If you're considering the M-Audio Microtrack 2496 and the Edirol R-1,
I'd select the R-1. I think it has a better preamp, its firmware is
stable, and it runs on easily replaceable AA batteries. However, the
R-1 lacks a digital input, and digitizes at a relatively low rate of
24/44.1. Both the Microtrack or the R-1 have lightweight construction
(they will feel flimsy compared to your MZ-R30), but I'd give a slight
advantage to the R-1 in this department.
The Microtrack 2496 costs about $365 in USA, the R-1 about $400. A
2GB Compactflash card costs about $100, and you'll probably want two
for a full day of recording. So your investment will be about $600.
On the other hand, one can purchase a new Sony MZ-RH910 Hi-MD machine
for $175. A box of 10 Hi-MD discs costs $65. That's excellent value,
especially considering the quality of the recordings you can make with
Hi-MD.
The cheapest and simplest solution is to purchase a used minidisc
machine to replace the unit that was lost. A used MZ-R30 costs about
$50 on eBay, the MZ-R50 about $90.
--oryoki
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