Lite-On 16X DVD (LTD-163) or Pioneer 106S ???

[kag]

Hi,
I am looking for a DVD player for xmas and I wanted the Pioneer 106S, but it's back order everywhere

So I narrowed my choice to the Sony 16X and the Lite-On 16X too. Someone in another thread recommended me the Lite-On and I read a very good review about it on Storage Review. It looks very good, and I guess the Sony is also good. Now I want to know if the Lite-On (or the Sony) is reliable. I lost a CD Writer last month after only 2 years, and I don't want to loose my DVD too!

The Lite-On is $100 CAD and the Sony $103 CAD... and the Pioneer is $129, it's too expensive, it's almost $150 with taxes!

What do you guys think?

 

[Dundain]

Well I installed a Lite-On 16x DVD drive in my friends computer and while its fast as hell, especially when ripping CDs (though I didnt get to try ripping DVDs) its LOUD...I mean, I htought the Creative 52x CDROM drives were loud but this thing REVED up...though during DVD playback it was silent...but I'd say its a great deal for the price

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I just ordered the Lite-on(retail package) from Mwave.com for 54$ U.S. I'll let you know what I think when it arrives on friday or monday(holiday shipping delays) if you haven't made up your mind yet.

 

[EY2K]

If you think the Liteon DVD drive is loud, then you're in for a BIG surprise if you use a Slot-load drive from Pioneer or AOpen. I used to have a 16x slot load pioneer before I got the LTD-163, and it was so loud that you could hear the thing even if you closed my room door. It was also hella loud when playing DVDs. It also was fairly slow when ripping audio CDs. I think youll be happy with the Liteon drive.

 

[Spike]

the 106s is in stock at newegg for $72 newegg

but it may not be there for long. I just ordered one for myself as they just got them in stock yesterday

 

[kag]

Mmmmmm,
the place where I was about to order my LiteOn just got some Pioneer's today!!!

Now I dont know what to do.... either the LTD-163 or the Pioneer 106S, and they are both about the same price!!

Which one should last me longer??

Thanks

 

[DAPUNISHER]

If they're approx. the same price I would buy the 106S. I put 1 in my bro-in-laws system and it's sweet. I went with the Lite-on because their was an 18$ difference between the 2 where I purchase from(Newegg and Mwave) and the 106s was a bare drive and the Lite-on was retail with full warranty.

 

[kag]

Mmm
I never thought about the warranty... good point.... does an OEM drive come with like only a 30 days warranty?

I heard LiteOn's support is so-so... but I think the place where I'm buying the drive is okay for returns

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Hey kag,I copied this from newegg:OEM vs. Retail
The retail and OEM versions usually will have the same exact product, however the retail version usually will come with bundled software, retail packaging, and more bells and whistles so to speak. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), White Box, Brown Box versions will come with the actual product and usually the drivers, no special packaging or software. Occasionally the retail version will accompany a longer warranty.
Suggestion: Check out the manufacturer's website, to see what all is included.
I would think that many other resellers would have similar policies.

 

[kag]

Well thanks everyone!

I ordered the Pioneer, as both came with a 1 year warranty. I chose the Pioneer simply because it was ATA66 so I can hook it up to the same cable as my HDD without slowing it down, so I'll have 3 optical devices in my computer (I don't have to take a CDRom out).



Guillaume

 

[Mer]

That Liteon DVD drive is damn LOUD!!
I only bought it because all the reviews said it was quiet and fast.

Fast... hell yeah!! Quiet.. hell no!!
It vibrates my whole case when I'm copying large files to my PC.

I've used pioneer's (old and new) and they are quieter.

If you are looking for a reliable and quiet drive... go with a Toshiba.
I have a fairly new 10x and a 12x (I think) toshiba in my PC's at home and they both run really quiet.

And not to sound like I am not a Liteon fan... I have their 12x cdrw drive and love it to death.
Does the best overburns in Nero and it's quiet too!!
And it's not picky about cdr media... I usually go for the cheapest stuff out there... and this drive has never failed me at 12x burn speeds
Why couldn't they just make their dvd drives like it!!

My 2 cents.

Sweetness,
Mer.

 

[skriefal]

<< That Liteon DVD drive is damn LOUD!! >>



I installed one into a friends/coworkers machine a few days ago, and my reaction was just the opposite. One of the quieter DVD drives I've heard... definitely quieter than my 10X tray-loading Pioneer.



<< It vibrates my whole case when I'm copying large files to my PC. >>



Well, that's more likely due to poor case/drive bay design than to problems with the DVD drive itself.



<< I have a fairly new 10x and a 12x (I think) toshiba in my PC's at home and they both run really quiet. >>



Toshibas are good drives, and are usually consider to be some of the quietest drives available. I've never had a chance to compare one to the Lite-On.

 

[Mer]

Hey Shriefal, I'm glad you agree with me on the fact that Toshiba drives are quie.

<< It vibrates my whole case when I'm copying large files to my PC. >>
"Well, that's more likely due to poor case/drive bay design than to problems with the DVD drive itself."

I have an Enlight case. They're pretty sturdy case and it's mounted in there pretty well mind you.

Update:-
I also noticed that the motor seems to spin louder when reading any cd-r discs (even blank ones) than when reading install files of my factory burnt office2k CD. And DVD playback is also quiet but not as quiet as the Toshiba

All in all, I hope this helps Kag with his choice.

I would definitely look into a Toshiba drive.

Sweetness,
Mer.