Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've only used this unit for a brief period of time--so I can't assess its longevity. However, I could tell right away that it has some really disappointing limitations in its basic functions. The most obvious limitation is the lack of an input level volume knob. If you're accustomed to doing manual fade-outs (or fade-ins), then you have to use buttons (which, of course, only adjust the volume in increments that don't transition quite as smooth). Oh--and you can only adjust the ANALOG input level. Yup--the Digital Optical input level is FIXED. (Yuck.) If you're recording something and you want to separate tracks during a continuous piece of music, it creates a short DROP-OUT (!) in sound when you hit the button to create a new track number. Wha??? That's right. The manual even mentions this--I guess so you don't think it's broken. I kinda wish I realized this issue before I bought the thing. The input level Display is kinda choppy... and I think it may also be a bit innaccurate about hitting above 0 dB. Overall, this thing probably should not be used for anything really critical like burning master discs in a home studio. It seems to basically be useful for (1) making first-generation digital copies of existing CDs or (2) making compilation discs from various CDs using Analog input. It's not that bad--but it's not that good either. It would be OK if it only cost $100-$130 ... Unfortunately, it sells for about double that price and it may be the last component of its type available on the market these days. So if you're desperate for a new stand-alone CD recorder-- and you can't spend for "professional" gear-- this may be your only option. Just be prepared to feel underwhelmed and probably disappointed. Oh--I almost forgot--the Pause button isn't as sensitive as it should be... so if you need to end a track at a PRECISE moment-- then you better hit that button really hard!! _____________________________________________________ *** UPDATE - April 4, 2012 *** I have an update for this really REALLY disappointing item... When you make a direct digital copy of an entire CD via Optical input, the recorder tends to slightly lag when creating track ID numbers. Of course, this means: when you play each burned track individually, approximately the first decisecond of each song will be missing (because it was left at the end of the previous track). In the end, this item has been entirely unacceptable... and I'll probably only ever use it as a overpriced CD player. (Currently, it's been banished to the closet, out of my sight) I don't even have the audacity to try and sell this junk for $40.00 non-returnable to some unsuspecting sucker on eBay. In the end, I suggest that you stay away from this item.