Yamaha CDR HD1500

bluesfan

I picked up the CDRHD1500 in May this year

A "group" is is Yamaha's terminology for either a DISC, ALBUM or set of MARKed tracks.

A DISC is what you get if you copy a whole CD on to the hard disk, although of course you can make a DISC by copying tracks from different CDs, or from the external inputs.

An ALBUM is a collection of tracks from discs already on the hard disk. For instance, you can create an album that consists of Track 3 from Disc 1, Track 17 from Disc 2 etc. I think it's intended as a means of creating compilations.

MARK is a temporary option that becomes available when you mark tracks on the hard disk. This will play back all the marked tracks, in the order you placed markers on them.

When you set "play style" to GROUP, the Yamaha will play tracks from either a GROUP, ALBUM or MARK, depending what you have selected with the jog dial.

Setting "play style" to ALL causes the Yahama to play tracks from all the DISCs or ALBUMs on the hard disk, depending on whether you had a DISC or ALBUM selected when you hit Play.

Setting "play style" to ALL and turning RANDOM on gives you random tracks from all the CDs stored on the hard disk Fun!


Hope this makes sense. It took me an hour of studying the manual before I figured out what they were on about!


A.

Tice

Having had the CDRHD1500 for a few months now, I am mostly very pleased with it - sound quality is second to none.

My only niggle is that it seems very fussy about the CDs you use. It has had problems with scratched and otherwise dodgy CDs from my collection that other players will play with no problems. I've found 2 so far that won't copy without pops and clicks, even on single speed. (Although I should also add that I've made a compilation of around 20 of my CD singles, some of which are 10 years old, with no problems at all).

Also, I've found that AMQR mode works best with the pale gold coloured CDRs (eg. Maxell). I've been using TDK CDRs, which are a deep blue colour. Although I've had no problems at all when recording in standard mode, I found that the TDK discs recorded with AMQR took ages to be recognised when put back into the CDRHD1500, with the drive spinning up and down and the laser hunting. No such problems with the Maxell discs, worked first time. Since then, I've found that a CD walkman won't recognise the TDK discs at all, so maybe their reflectivity is not as good.

I'd be interested to hear whether any other CDRHD1500 owners have had trouble with certain discs.

Despite these niggles, the Yamaha is a great bit of kit, and being able to spin the dial and select any CD is a joy. Great when you've got friends over

A.

bluesfan

Hi,

How easy is it to upgrade to a bigger disk? Presumably it doesn't screw up the firmware or anything.   What make of disk did you use?  I know you can get a 500gb 7200 for £118 now.

Tice

Replacing the hard disk was not a problem but which wires go to which pin configuration on the disk is crucial. The tech line at Yamaha UK was extremely helpful with this issue and I would suggest you contact them once you have the replacement disk.

Can't remeber the make of disk I used but it requires a particular type of hard disk so I would advise you check this out in advance as well with the tech line.

Not sure I'm technical enough to answer your lossless question but my understanding is there is no compression involved in recording.

You'll find the software to connect to a PC at :

http://www.yamaha-uk.com/downloads/software/


If you have any other questions, let me know.

Paul

bluesfan

Hi,

I was thinking of replacing with Samsung HD they are supposed to be the quietest and perhaps the fan with a Silentx (is the one inside noisy?).

I'm probably going to get mine from http://www.hifi-components.de/versand.aspx as they have black and you can't get it in UK.

How did you think the sound quality compared to a reasonable CD player?  Although it might save as true WAV inside this sound is also done to the rest of the electronics.

Can't see why more people don't have them, great replacement to ye old jukebox.

Many Thanks

David

Tice

As far as I know, the only HD recorder Samsung make is for DVD.

For more tech info on the CDR HD1500 and possible replacement disks try :

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo-1.cfm/Product_ID/2292

I would still advise a phone call to Yamaha before parting with any money for a replacement disk.

It's also possible to download the operating manual to get a feel for the machine.

bluesfan

Hi, sorry last question.

On the manual it doesn't look like you can randomise track playing across everything on the disk.  You can only do it by album, group or bookmark.

Is that true? I think then the limit is randomise on 99 tracks.

Cable Monkey

No problem.....pose as many questions as you like.

You can randomise track playing across the whole of the disk but albums (or playlists if you prefer iPod terminology) are limited to 99 tracks.

My hope is that Yamaha will eventually update and improve the software to allow more MP3 type functions and user-friendliness. In the meantime, it still seems the best way for me to ultimately transfer my vinyl onto the iPod short of buying them all on CD.......plus it's streets ahead of the iPod in quality for playing through a good system.

jerryq7777

Hi All,

I'm considering a hard disk storage system to replace my somewhat elderly Arcam CD player which died yesterday.

Does anyone have an opinion on the sound quality? I'd have to try one before investing, but I'd be running it through Audiolab 8000 pre/power and Kef Reference 1 speakers which can tell a little bit too much about the source!

Thanks

KJ Palmer

I'd be surprised if it equals your Arcam but you never know.  I'm still umming and arring on buying one.

Cheers