Skip to main content

Has anyone had problems with these disc recorders? I have a secondhand one that seems very temperamental. The carrier keeps opening and closing with a 'check' error coming up. Sometimes it burns a a disc ok, and sometimes it won't even read a commercial disc. If I switch it off it still has a problem, until the next day when it works again.
A pal of mine has 3 of these units and he says that they don't seem to last long before faults start appearing.
Anyone else had problems?

Comments

anonymous Tue, 11/07/2006 - 16:05

repair

HHb have got back to me saying that the problem with the cd tray is often a leaky cap on the board. It will cost between £100- £130 (UK) depending on what acid damage may have occured. Hopefully any of the other 'write' errors are due to sub standard discs (I've been using cheap JVC cdr type).
However, is it worth it? I live in the UK so I haven't got to ship it very far. I'm pretty handy with electronics, and I might normally be tempted to replace a cap, but I don't know which one. So I won't even think about it.
What would you do? :-? Dave.

RemyRAD Tue, 11/07/2006 - 16:45

I do a substantial amount of freelance work and have had many occasions to use those units. I DON'T LIKE THOSE UNITS! THEY SCREW UP TOO MANY TIMES! STOP RECORDING IN THE MIDDLE OF RECORDING! NOT BE ABLE TO READ OR WRITE DISKS! DYING IN THE MIDDLE OF LIVE RECORDINGS! I NEVER WANT TO USE ONE AGAIN!

Do want me to tell you how I really feel??
Ms. Remy Ann David

AudioGaff Tue, 11/07/2006 - 17:10

I am surprised to hear all this about the 850 unit as the one I have and two others that clients of mine have, all have been pretty much problem free for many years.

pedalsteelman, the price quoted to fix seems fair for the type of repair work required. If it is worth it to you depends on how much you use and or need the functions and features of the 850 unit. If you send in for repair, they may also be willng to go through and check/repair for any other possible problems. You may also want to request HHB tell you the know problem cap location so you can see for your self. A leaky cap is often very obvious to see upon inspection.

The one thing about the HHB 850 I really like is the ability to use it as a digital patchbay or stand alone converter. So if mine ever craps out, I can still use it for that.

anonymous Wed, 11/08/2006 - 15:53

What next

Interesting responses, I'm wondering whether I should invest in something else, in which case, what is the most reliable cd recorder to get?
I think I know what 'dither' means now when it comes to these things. I shall start a new thread on the best recorder. Thanks for your input and look for the new thread on cd writers to respond with suggestions.
Dave.