Comparing 2 old model MD Recorders - which better for Downloading?

[wahine]

Hi,

Comparing two old Sony MD player models to replace an MZ-R700. Ultimately my goal is to record several cassettes with lectures recorded on them onto my PC (or CDs).

Deciding between: MZ-NF810, which has a USB connection to connect to a PC

and MZ-N420D, which is supposedly "downloadable," but I don't know via which method.

I know recording is complicated and probably requires an MZ-RH1 (or perhaps this new method I'm not sure if will work - does anyone know?)

but if I am OK with minimally recording in real time and analog, which unit is superior in terms of ease and accuracy in transferring files from the MD player to my PC?

I'm assuming both are backwards compatible and could play cassettes recorded with an MZ-R700.

Thank you for your opinion! I welcome any and all, though am requesting help ASAP since I need to decide very soon. Thanks again.

[MDietrich]

Both MD recorders are able to play your old MiniDiscs, yes. I don´t know if one is better than the other... but I´d assume that the MZ-NF 810 would be the model better suited for analogue playback. Please note that I just assume and don´t know.

Uploading them via USB is impossible (not even the MZ-N 420 can do that), you indeed have to use an RCA cable connected to the line-in of your PCs soundcard. You can record your MDs that way as one huge piece of music that you edit later. To me, that´d be the most convenient method. But I don´t know, maybe others have better ideas.

Guys?

[PhilippeC]

Both can download the pre-recording made by an analog connection to the PC. Only one will allow the real time recording from the optical ouput of the PC, or from the analog output of the PC or the tape out of your amplifier. Now, the pre-recording WAVE tracks could be corrected (classics micro-K7/ K7 sound defaults) by some free or cheap sound editor softwares (same settings once for all), allowing the swift dowload of all lectures corrected. A one-time real time recording - even with your previous recorder - is OK if you don't have time (perhaps later?). There is also the question of making a mark between tracks / lectures parts. LP4 will be perfect for these lectures (voices).