AM-F70: Live Recorders Dream!
Written: Dec 09 '00 (Updated Jan 07 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Live tapers Minidisc recorder of choice.
Cons: Sound output direct to headphones isn't best
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| gretax's Full Review: Aiwa AM-F70 Personal MiniDisc Player |
The Aiwa AM-F70 has quickly become the unit of choice in the dark, delicious world of live taping, even more so that it's newer/"younger" brother, the AM-C80. Let's look at it's knockout combination for live recording:
Backlit display perfect for your typical, dark venue. This is a lifesaving, time-saving, wonderful feature for recording concerts. The best part is that the display is indiglo, so it is easily mistaken by those around you as a watch or cell phone.
Recording is a one-button affair no pushing two buttons or fiddling with anything with uncertainty, like on many Sony units. You won't lose any recordings with the F70.
Back-lit buttons (!) this excellent feature is, again, great for those stealth recordings in the dark and they are indiglo, too, so they're easily mistaken along with the display.
ATRAC 4.5 it's true, there is no audible difference between CD or DAT and Minidisc since ATRAC 4, and this unit goes even one step further, featuring ATRAC 4.5. The quality is wonderful and with a good pair of mics you'll be amazed.
Adjustable line-in/mic-in levels adjust the mic-in or line-in levels WHILE recording! See, another feature PERFECT for live concert tapers.
Small size though not visibly as small (by...what?...a few millimeters) as some Sonys, don't be fooled: this unit is teeny. Smaller than a cassette-tape case, for geez sakes. I've hidden it in my underwear (to get into venues without looking suspicious, wear a second pair over your first, then slip it between, in the crotch part...the combo boxer-briefs work best for this) and have had no problems whatsoever. Plus, it doesn't have that pesky battery bulge on it's back, like many Sonys do.
All in all, this combination of features make it simply the best for live recording. The playback sound levels leave something to be desired, but then again, I've used it mostly with high-end headphones and have held it up to audiophile standards to get this rating.
The final truth is that without the bass boost, it puts out a very crisp, clean and non-distorted signal.
The bass-boost is fine, but like ANY other manufacturers' bass-boost, it will distort the sound. This is nice for cheap earbuds or cheap headphones (generally, anything under $50 by Sony or whomever), but not for quality earphones like Grados
(read my Grado SR-80 - [ http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2C72-3FA28A7-39AFDED7-prod1 ]
Grado SR-125 - [ http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6A2F-917D8EC-3A325B76-prod1 ]
and Grado SR-225 - [ http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-3ED3-3A045A4-3A245CAC-prod1 ]
reviews for more on some amazing but affordable headphones.)
If you are sending the signal out to a proper amp (component amp or a headphone amp), you WILL get an EXCELLENT signal with plenty of "hidden" bass that the unit can't put out to "just headphones" (due to it's energy-saving architecture) along with crystal-clear highs and pleasing mids. I've tested it, it's excellent.
The aluminum case is cool looking, but if you treat it badly, it can get dents and dings. I take care of my stuff, so nothing has ever happened to it. Just respect it and you'll be fine.
Some people make a big deal about not being able to use the unit while it's recharging. Let me tell you, this is almost a non-issue. I've never wanted to use it while it was recharging, so who cares? If this is a *huge* feature for you, then don't buy this unit.
The battery life is lovely. I ordinarily got about 3 1/2 hours of recording straight per charge, which is more than enough to record your average show. The included Lithium-Ion rechargeables recharge in about 2 hours. If you use Lithium non-rechargeable camera AA batteries, I estimate about 4 1/2 hours of recording time, if not 5.
The optical-digital in is a super-cool feature and that is what I mostly use to capture recordings from CDs to take with me out and about as entertainment. All it takes is a CD, DVD or laserdisc player with an optical-digital out and you're set! You get the cable with this unit (unless you're getting the Japanese version, in which case you get an ameteur-quality stereo microphone.)
Finally, you can get refurbished AM-F70s for $180 or less. That is what I paid many months ago. It's probably cheaper now. I'll bet you could get one for $150 or less on eBay (auction sites are an excellent source for these units). Go get one!
Hope this helps you make a wise buying decision. If it did help, would you please take a moment to rate this review? Thanks.
- Matt
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
gretax
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Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 5 members
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