Xitel DG2 MDPort Review - PAGE 1

Aficionados and stalwart supporters of the MiniDisc format have long been using their MD’s to record MP3 compilations… but until now the options were limited to either analogue recording, or else digital recordings on soundcards equipped with digital outputs. Sure, the superb Xitel AN1 gave astoundingly clear transfers in spite of being an analogue recording device, but some audiophiles and enthusiasts insist on digital recordings. Those same consumers recognized that soundcards equipped with digital audio outputs compromised some quality due to the high amount of electronic interference in the computer case competing with the audio signal - Which is exactly why Xitel introduced their DG1 external digital recording device last year. Unfortunately, although the DG1 turned out great results, it worked with a very limited number of recorders, and it also cost a rather large sum of money. In fact, following our review of Xitel’s DG1, a lot of the mail I had been receiving were questions about compatibility and questions along the lines of “is it really worth it to spend that much extra cash?” Well now both those issues have been addressed with Xitel’s introduction of the DG2. The DG2 is not only designed to work with recorders of all types… it’s also priced more competitively then it’s predecessor.

So just what is the DG2? Those unfamiliar with Xitel’s family of MD recording devices should definitely refer to my DG1 article for a primer. In short, the DG2 is a USB device that allows you to make MD recordings digitally. Its premise is that higher recording fidelity can be achieved by taking the highly specialized electronics out of the “noisy” environment of the computer case.

Breaking the compatibility Barrier

The DG1’s primary downfall was it’s extremely poor compatibility – on those recorders with which it had problems, recordings would have random breaks, incorrectly placed track marks, and even small segments missing from songs. After much research, Xitel has isolated the problem and addressed it by including two operation modes for the DG2: discrete recording mode, and continual recording mode. One or the other mode should work with any and all recorders on the market.

Usage Tests

We used the DG2 with several Sony, Sharp, and Panasonic recorders and they all recorded properly using the DG2 (many of those same recorders had problems with the DG1). Even home decks worked well with the DG2.

Quality wise the recordings are superbly crisp, clean, and true to the MP3 originals. Everything we said about the quality of DG1 recordings remains true with the DG2. I performed some additional semi blind A-B comparisons between DG2 recordings and recordings made digitally through a Vortex2 reference soundcard, and the DG2 recordings were noticeably better. The most apparent difference is in the much reduced baseline noise, and the overall sense of increased fidelity. This time around, with a year of additional experience, the DG2 quality was easily discerned: I have no doubt that on much of the test material we used that the DG2 produced more aurally pleasing results then my Vortex2 soundcard.

Some Caveats

Although the DG2 claims to work with all MD recorders, we found that not everyone will be able to use the DG2 to make recordings. This is because not all computers comply with USB specs, and the DG2 is quite picky in this one aspect of system compatibility. Xitel’s tech support literature provides more detail on this, for those who are interested.

In addition, not all music lovers will find a significant and worthwhile increase in recording quality when using the DG2. I have been known to be a picky music enthusiast… but MANY other enthusiasts have been quite content with just a soundcard with digital output capability.

A winner at last

With it’s increased compatibility and superb recording quality, the DG2 is a great boon for MD fans. Thanks to its low $59.99 price, the recorder is also more affordable too then the DG1, which retailed for $99.99. For the price, Xitel bundles the DG2 with a USB cable, a Studio Optical TOSLINK cable, and a full copy of MusicMatch Jukebox software. The included TOSLINK cable has a micro optical connector designed for use with portable recorders. If you have a home deck, you will most likely need a separate TOSLINK cable with full sized connectors on either end.

This time around, I heartily recommend the DG2 to all hardcore fans of MDs. For the discerning audio enthusiast, the quality is worth the added investment.

Overall Score: 87%