TEAC CDRW890 Review

The TEAC CDRW890 is a dedicated CD recorder/player designed for audiophiles and professionals who value the ability to record CDs directly from various sources without needing a computer. Below is a breakdown of its main features, performance, and pros/cons to help give you a comprehensive review.

• Size of unit: (W x D x H) 435mm x 295mm x 100mm
• Weight: 4.5kg
• Price: £280 (UK)

In short, Teac have incorporated a lot of new technology into this new CD player/recorder. Obviously, all sorts of CD’s are suitable for this machine. On the back are the good old RCA sockets and also a digital output. Although the TEAC CDRW890 is centre loading, the machine is a good-looking one. According to some, the centre loading allows for greater stability and hence fewer errors.

Key Features

1. CD Recording: The TEAC CDRW890 allows users to record audio CDs using standard CD-R or CD-RW discs. You can record from analogue or digital sources such as turntables, cassette decks, or other CD players.
2. Optical and Coaxial Inputs: It includes both digital optical and coaxial inputs, ensuring flexibility for connecting to various digital audio sources.
3. Analog RCA Input/Output: For analogue recording, the unit features RCA input/output jacks, which you can use with older audio equipment like cassette decks or vinyl turntables.
4. Track Increment: A feature that allows you to manually or automatically increment track numbers during recording. This is useful for organizing recordings into distinct tracks.
5. Playback Functions: It serves as a standard CD player, supporting playback of CD-R and CD-RW discs along with standard audio CDs. The playback mode includes repeat, shuffle, and programmable playback.
6. Remote Control: Comes with a full-function remote control for ease of use during playback or recording.

TEAC CDRW890: Performance

• Audio Quality: The TEAC CDRW890 delivers high-quality sound both in recording and playback modes. It provides precise and faithful replication of the source audio, maintaining clarity and depth, especially when recording from digital sources. Analog recordings also maintain a respectable level of fidelity, although they can be subject to minor degradation based on the quality of the original source.
• Ease of Use: It is relatively easy to use, especially for users familiar with traditional audio equipment. Recording CDs without a computer appeals to those who prefer an old-school, straightforward approach to archiving audio. The track increment feature is user-friendly, making it easy to divide longer recordings into individual tracks.
• Reliability: TEAC is famous for producing durable and well-built audio equipment, and the CDRW890 lives up to this reputation. The unit has a solid build quality, with buttons and dials that feel sturdy. However, some users report occasional issues. Indeed, on occasions it didn’t recognise blank CDs, which can sometimes require a disc format change or unit reset.

Pros

• Standalone Recording: One of the major benefits of this device is its standalone nature. You don’t need a computer to burn CDs.
• Versatility: With both analogue and digital inputs, it can accommodate a wide range of audio sources.
• Ease of Use: Straightforward controls and a dedicated remote make it simple for users familiar with older audio setups.
• Reliable Build: TEAC products are famous for their durability and longevity, and the CDRW890 reflects that quality.

Cons

• No MP3/WAV Support: The CDRW890 doesn’t support recording or playback of MP3 or WAV files, which might be limiting for users who want a more modern, multi-format solution.
• Disc Compatibility: Some users have reported that it can be picky about the types of blank CDs it accepts, occasionally rejecting certain brands or disc formats.
• Outdated Technology: Given that most audio is now digital and can be easily burned on a computer, the need for a dedicated CD recorder might seem dated to some. This device is primarily for enthusiasts or professionals with a need for physical media.

Target Audience

The TEAC CDRW890 is ideal for:

• Audiophiles who still use CD-based media or prefer physical backups.
• Musicians and professionals who need to create master CDs from analogue or digital sources.
• Archivists looking to transfer older media (such as vinyl or cassette) to CDs.
• Non-tech-savvy users who want a simple, standalone way to record CDs without involving a computer.

TEAC CDRW890: In Conclusion

All in all, this item has all the features you would expect from a modern CD machine. For example, there is a headphone socket complete with volume control. Also is the usual shuffle play and repeat, etc.

Just to point out that there have been reports of com errors on recording. However, these might be isolated cases. Apart from the price, we can’t knock this machine because of it’s good looks and performance.

The TEAC CDRW890 is a specialized product in an era dominated by digital media. It fills a niche for those who still appreciate the functionality of CDs and want to preserve their analogue recordings in a physical format. While it doesn’t support modern digital formats like MP3, its high-quality recordings, solid build, and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for dedicated users.

If you need a reliable CD recorder with both digital and analogue input options, the TEAC CDRW890 is a solid choice, though it might feel a bit dated for more tech-forward users.

Star Ratings

Overall Rating

The ratings here represent your all scores combined. So, give us your opinion.

Your Reviews

The following independent reviews may help you decide to buy or subscribe to a service:

Leave A Review

Leave your thoughts and opinions about this product or service. Also, use the yellow star rating button and give marks out of five. There is also a comments section below for other remarks.