I have the Pioneer DVR-105 drive and have been thinking about making the jump to a "dual format" drive with all the talk about things heading towards +R. I'd probably go with the Sony DRU510A which seems to be one of the more highly ranked +/- drives out today.

My issue is that I've been VERY pleased with the DVR-105 (it replaced a DVR-104) and I was wondering if it was worth the hassle of trying to change over. I use the 2x4all w/12x ripping speed firmware and it's pretty peppy. Is there a hacked firmware out for the Sony and/or is it as reliable as the Pioneer?

I think if anything, most high end drives coming out will be dual format, like the Pioneer A06/106. The only gain with the Sony at this point would be in CD writing speeds, and in DVD rewritables. As far as reliability, there are lots of posts, pro and con on this forum to research. I would probably wait for an 8X burner before investing that much money for a product that isn't leaps and bounds better than what you currently have. You did say you are happy with the Pioneer after all.

Yes, I do really like the Pioneer. I just had an opportunity to switch to the Sony DRU510A on basically an even swap. I'd be willing to do it IF the Sony is as good as the Pioneer on -R (and DVD ripping speeds) and also provided me with the 'future security blanket' of +R compatibility :cool:

Moving this to CoOp.

I'd say if its anything close to an even swap go for it. I too have a DVR-105, but wouldnt mind switching over to a SONY. Sure there may not be the 2x4all, but i think with the SONY you still get more. I'd say a DVR-105 + $50 would even be a good deal.

Templar is right. The trend definitely seems to be towards dual format. Untill I can no longer find any kind of DVD-R media at a reasonable price I will not ditch my Cendyne 105 (Pioneer 105) drive. The Sony is an excellent burner but I don't think that it is worth ditching the Pioneer for it. If you are able to get an even swap then go ahead but if you have to invest more than $20-$30 beyond that then I would say you are wasting your money as higher speed burners aren't too far down the road and I certainly don't think that the - format is going to disappear before 8x burners are at a reasonable price. I guess the point of all of this can be summed up by Lazza's signature "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!"

Thanks for the feedback, after doing some more research I'm starting to think that Pioneer might even be able to release a firmware for us 105 owners that gave +R capabilities IF and when -R media is no longer available.

I have definitely been torn on this decision..haha The Sony brand is just about on every major electronic device (outside the PC) in my house but I have really been pleased with the 105 and I think I'll keep it right where it is :tup:

I'm somewhat of a Sony loyalist myself, when it comes to certain products, so I know where you are coming from. BUT, they are not the end all in the PC, and DVD field. I think you made the right decision.

Pioneer 106 is a dual format & about $225.00 why not get that if you already have a Pioneer?