Error Correction Tests

Next we checked the drive's behavior when it comes to reading scratched / defective discs. The test discs we used were the ABEX series from ALMEDIO.

- ABEX TCD-721R

The Pioneer DVR-SK12D performed very well. As you can be seen from the graph above, the majority of the red spikes (error level) are lower than the -60dB(A), EAC's author limit for non-audible errors. The total average error loudness level is only -73.6dB(A) with a maximum value at -35.9dB(A). No errors were skipped and some samples were muted.

The total score for Pioneer DVR-SK12D is good and reaches 76.7 points out of 100.

- ABEX TCD-726

Using the 726 Abex test disc, being more easily read by most drives, the drive managed to rip the contents of the disc without problems. Comparing the original .wav file (i.e. non deffective source) with the one produced after ripping the defective disc, showed no major differences. No samples were skipped and only a few number samples were muted.

The total score of the drive for this test is 90.6 points out of 100.

- CD-Check Audio Test Disc

The CD-Check Test Disc is a very useful tool for evaluating the Sound Reproduction / Error correction capabilities of a CD player. The disc offers a signal combination with disc error patterns to rate the drive's abilities to read and reproduce music completely. Five tracks on the disc contain a sequence of progressively difficult test tracks. These tracks are referred as Check Level-1 through Check Level-5.

The files are reproduced (played) through a software multimedia player (i.e. Windows Media Player). Each level is considered as passed, if the tone coming out from the speakers is smooth, continuous without interruptions, skipping or looping. The higher the Check Level passed, the more reliable the sound reproduction of the tested device.

The Pioneer DVR-SK12D passed the first 4 Check Levels of the test. The performance reveals very good sound reproduction and error correction. The fifth level includes an error size of 1.500mm, and the drive here produced audible clicks.

- Conclusion

Combining the two scores from the tests, we estimate an average total score of 83.7 points out of 100. The score is more than adequate. The Pioneer drive managed to read severely scratched discs with a high accuracy, a fact that may interest many users who are seeking reliable reproduction of discs.