Re: R-09HR, R-44 preamp comparisons

["oryoki2000" oryoki2000]

Rob D. wrote "Although Scott's test shows that the 
R-09HR's pre noise performance is a significant 
improvement over the R-09's, its not as 'exceptional' 
as some nature recordists might have been hoping for."

Yes, some full-size recorders still have the advantage in sound
quality. Among the current crop of inexpensive hand-held recorders,
the Sony PCM-D50 has the quietest preamps, offering performance
similar to the Hi-MD recorders. Unfortunately, the D-50 costs about $450.

Scott uses a Sound Devices MixPre as a front end for the R-09HR when
he is recording ambience and nature sounds. That's a $1000 package
($660 for MixPre, $325 for R-09HR, and a $15 cable to connect them).  

This makes the full-size Fostex FR-2LE look like a bargain at $430, a
price often found on eBay.  The FR-2LE is about 500 g heavier than the
MixPre + R-09HR combination, but it offers the handling ease of an
all-in-one package.

--oryoki