Best CD-R for music

Ern Dog

It's time to buy more CD-R's because I'm out. I have been using Sony Music CD-R's and have been dissatisfied with them because many of those have this grungy hissy/static sound after awhile. I have one CD-R that I made last year that I can no longer listen to because this static is getting worse.

So, can you recommend another brand that is inexpensive because I need a 20-30 pack. Also what does it mean when it says 52x or 32x or 40x write speed. Is it better to have a higher write speed or a lower one? And when I say better, I mean the highest quality recording, not fastest.

kawizx9r

I've never had problems with Memorex CD's back when I used to use them. In fact, I accidently found some when I went through some old boxes of car parts.

I still use some of my burned CD's in my car and hear no static/hiss that you describe, and no I'm not running a factory system (look at my sig).

Anyway, for best results you should record your CD's at a much lower speed than 'maximum'.

heiney9

I usually buy Verbatim when they are on sale. Sometimes it's just a compatibility issue with the burner. I've used Sony, TDK and Verbatim for years with zero issues. Try a different brand.

As far as write speed of the disc, it's meaningless in relation to sound quality. The computer program you use and proper set up of the cd drive are what affects sound quality

H9

WilliamM2

There are actually only a couple of companies that make CD-R's. I have Sony, Memorex, and Verbatim on hand, all are made by CMC magnetics. No way to know who makes them by the brand on the package, but there are programs you can download that will tell you. I avoid the ones that say made in China, and prefer the ones made in Taiwan. Never had static with any discs.

dorokusai

I rarely make these anymore but I use MoFi. They are expensive compared to the others although damn sexy to look at.

Ern Dog

Yep, those Mofi cdr look very cool.

I decided to try this 5 pack Gold archive cdr's from MAM-A: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YQVOAG

These have the Phthalocyanine dye which makes the cd more resistant to heat and light. I also hear that it makes the cdr's sound better. Check out this old thread by CP member Darqueknight: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50855&highlight=Phthalocyanine

dorokusai

Cool ErnDog, those look like a viable alternative for sure.

Joe08867

Like doro, I rarely make CD's anymore. Usually just copying something for my dad or nieces and nephews.

I usually use Memorex for them and MoFi for myself. Is that wrong????

stuwee

JVC/Taiyo Yuden's are highly recomended for CD-R/DVD-R's, Made in Japan, not that crap made in India most companies use to put their name on. I bought a bulk lot of 200 of the JVC/T Y's dirt cheap awhile back, sorry I can't remember where, search out some, you won't be sorry

phipiper10

I'd also recommend Taiyo Yuden's silver or gold your choice.
http://www.mediasupply.com/cd-r-media-taiyo-yuden.html

headrott

WilliamM2 wrote: »

There are actually only a couple of companies that make CD-R's. I have Sony, Memorex, and Verbatim on hand, all are made by CMC magnetics. No way to know who makes them by the brand on the package, but there are programs you can download that will tell you. I avoid the ones that say made in China, and prefer the ones made in Taiwan. Never had static with any discs.

I avoid the ones made in China as well. But, I prefer the ones made in the USA or Japan. There is very little difference between the Chinese made ones and the Taiwanese made ones.

Usually, older CD-Rs are better ones. TDK used to make some good ones (made in USA). Also, a company called Mitsui made (IMO) the best CD-Rs made (that I've used anyway). Unfortunately, Mitsui was baught out by another company and the quality of the CD-R's went down dramatically. If you can find some old "gold" colored Mitsui CD-R's. Get them. I have never tyried them, but Mobile Fidelity CD-R's may by very nice. I would check them out for current production ones. If you pass on those, get some older ones if you can find them.

Also, for recording speed, I would set the recorder to the second from the slowest speed available. I have read that if you record in too slow a speed (i.e. 1X speed) the laser burns through the CD-R metal. If you record too fast, data errors occur. Hope this helps.

Greg

P.S. Just finished reading the rest of the thread and found others recommended the Mobile Fidelity CD-R's. Also, you (Ern Dog) suggested the MAM-A CD-R's, and that is the company that bought out Mitsui . Again, not as good as Mitsui used to be unfortunately. I have used Taiyo Yuden DVD-R's but not CD-R's and the DVD-R's seem very good. And as others pointed out "made in Japan". That's a viable option.

Ern Dog

Thanks for the suggestions everybody.

jbooker82

I havent burnt a cd in quite a while. I was using Black Memorex when I use to burn alot of cd's. That was when I was in high school and probably couldnt tell if it was a good cd or not.

WilliamM2

I avoid the ones made in China as well. But, I prefer the ones made in the USA or Japan. There is very little difference between the Chinese made ones and the Taiwanese made ones.

Other than Taiyo Yuden, I haven't seen Japanese made discs in years. I did prefer Japanese discs when they were still available locally, could probably still find them online.

TDK sold the media end of their business to Imation in 2007, but I'm pretty sure they never made their own discs, Like most companies, they just re-badged them.