Is Pioneer A05/Cendyne really faster than the Sony DRU 500?

[RappWizard]

I am really confused about whether to go with the Pioneer A05 (aka Cendyne) or the Sony DRU 500 AX. I seem to know all the issues b/t the 2 burners but one issue that I am getting conflicting info on this forum is whether the Pioneer/Cendyne is really faster at burning DVD-R discs than the Sony. It seems like there have been numerous posts about the firmware for the Pioneer A05 backfiring and some owners not even using the updated firmware. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

[Vejita-sama]

I've got the Pioneer DVR-A05, but only 2x media (don't want to pay for 4x but will when my current 2x discs run out).

Remember that 1x DVD is not the same as 1x CD. 1x DVD is 1380kb/s (IIRC) while CD is 150kb/s. So to fully burn a disc (which you'll rarely do btw) 1x = 60min, 2x = 30min, 4x = 15min (plus header, leadout, etc.)

It use to be that DVD+R discs can be burnt at 2.4x which is a little faster than 2x (A04). But now both can be burned at 4x so it doesn't really matter.

The A04 has firmware that allows it to burn 1x media at 2x speed. However, for the A05 it doesn't matter. I have the newest firmware and have no trouble burning everything at full speed (in my case 2x, because that's all my media is rated for).

[spiderman2k1]

Pioneer is a much better burner then the DRU500AX. The Dru500AX can not burn Khpermedia or Memorex DVD-R pioneer has no problem's get the Cendyne at office max there made by pioneer it's the smae drive as AO5 and they cost $169.00 when on sale

[trasixes]

The DRU500 is the better drive. I've used both, and I give it to the Sony hands down. Memorex, and KHypermedia are crap anyway. I use the Accu dvd-r, which are cheaper and more reliable than either of those.

[Colt45]

I have both of these drives as well; they are in separate but almost identical Pentium 4 machines. I have the latest firmware installed in each drive. For me both of them operate very well with the Ritek 4X disks I'm using. As for the best burning speed, I would have to say that the Cendyne is slightly faster. The Sony seems to have a little longer lead-in time and a little lower average burn speed but it’s not enough to make any real difference. For the price, I would say that the Cendyne is the better deal unless the capability to burn +R/RW disks is important to you.

Pioneer is a much better burner then the DRU500AX. The Dru500AX can not burn Khpermedia or Memorex DVD-R pioneer has no problem's get the Cendyne at office max there made by pioneer it's the smae drive as AO5 and they cost $169.00 when on sale

I've burned several Memorex DVD-R disks on my Sony DRU500A and they work just fine. I've not yet tried any Khpermedia disks, so I can't argue with you on that one.

[THE RIPPER]

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=137503&highlight=

[jester1x]

I've burned at least ten Memorex DVD-Rs on my Sony DRU500AX using Nero and have had no problems. They all play just fine. I guess the same burner model can exhibit slightly different "behaviors" if you could describe it as such.

[BoogieMan]

Pioneer all the way! 8)