Ricoh MP7200A CD-RW

Review Pages

1. Ricoh ships the first 20x recorder!
2. Data Tests
3. RW reading tests
4. DAE Tests
5. CDR Tests - Page 1
6. CDR Tests - Page 2
7. RW Writing Tests
8. Conclusion

Ricoh MP7200A IDE CDR-W - Page 8

Conclusion

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

- First recorder that supports 20x writing speed!
- "Just-Link" anti-coaster technology
- "Just-Speed" quality protection system
- Best DATA reading performance with CDs/HS-RW media around!
- Good DAE ripping performance (with CDR media)
- Best reading/writing packet writing performance around!
- Supports HS-RW standard (10x re-write)
- Supports DAO-RAW
- Supports reading of SubChannel data (VERY FAST!)
- Supports CD-Text (only writing)
- Supports Overburning (writes up to 99mins!!)
- Supports Ultra-DMA 33 connection interface
- Good retail package (contains Nero 5.5)

- Bad DAE performance with pressed audio CDs
- Problems with dusted/scratched CDR media
- Bad CloneCD reading performance (with SafeDisc 1/2 protected CDs)
- Failed to backup SD2 protected CDs

Ricoh is the first manufacturer that ships an ultra high-speed recorder in the market: MP7200A. The drive supports 20x Z-CLV writing speed, 10x re-writing and 40x reading. The drive's overall performance was very good and in many tests got the first place among the best selling recorders. Ricoh has added "Just-Speed" quality protection system in the MP7200A ,protecting users from bad media, and support for writing fully 99minutes CDs!

The possible buyer must know that he will need 20x/24x certified CDs in order fully enjoy the Ricoh MP7200A's 20x writing speed. There is a problem however, since even Ricoh will not be able to supply you with such media until middle of May. The price of the drive is estimated in Japan around 230-240$ and in Europe around 300 Euro (267$).

The big advantage of Ricoh MP7200A is the "shipping time", since the drive is already out in the stores...Yamaha's 20x writer will come out in few weeks and as for the 24x retail drives we will have to wait until the first days of July.