#Sony CDROM 535?
15 messages in this thread
I thought I was about to purchase Sony 535 CDROM for $380 and was waiting
for one to arrive at a dealer. All I knew at the time was it was a Sony
CDROM with an access speed of 325ms, it interfaced with a SoundBlaster Pro,
it used a disk caddy and it was $379.
Well the unit came in was a Sony CDU31A-02 with no manual, no installation
instructions and it doesn't use a disk caddy. I was told it was better in
one way because it has a 64k cache vs a 8k cache on the 535 but its access
speed was 480ms. I deferred wanting to wait for the originally advertised
unit.
In looking at a magazine I find that the CDU31A-02 is 550ms and is
considered a entry level unit… marginally ok.
Originally, I thought $380 for a 325ms CDROM that interfaced with my SBPRO
was reasonable, even though at best it would be a case of hardware in
search of a solution. Now I'm not so sure any of this is worth it.
Can anyone tell me if a Sony 535 for $380 is hard to find… better yet is
this unit worth getting if all that is desired is to start with something
that isn't the worse, isn't the best and is around $400 or less?
Any guidance is appreciated.
chuck
Chuck- The 535 is an internal drive, if memory serves. Stay away from
that puppy like the plague. It is *not* MPC compliant without an upgrade
that may or may not wreak havok in your system, depending on whether your
existing hardware conflicts with it.
For $430 or so you can get a Texel 3024 drive (not sure if it interfaces
with the SBPro, but I suspect it may). This drive transfers at double
speed (like the NEC Intersect, but far cheaper), or around 300KB/sec and
has an access time of 260ms.
You'd be a lot happier with that drive than the Sony…guaranteed.
Regards, Jerry
I would doublecheck with Creative Labs to make sure hooking a Texel 3024 to
a Sounblaster Pro is possible. "Suspect" is not beyond a reasonable doubt.
>> …doublecheck with Creative Labs to make sure hooking a Texel 3024 to a
SBPro is possible…<<
I agree totally. That's why I said "suspect" rather than being more
positive. Probably should have been more clear.
Thanks and regards, Jerry
Jerry,
I've seen a lot of messages regarding this subject and I'm not clear on it
either. BTW, I just got a machine with the 486/66. Good show!
With my thanks and regards,
Paul
Yes, the DX2-66 is definitely a screamer. I'm using one now, and it will
absolutely spoil you.
Enjoy it!
Jerry
Jerry,
Thank you for the advice on the Sony 535, yes it is an internal drive and
I'm not going to consider it any further.
I'll see if the SBPRO will interface with a Texel 3024, though I don't look
forward trying to talk to CL. Most of the remarks about them on various
forums is pretty negative when people try to get tech support.
Next I'll have to see who sells Texel. Believe me, I know nothing about
CDROM drives, but that name I've never heard used anywhere before.
It's kind of funny how this whim has turned into work.
Many thanks, chuck
FWIW, my company outfitted a lot of machines with SBPRO BASIC cards and
Sony 535 drives and had a cable made (cost $8 each) internally connecting
the audio output of the Sony Drive to the internal audio input of the SBPRO
card.
Chuck–
Try D-C Drives in the Houston area. That's where I bought mine, and their
prices are pretty reasonable. They advertise in the Computer Shopper,
where you can get their latest pricing and phone numbers.
If your SBPro won't interface to it, you could consider getting a cheap
SCSI controller bundled with the drive. I know that D-C will offer the
drive that way if necessary.
Hope you can avoid that and use the SBPro.
Best of luck.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks for your assistance in helping me understand what's going on in this
new world of CDROM drives.
I'm going to explore the question of whether wanting a CDROM that
interfaces with a SBPRO is too limiting using another thread. It seems to
me the such a drive would be ideal since I like to keep things as simple as
possible and having to use another interface board plus drive software to
run it along with SBPRO line patch cords, etc. is a kludge. Maybe it's the
only way to get a drive that's decent (using a kludge) but I'll try to
avoid it if possible.
Again, thanks for all your help and thoughts.
As for now, the 535 doesn't sound like it's really a choice.
chuck
Chuck–
The avenue I'd take is to call Creative Labs and find out their list of
compatible drives. Then, run them past a few of us here. The ones
currently available today with the best performance are the NEC Intersect
(don't remember the model numbers) and the Texel 3024/5024. Both are
double speed drives. The Texel is a considerably better price/performer,
though, which is why I prefer it.
Also, check out the recent PC Mag issue that covers CD ROM drives (either
the current issue or the one just prior). That should help you make a
decision as well.
Jerry
I'll call CL on Monday as you suggest. The magazine you referred to is I
believe PC Magazine and it apparently is last month's issue. I'll see if a
local library has a copy.
Should have more information by Tuesday.
Thanks for your assistance.
chuck
Chuck:
PMJI, but the mag under discussion is PC Mag dated Dec 22, 1992. It was
still on the stands here as of Sat the 26th. Good luck!
Rich Bowers
The 535 is the internal version of the external drive Sony sells bundled as
their Laser Library. There's a lot of info on the latter in file
Laser3.txt in Lib #4. The LL prices, which include 6+/- software titles,
are also in the file. That Sony line, while perfectly servicable, has some
drawbacks (e.g. probably not MPC compliant, etc.); and you can find
entry-level drives, with sound boards and up to 4 bundled titles, at about
$400. The Media Vision Fusion kit, not the Fusion 16, I just installed for
a friend was $399; and I think Creative Labs has a similar bundle.
Thank you for your comments on the Sony 535 CDROM. I'll check out the
files in Lib 4 (including laser3.txt).
I figure on making a full scale assualt on Monday to try to figure out what
drive to buy after checking with CL and various dealers around my area and
by phone.
chuck