Audio Recorders: An Overview Of CD Recorders, Portable For The Home, Stereo Recorders And Boomboxes, Portable With Good Sound And Radio. How To Choose?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

Household appliances are very diverse. And if people have a good idea of televisions, refrigerators or even gas stoves, there are still relatively little-known types of technology. It's time to learn everything about audio recorders.

Peculiarities

Naturally, you should start by finding out what an audio recorder is. This term is called a radio electronic device, which contains both a tape recorder and a radio receiver . It is usually used for listening to music and broadcasting at home or in the car. In addition to the two main components, audio recorders may contain other additional devices.

That is why such a technique is divided into a number of more private types, depending on the functionality and element base.

Varieties

First, it's worth talking about what a boombox is. This portable type of audio equipment differs little, in fact, from standard radio tape recorders. But he certainly has large speakers that can significantly increase the volume of the sound. The tape recorder in modern boomboxes is less and less common. This is due to the decline of tape technology as such.

Early boomboxes date back to the 1970s … But they experienced a real heyday only in the 1980s. Nowadays, the peak of popularity of such devices is far behind.

As for the stereo radio, it differs from other models only in that it emits not mono, but stereophonic sound. Other practical features can vary greatly depending on the design intent and overall task.

Important: A full stereo recording cannot be played back through a single speaker. This sharply limits the scope of application of radio tape recorders with one built-in speaker.

Both home and portable (car) devices today most often belong to the category of CD-recorders . There can be a significant difference between the two, however. Sometimes the number of discs that can be loaded at the same time differs.

Attention is paid to this circumstance more often when choosing an audio recorder intended for a home, not a portable one. However, in this segment, changers are gradually losing their relevance.

Models with a USB port, where you can insert a USB flash drive with MP3 files, are much more in demand . Some modifications are even capable of playing some other audio data formats.

It should be noted that almost all modern models work with Bluetooth.

This mode allows you to receive audio files from smartphones, laptops and even personal computers. The devices can also be used in conjunction with some other gadgets that support the transmission of data via Bluetooth . The most portable models are based on flash memory. And in the combo versions, there is almost certainly an SD card slot. It is also worth mentioning about audio recorders with a remote control, which makes everyday life much more convenient.

How to choose?

Of course, you need to pay attention to devices with good sound. It is better to find out about its quality through reviews on several independent sites . It is also useful to find out what the radio reception range is structurally, how well the built-in tuner works. But purely the appearance of the device is also of great importance. If there is only one speaker, then the radio tape recorder will be able to produce only "flat", insufficient quality sound.

For lovers of retro, audio recorders that can play traditional cassettes are definitely suitable . If there is a disc player, then it is necessary to clarify the range of reproduced discs. Some devices only play CDs. In more advanced modifications, you can also play DVDs. But the most convenient option for all people is flash drives and various memory cards.

Advanced models are capable of working with 2-20 laser discs. To switch between media, use buttons or control panels . In expensive audio recorders, not only Bluetooth, but also NFC can be used. Returning to CD players, it is worth emphasizing that the highest quality CD-DA format severely limits the number of tracks recorded. Therefore, if there are no special requirements for sound purity, you need to use devices that play MP3 or WMA.

It is important to pay attention to the characteristics of the tuner (more precisely, to the range of received frequencies) . For home use, the FM band is sufficient. For trips on intercity routes and hard-to-reach places, you need to choose audio recorders that receive medium waves (AM). Despite the fall in popularity of VHF frequencies, the presence of this range is welcome. And those who want to receive signals from foreign radio stations should be guided by models operating in the shortwave range.

Analog tuners are almost hopelessly outdated; you should only buy devices with digital receivers.

You also need to consider:

• type of food;
• speaker volume;
• the presence of a headphone jack;
• the ability to record the broadcast signal on removable media;
• the presence of a microphone, clock, light indicators;
• device design;
• the presence or absence of an equalizer;
• the presence of a handle or carrying strap;
• karaoke function.

Model overview

Certainly deserves a place in the rating of this year's audio recorders CD-recorder Telefunken TF-CSRP3448 … The manufacturer claims that the device can cover the entire audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The system fully supports MP3 . Only 1 CD can be loaded into the container. The dimensions of the monochrome screen are 0.02x0.03 m.

A good alternative can be considered Lumax BL 9259 USB … This device outputs 5W of sound. Power supply is possible both from the mains and from batteries. Other features:

• telescopic antenna;
• digital tuner with memory for 30 stations;
• frequency range from 64 to 108 MHz;
• blue display backlight;
• red or black colors.

Getting acquainted with boomboxes, you should pay attention to Sony ZS-PS50 black … The device supports CD playback. But memory cards cannot be played. The total acoustic power is 4 W. There is no Bluetooth mode.

If you need to choose elite retro boomboxes, then it is worth mentioning the legendary JVC RC-M90 … Some connoisseurs consider this model to be the best boombox in the entire history of audio technology. There is only one problem - even sophisticated collectors do not always find such a device.

It is very expensive, if only because it has not been produced for a long time. But the flavor of the impressive and attractive outwardly boombox is definitely worth such amounts.

Among portable radio tape recorders with decent sound and a radio receiver, one must first of all consider Hyundai H-PAS180 / H-PAS200 … This Korean product is always assembled with high quality. It is quite easy to operate thanks to its thoughtful execution.

But it's worth noting that the charging connector is not reliable enough. The power of the front speakers is 2x3 W, and there is also an electronic clock. Reviews of such a model are certainly positive.

A pleasant alternative can be considered and First FA-1154-3 … The radio tape recorder was equipped with a digital tuner that works stably in the AM and FM bands. You can play a signal from USB, from MicroSD cards. Supports CD-R, CD-RW discs, including those on which MP3 files are recorded. AUX outputs and a typical 3.5 mm headphone output are provided.

Other features:

• auto reverse;
• net weight 1, 3 kg;
• size 0.22x0.23 m;
• power supply both from batteries and from a home mains.

There is a place in the rating and a portable radio tape recorder from Phillips - more precisely, the AZ318 models … Support for CD, MP3 and USB is structurally implemented. Carrying is facilitated by its small size. The digital tuner works only on the demanded FM band. All the necessary information is displayed on the built-in display.

Lovers of classic "black and white" design will definitely like SUPRA BB-M102UB … This radio, despite its old-fashioned appearance, has a Bluetooth unit. Unfortunately, there is no headphone jack.

Thanks to the lithium-ion battery, uninterrupted operation is guaranteed for 3 hours. The built-in battery can be recharged via the USB cable.

It will be 4 times harder Panasonic RX-D55 - but this burden is fully justified. The device is receiving FM / AM signals. It is capable of playing sound directly from USB flash drives. A traditional CD player is also used. Autonomous power supply is possible thanks to 8 class C batteries.

Important technical features:

• full-fledged digital tuner;
• total acoustic power 20 W;
• frequency band from 0.04 to 20 kHz;
• the ability to play tape cassettes;
• liquid crystal display;
• remote control option from a special remote control.