Just got a DVR-A09 - First impressions

[iamjcl]

I had just replaced my old Sony 510 with a Pioneer A-08 about 3 weeks ago, and just stumbled on an A-09 here at BB. Picked it up as I could return the '8 if needed.

I have been using the A-08 to do alot of burning of home movies, which were mastered on a DVDR, and am authoring them on the A-08. Been using mostly Verbatim 8X -R media.

The A-08 (FW 1.18) burns those at 12X (nice quality burns). The A-09 (FW 1.00) burns 'em at 8X.

There is no newer firmware I can find. In fact, this thing is not even on the US pioneer website !

I just read about it coming out, and the local BB had 5 sitting on the shelf.

Anyway, read speeds seem to be the same (very good), but the media IDs need updating in the firmware.

The drive is a tad smaller than the '8 (shorter), and has a different case (obviously, since its smaller) in that it does not have the "fan" cutout on the back, and the labels for the jumper settings are not imprinted in the metal, but on the sticker on top.

The MFG date of my 08 is OCT 04, while the 09 is DEC 04.

Also, my "quiet drive" application which worked with the A08 will not recognize the A09 even being connected.

Drive tray is slightly diff. if it is open, but drive is identical from front view.

As 08, very quiet, reads fast, etc...

According to CDspeed, seek times are a little faster on the 9.

Anybody have a FW link ?

- Chris

[freestyler]

Price?

[iamjcl]

139

[tacoman97x]

DVR-109 is $89.99 + $3.50 shipping at newegg.. about $94

[iamjcl]

Thanks for the info - though I don't mind paying a premium to get it locally - especially when its something "new".
Looks like I may stick with the A08 anyway(which was $76 at BB).

I checked the quality of a burn last night on the same Verbatim 8X -R media (which the 08 burns at 12X, with near perfect read-curve) and it was passable, but not pretty. AND it burned at 8x, not 12X.

By the time firmware is available to tighten the A09 up perhaps to the level of 08 on "normal" media, Blu-ray will be almost here.

I'll give it a week, though, since I can return the A08 until then.

- Chris

[Toaster]

Glad to hear the 09's are out... this will only mean the 08's will fall in price. Honestly, in my opinion, the current generation of recorders is probably faster than anyone is actually using due to the quality of most media available.

Hell I burn most of my stuff at 4x anyway. Holding off on jumping on the bleeding edge technology is probably a wise move, if you have a good recorder already (which obviously you do)

Great spot though.
GOOD LUCK

[iamjcl]

You make alot of sense.

It is just sometimes hard to resist the "if a model '8' is good, then
a '9' must be better" syndrome.

- Chris

[JohnnyCNote]

I upgraded from the 07 to the 08 because it was dual layer (even though the disks are too expensive) and had a black face (even though my case has a door) and am happy with the result, but I don't see a pressing need to get the 09. I'm exercising enormous willpower since I just got paid.....

[Quantum]

Glad to hear the 09's are out... this will only mean the 08's will fall in price. Honestly, in my opinion, the current generation of recorders is probably faster than anyone is actually using due to the quality of most media available.

The DVR-108 has been out at the major online retailers for a little while now. The DVR-109 is trending up in price by a couple bucks too.

[jdizzy40]

Just bought the A09XL last night also at BB. Replaces my dead Sony DRU-500A. I wish Pioneer would use a different method of packing than just that little white circle tab. All boxes had been riffled through. Mine is burning at 12x using TDK media. Only about 6 burns so far with Nero 6. No problems. Nice looking drive. It joins my crew of Plextors, LG, Sony and Memorex. My first pioneer. But finally purchased one after hearing folks rant and rave about the A06 and A07over the last few years. Look forward to many happy hours using it.

[lordsmurf]

I've already covered all my trials and tribulations in these 109-related threads:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=251524

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=255504