HD24 vs HD24XR

[tamasdragon]

I'm considering the hd24 for location work, although I have read that the xr version is better. My question is how much better? Because here in Hungary the xr almost double the price of the original hd 24. So should I get the hd24 and later buy the ec2 from somewhere europe, or buy the xr version, which is almost double price here?
Tamas Dragon

[Remoteness]

The question is, "How much is the EC2 update kit?
It's about $800.00 USD in the States.
Do the math and make the move.

IMO, the XR convertors are much better than the original recorder.

[Jungle Jazz]

I'm not sure how much the HD24XR goes for over there, but in the US you can get them for about $1650 new, with warranty. It's a whole lot less to just buy the HD24XR from the get go than to do the upgrade after the fact. Is it any cheaper for you to import it from a US dealer?

[tamasdragon]

Thanks, after reading a few, I think I would go for the xr version.
Tamas Dragon

[AnAverageJoe]

I've heard the converters are better on the XR, but I don't think it's by a long shot IMO

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by AnAverageJoe

I've heard the converters are better on the XR, but I don't think it's by a long shot IMO

Have you A/B'd the two units to come to that concusion?

[0VU]

My feeling is that the original HD24 is very useful as comparatively cheap data recorder for use with external converters, whereas the HD24XR conversion is a worthwhile and noticeable upgrade that gives much improved, and very useable, conversion quality.

Imo, the XR version is well worth the extra cash to get decent conversion that doesn't force you to carry and use external conversion to get reasonable quality or make you regret saving money every time you need to use the machine. (Even at UK prices where the basic machine costs about £750 whilst the XR costs about £1190, the XR is worth it.)

[Remoteness]

0VU: Well said --that's a good way to put it.

[mrsteaks]

Let me just add by saying that the EC2 upgrade in my HD24 made it head and shoulders better at all sample rates than it was as a "straight" HD24. Noticeable? If you were deaf you'd still hear the difference. Is the HD24XR a worthwhile upgrade over the HD24? Oh, good lord, yes!

[Jungle Jazz]

Just curious if anyone has done any comparisons between the stock HD24 converters and those on some low-mid priced preamps with conversion, like the Digimax units, Octopres, Mackie Onyx, etc. Would it already be a step up by using those external converters, or would they be on the same level as the ones in the HD24?

[mrsteaks]

Originally Posted by Jungle Jazz

Just curious if anyone has done any comparisons between the stock HD24 converters and those on some low-mid priced preamps with conversion, like the Digimax units, Octopres, Mackie Onyx, etc. Would it already be a step up by using those external converters, or would they be on the same level as the ones in the HD24?

I did, yes. I purchased an Onyx 800R and tried it with the stock HD24 (before I did the EC2 upgrade). The ADC's in the Mackie were not worth the $800 it cost me to buy the preamp, not in the way that the $800 I've spent since for the EC2 has been. It was only slightly better, just a touch smoother - but then, you have the Mackie pres to contend with. The EC2 upgrade is much, much better, IMO, than the Mackie 800R ADC's. I think the moral of the story is obvious here - spend your money wisely. Get the HD24XR!

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Have you A/B'd the two units to come to that concusion?

No Sir, Thats why I said "I don't think it's by a long shot" Please Correct me if I'm wrong.

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by mrsteaks

I did, yes. I purchased an Onyx 800R and tried it with the stock HD24 (before I did the EC2 upgrade). The ADC's in the Mackie were not worth the $800 it cost me to buy the preamp, not in the way that the $800 I've spent since for the EC2 has been. It was only slightly better, just a touch smoother - but then, you have the Mackie pres to contend with. The EC2 upgrade is much, much better, IMO, than the Mackie 800R ADC's. I think the moral of the story is obvious here - spend your money wisely. Get the HD24XR!

Where did you get your EC2 upgrade for your HD24?

[mrsteaks]

Originally Posted by AnAverageJoe

Where did you get your EC2 upgrade for your HD24?

I bought it from an online retailer. Had a time finding someone who had it in stock!

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by mrsteaks

I bought it from an online retailer. Had a time finding someone who had it in stock!

Do you remember who the retailer was?

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by AnAverageJoe

No Sir, Thats why I said "I don't think it's by a long shot" Please Correct me if I'm wrong.

Nah, no need for a correction, I just was curious and didn't read between the lines...

My bad!

[idylldon]

Try Northern Sound and Light. I bought my EC-2 upgrade kit from them and it was quite a bit less than $800.00.

Northern Sound & Light (NSL) - Call Us 866-796-6232

Call them for best pricing.

Cheers,
--
Don

[mrsteaks]

Originally Posted by AnAverageJoe

Do you remember who the retailer was?

No, I don't - I'll check the receipt and get back to you. I've had mine, I don't know, six or seven months, and at the time that I bought it no one had one, so I dug around until I found someone who did. They weren't a "mainstream" retailer, which is why I can't remember their name.