Klarinet Archive - Posting 000310.txt from 2001/12

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] MP3 vs CD audio
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 00:38:20 -0500

> -----Original Message-----
> From: John P. Varineau [mailto:jvarineau@-----.com]

> I've noticed recently that at stores like Office Max they are now selling
> CDRs and music CDRs, whereas in the past (like last year) there were
> simply CDRs. What's the difference? In digital isn't an "O" an "O" and
> a "1" a "1"? How is a CD that you burn data to different than a CD you
> burn a WAV file to? More importantly, if there is a difference, what am
> I going to do with all of those regular CD's!?
>
> John Varineau
>

Music CDRs are for use in consumer CD recorders (ie. Phillips that you can
buy from Circuit City). There was a deal with the music companies because
they realized that music would be pirated. A fee would be paid on all CDs
for use in those players that would go to a general fund for artists to make
up for loss of sales.

There is a code on those discs that lets the recorder "know" that the fee
has been paid and therefore lets you burn. This is *not* an issue for CDs
that you want to use in a computer burner. You can use any blank disc that
will work. I recommend Taiyo Yuden blanks strongly and Mitusi somewhat
less. You can find T.Y. in the stores branded as "Sony." The TDK's aren't
too bad, either, but I don't think they sound as good for music.

Also today, Gold vs. Silver is pretty much a moot point. It used to be that
gold discs sounded better, but most of the gold discs out there these days
are painted gold on top and are really silver or platinum.

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Fifth Circle Audio
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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