1.  For many years I've been recording and archiving concerts with pcm (digital) on videotape; finally I started looking for a replacement. (The only formats I know of that have a proven track record are tape and vinyl, DAT not included). I purchased a CD recorder (Philips CDR775, dual well, uses consumer blanks) with the idea of recording a concert on 2 CDs. Transfer to a computer would be at 5X to 10X.

However, when I checked the bit accuracy of a CD copy with File Compare (Exact Audio Copy, at www.exactaudiocopy.de) there were 32 repeated samples in the first few minutes, otherwise an exact copy. (I wrote Philips with no response). I never used it for concerts, only copying CDs.

Eventually it expired and I bought a Sony RCD-W500C (also consumer) and checked it and it failed completely—all the samples were different!

In despair I bought an HHB CRD-830 professional CD recorder (uses computer blanks) and it failed too.

After some discussion and reflection I tried opening the respective files (original and copy) in an editor and trimming the silence at the beginning. Then the copies passed—evidently the latency at the beginning of the copy was more that File Compare could handle. Interestingly the HHB put some near full amplitude spikes at the beginning of the file (copying via "Synchro" Mode and an external CD player). However these are not audible on a CD layer becuse of the unmuting time.

Do I trust the longevity of CDs such that I will archive ony one copy on CD? Probably not.

2.  For BAS members out of town we have a special offer for Jazz lovers. A package of 30 Jazz CDs, randomly picked from Ira Leonard's collection, for $22 including shipping in the USA. To order, send a check, made out to "Boston Audio Society", to David Hadaway, POB 460, Rindge NH 03461. These were donated to the Society by Ira's brother, Joe Leonard.

President, Boston Audio Society

email me HERE