Pioneer PDR-555RW CD Recorder

I've had my Pioneer recorder for well over a year, I bought it when they first came out. I paid $499 for it but prices continue to drop. If you have a lot of CDs (like me) this is a great tool. I use mine primarily to compile multiple CDs onto a single disc, mostly singles with multiple mixes. The Pioneer is very user friendly (I'm technically savvy for PC's and such but not for audio equipment) and I use it in conjunction with an AIWA 3CD player that has a digital connection. One gripe is having to pay over $30 for the *&@# digital cable. You could always use the analog connection but if you are going to do it, you might as well do it right, so you will have to cough it up for the cable. The good thing is that these are universal and can be used for other digital components.
The recording time takes however long the music your recording takes to play (duh) plus the "finalize" process which lasts up to 4 minutes (depending on the amount of music recorded) but actually takes slightly longer. You only have to do this once, after you have recorded everything you want to record on a given disc.
As for media, I found a great source for generic blank CDRs that cost about a dollar apiece or less. If you are interested in getting the name of the company, email me at brad_morris@email.com I don't want to post it here because that might seem improper. I don't get anything from referring people to this seller.
If you buy commercial blank CDRs BE SURE they are labelled for consumer audio use. The super cheap ones that you can use in PC CD recorders WILL NOT work in these units.
I also recommend making a disc as soon as you get the recorder to MAKE SURE IT WORKS IN YOUR CAR CD PLAYER. I have not had any problem myself but know that older cars or players might not like the CDRs. That way if it does not work, you will still have time to return the recorder.
I've recorded over 50 discs and have never had one fail me so this is a very reliable media and process.
The recorder also has several handy features, including the ability to change the time display, such as time recorded, time remaining on disc, etc.
If you are an audiophile or you just want to consolidate the number of CDs you carry, I highly recommend this device.