. I can't find any BenQ drives at all at my usual sources. And the Plextor PX-760A is around £55 compared to £25 for the Samsung SH-S182D! The 755A is £45! Is the 760A/760SA definitely a "real" Plextor? So you would use the Pioneer for DL writing instead of the Plextor (TEAC...)? What about audio ripping/writing, do you know much about that? Sorry for all the questions
Great info. how about the Sony 820 U/L? My Sony 720UL refuses to write DL (power calibration error (could it be Ridata media?, however no error for SL discs). Plus they are easier to find and go on sale often. I see how BenQ and Plextor are popular and I've been wondering if I should try them. I would buy Pioneer except I need an external and Pioneer only makes internal. Just noticed that BenQ and Plextor specialize in internal. I guess for external there is one choice, Sony right?
VJbob, your Sony 820A is a rebadged BenQ 1670. Its a decent drive but it doesn't have a rep that is as solid as it's predecessors. Currently you have the Sony firmware installed but if you want it to operate like a BenQ you can cross flash to BenQ firmware. Careful though, crosflashing increases the risk of bricking (permanently ruining) your drive. t_drayson, definitly use the Pioneer for DL writing over the Plex. It is known for its superiority with dual layers. Yes, the 760A is most definitly a real Plex. For audio ripping use the Pioneer, its a great reader. As for writing that is up to you. I'm not sure if one is better than the other with CD-Rs. Also single layer DVD buring is in the air for both drives as well. Make a few burns with sigle layer DVDs on each drive and do quality scans with Nero CD/DVD Speed, or DVDIfo Pro. Which ever drive produces DVDs witht he best scores use that one. Remember to update your firmware to the most recent firmware found here http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_all.php. Good luck.
Thanks for the info. Also can you identify which particular BenQ firmware to upgrade to? I assume you mean that by operating as a BenQ you mean it has the added features of the "BenQ's exclusive Write Right Technology utilizes two powerful features: Tilt Control and WOPC II (Walking Optimal Power Control II). By using these features the DW1655 is able to maintain perfect control over both the laser beam angel and the power rate being projected onto the disc, ensuring every bit of your data is written at the best possibly quality." Also this link doesn't work. Is that the right hyperlink?
Sorry about that, heres the link. http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_all.php If you cross flash with BenQ 1670 Firmware your drive will perform exactly as a BenQ drive. The best part is that you get to use BenQ's QSuit. QSuit give your drive options such as Auto book type for everyburn no matter what, enable/diable WOP, Smartburn, etc. It's very handy software.
