Pioneer A06 vs. Sony DRU-510A

[Metaluna]

Does anyone really have buffer under runs with a 2mb buffer?

I never do, but I have several systems so I don't need to use the main box for anything while burning. Also the box is 1700XP with 1gig ddr and a dedicated hard drive just for the video work.

I use DVD Decrypter a lot for burning ISOs. On my two systems it will cause an underrun on almost any disc activity at all (don't even think about launching a web browser while it's burning at 2X or above). These are both 2GHz+ machines with 7200RPM drives. This happens even on my Sony DRU-500AX, though the larger buffer will hold out a bit longer and sometimes is just enough to make a difference. When I use my 106 I try not to use the burning machine at all, or at least use Nero which has much better buffer management. Very few tools these days report the number of actual underruns so you sort of have to judge by looking at the buffer level status bars. Nero does report the underrun count on some drives like my old Plextor 16x CD burner, but not any of the the newer drives I've tried for some reason.

[gmgriot1]

Maximum PC also did head to head and pioneer won....

[doctorcd]

Ok lets summarsie then. In 25 odd prior posts, I still see nothing, apart from price, that would convince me to buy the Pioneer A06 over the Sony DRU-510a.

I have heard preferences for brands based on perception or experience with other products of the same brand, I have seen vague references to magazine articles that somebody thought they read, even somebody telling me to read past postings for negative comments on Sony drives. The best is this:

I guess the laser calibration is not up to snuff, which is not that much of a surprise, Sony likes to cut corners in their consumer products. Hence, alot of people already sent this burner in for repair.

I'm afraid the BS meter has gone off the scale on this one.... puhleeze.

Its simple. If you can afford it, buy on the better specifications of the Sony. If not, am sure the Pioneer will serve the purpose as well, but you are buying a unit with inferior RW capabilities. For the most, you get what you pay for.

[tompika]

I use DVD Decrypter a lot for burning ISOs. On my two systems it will cause an underrun on almost any disc activity at all (don't even think about launching a web browser while it's burning at 2X or above). These are both 2GHz+ machines with 7200RPM drives. This happens even on my Sony DRU-500AX, though the larger buffer will hold out a bit longer and sometimes is just enough to make a difference. When I use my 106 I try not to use the burning machine at all, or at least use Nero which has much better buffer management. Very few tools these days report the number of actual underruns so you sort of have to judge by looking at the buffer level status bars. Nero does report the underrun count on some drives like my old Plextor 16x CD burner, but not any of the the newer drives I've tried for some reason.

Metaluna

There must be something wrong with your system.
I burn DVD, surf the net (sometimes 3-4 windows), paint, etc at the same time on my notebook (only 1.2GB) and never have buffer underrun!

Click here for screenshots
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=177976

[defense]

@ Slick Rick.... unfortunately...the DSS utility is ONLY for the DRU-510A. Despite what many people think..the DRU-510A absolutely has a more refined laser. That's why it has the ability to burn +RW @4x while the DRU-500A/AX do not. The 510A also stands alone from the other Sony burners when it comes to ripping speeds. If you have a DVD-ROM I wouldn't put too much weight into that. I don't even use the 510A for ripping...but if you ever come across a scratched disk which your ROM won't rip...there's a good chance your DRU-510A will be able to rip it in that sensitive mode.


@ Tompika....good idea...but that particular thread you linked was for DVD-ROMS/BURNERS for ripping...but not a specific ROM/BURNER. This DSS utility unfortunately is ONLY for owners of the SONY DRU-510A.

[DatMuthapucka]

just got a a06 it's supa tiiight .... burned 30+ dvd-r so far with no worries or coasters.
did some benching and scores were bout the same or better than test by cdrinfo. my friend just got a dru510 which did the eject problem that alot of people have been posting after the 2nd burn. he had to exchange it and buy a extended warrenty just in case.
ao6 burns -r in 14:36 at average speed of 4.3x vs dru510 15:48 average speed 4.0x .... when burning with the dru510 the speed does not stay constant , the pioneer does. but if your truely want the dru hope that you do not get one that is defective like some people are getting.
the dss utility is very nice if you want to rip at 6x vs 2x (for the dru only). and i could give a rats ass that the dru can burn cds faster .... have a cd-rw for that. some test showing a06 burning -rw at superlooong speeds do not mention that it only happens when you use software given that automatically checks the verify data button which will slow the process on ANY dvd burner.seek times for a06 are way faster than dru510.
both drives are good my opionion the pioneer will out last and perform slightly better than dru510. the dru looks way sexier

[ccbadd]

I have heard preferences for brands based on perception or experience with other products of the same brand

Who wouldn't judge a company by it's entire product history?

I've purchased Sony products before and will never do so again! MY experience has been poor quality, shorter life span, and very poor support. I have never used the 510, and never will. I have an A05 and it works perfectly, and that is a good indication of its newer versions quality to me. I also just purchased an NEC 1300A and it works just as well with when good media is used. I don't think it is built as well as the Pioneer. As far as 4X +RW support, I doubt many people really care as most people don't use those disk very often.

As far as the buffer size, I have never seen the buffer drop below 93% anytime that I burn dvd's and I continue anything that I am doing with the exception of reading or writing to a floppy.