IMHO cheap media does not ruin the burner, it just doesn't write/play well, and your burner will spit at you for giving it cheapie crap. If you are looking for what is good then try what is mainly recommended. For retail it is Verbatim, Sony, Fuji, Maxell and Sony. For online sales of Taiyo Yuden http://www.supermediastore.com http://www.meritline.com http://www.rima.com All reputable. I prefer Verbatim Datalife Plus in +R media, always burns really well.