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Sound:
The latest firmware (as of Dec 2008) is v2.27 which I received from Marantz with a short update guide.
There is no latency, the auto level control (ALC) works great, the data formats are all correct (as far as I can tell from use in Adobe Audition, Windows media player, Winamp, and various other wav, mp3 players and editing programs.
The noise floor on this unit is very very good and the recording quality is pristine.
I have made several recordings of just me and my Taylor guitar. The recordings were so convincing that my wife thought I was playing when I was I was simply playing back the music on my home system.
The battery life claims of 4 hours are grossly conservative. I use 2200mAhr NiMH rechargeables (that are a year old btw). I get 6 hours from these batteries. I have 2600mAhr AA's on route. I suspect that one could get as much as 7 hours of recording on a good set of NiMH rechargeables .... that should put a smile on your face.
I have recorded using both the external mic and my PA system line out with everything from the previously mentioned acoustic setting, to my entire band blaring at club levels. Everything came out sounding fantastic.
Marantz support was great and responded to my request for a firmware update in a polite and quick manner. With my update Marantz stated the following:
"Please note, we strongly recommend using Lexar and SanDisk SD and SDHC
cards with the PMD620"
I have a 4Gb SanDisk SDHC headed my way from NewEgg. We will see how it goes ;)
I researched alot before making this purchase. I compared the Marantz to the Edriol 09HR, The M-Audio Microtrack II, and the Sony PCM-D50.
The Edriol had lower audio quality to my ears, and persistant quality issues with the phone jack breaking.
The M-Audio's use of a proprietary battery that must be sent back to the manufacturer to be replaced (think iPod esque) removed it from the running despite its good recording quality.
The Sony simply got disqualified because of price. If money were not of any concern, it would have won. I would have missed the MP3 and mono capabilities of the Marantz anyway.
I paid ~$320 USD for the Marantz. In this price category, it is the best unit presently being made.
Feature:
The number of formats that are supported by the Marantz is comprehensive (Sony's only downfall).
The OLED display is fantastic.
The ability to mount the unit on a tripod (my camera tripod) is perfect. Other recorders require an additional purchase for this.
Ease of Use:
It is stupidly simple to use. I had to read the manual only to edit the settings (you have to hold the "display" button down for 3 seconds to get into edit mode.
Quality:
It is small, light, and built solidly with an mostly aluminum face. The buttons have a great feel to them and are easy to use.
Value:
I think that $320 is a bit pricey; however, as stated, it is the best in this price range.
Manufacturer Support:
Fast, friendly, and helpful.
The Wow Factor:
Not only do "I want it", all of my band friends (in other bands) want one also now ;)
Overall:
I am very satisfied with my purchase. It does EXACTLY what I wanted it to.
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Sound:
Good Sound, no distortion at hig volumes
Feature:
Good features, same as competitors, but nothing extra.
Ease of Use:
easy to use...
Quality:
SD card slot cover could easy break.
Value:
cost should be $100 less.
Manufacturer Support:
The Marantz PMD620 has a problem with the firmware update. Certain types of SD memory it simply does not like, these including Transcend and Kingston. (Problem did not seem to exist with the original firmware) Any file over several minutes in length (aren't they all) will not play on your PC until you go back and try to play the file on the recorder itself first. When you do this, a small window comes saying 'restore' only then the file will play (Most of the time).
Tech support was of no help. Only recommended we don't use these brands. They also say they have not heard of the problem before. However, if the problem is not known, then how does the recorder know to 'restore' the file when you try to play it? This 'restore' function MUST be written into the latest firmware update to happen. Naughty, naughty, being deceptive to the customer...
I am not discouraging anyone from getting this, it's just that if a problem exists, (and it's known by the manufacturer) they have to correct it, or advise to not purchase some types of memory. Get Sandisk only for this...
Some technical information:
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Rec/rec.arts.movies.production.sound/2008-03/msg00862.html
RR
13 of 15 people
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