Sony DRU-530A vs. Plextor PX-708A; what's "better"

[Iron_Monkey]

Hello everyone! I'm debating whether to get the Sony or Plextor. As you may know, these two have similar specs. So for about the same price, which one would you suggest me to get?

Thanks!

[fmctm1sw]

I have a PX-708A. Watch what's bundled with it though. I got jammed with Roxio Easy CD/DVD creator. Bu tthen again, I didn't buy it for the software....

[Iron_Monkey]

Oh I don't really care much for the bundled software. I've got DVDX Copy Platinum and Nero 6 already.

[Hardcoreruss]

Would have to be the Plextor in my opinion

[JohnnyCNote]

I'd also go with the Plextor, partly because I've read better things about it. I have a Sony DRU500A, and am not as pleased with it as I have been with other drives in the past. I had to send it back after less than a month for service, and had to deal with an argumentative tech support rep.

It's been fine since I got it back, except that it's very sensitive to dust. Also, they told me if I ever need more service, I have to prove it's still in warranty because their records indicate that model was already out of production by the time I got it from CompUSA, despite the fact I registered it online when I got it. So my decision is based on their less than stellar customer "service" as much as anything else.

The only technical advantage the Sony offers is an 8mb buffer, however that doesn't seem to make much of a difference in the tests I've read....

[marclile]

I bought the PX-708A also and have had no problems with it. Very good burner in my opinion.

[Smokinthunder1]

Read this:
http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.html?i=1932

"Sony's DRU-530A and Plextor's 708A were the most viable opponents in this roundup. However, it is very clear that Plextor's PowerRec II technology isn't just a cookie cutter optimization. Even though the 708A and the DRU-530A are based on identical chipsets, the Plextor 708A smokes the Sony DRU-530A in DVD+R writes and compatibility"

Hope this helps!

[ebenton]

I believe that Optorite makes the DRU530 for Sony. Others have posted that the DRU530 seems cheaply made.
I have a DRU-510A, but it was made by Sony, not Optorite. I'm well pleased with it.
However, in this case, I'd go with the Plextor.

[Jester700]

I believe that Optorite makes the DRU530 for Sony. Others have posted that the DRU530 seems cheaply made.
I have a DRU-510A, but it was made by Sony, not Optorite. I'm well pleased with it.
However, in this case, I'd go with the Plextor.

Yup. I got the Optorite to save $50, but to do over, I would get the Plex. I would NOT get the Sony, since you have the extra cost with no benefit. I had a 500a and liked it, but the new drive, as mentioned, is a rebadge.

Note: the Plex starts at 6x and goes to 8x after about 17%. The Opto/Sony starts at 4x and goes to 8x after about 40%. This is a minute or two of difference in an 8x burn.

[HideOut]

A question for you guys. Ive heard some burners can do 8x with slower 4x media. Will th e plextor? Im considering a new 8x to replace my A05 soon.

Hide

[marclile]

I have the PX-708A and it burns at 8x all the time. I've used Memorex 4x DVD+R, TDK 4x DVD+R, and Arita 4x DVD+R, and they all burn at 8x.

[Iron_Monkey]

Wow looks like Sony is not getting any love around here. Anyhow, has anyone bought stuff from www.diymicro.com before? They're selling this (OEM) for $174.99 right now which includes free shipping as well. Is this good for OEM?

[falberni]

Both writers have been reviewed here:

http://www.cdrinfo.com/

Pay special attention to the last three pages of each review where the Kprobe write qualities are shown.