Last year's original Archos Jukebox Recorder impressed us with its ability to encode MP3 files from a hard drive. However, after the Apple iPod and Creative's upped to high-speed FireWire connections, Archos had to respond, and he has done with the Jukebox Recorder 20. While the 20's feature set and design are identical to its predecessor, offers more 20GB hard drive and a lightning-fast USB 2.0 connection at a very fair price.Last year original Archos Jukebox Recorder impressed us with his ability to encode MP3 files to a hard drive. However, after the Apple iPod and Creative's upped to high-speed FireWire connections, Archos had to respond, and he has done with the Jukebox Recorder 20. While the 20's feature set and design are identical to its predecessor, offers more 20GB hard drive and a lightning-fast USB 2.0 connection at a very fair price.
A true workhorse
At 4.5 by 3.2 by 1.3 inches, the rectangular Recorder 20 is actually lower than all except the iPod. However, his weight 12.3 ounces prevents pocket is easy. Four large rubber corners to provide some protection, but do not let that fool you into thinking that this is one unit.
With respect to the controls go, the player 10 buttons are arranged for very intuitive operation, which almost compensates for the fact that in the remote line contains only a volume wheel. The large backlit display uses a fairly small font, but a no-nonsense design and simple navigation system to the logical operation and trouble free.
Connect the player via USB 1.1 or 2.0 after installing the drivers, and the recorder 20 shows on the PC as an external hard drive. This means you can simply drag and drop your MP3 files, music folders and data files on the drive without learning how to use proprietary software. Archos claims transfer speeds up to 1.5MB per second for USB 1.1 and 60MB per second with USB 2.0 but this is optimistic. Our test machine transferred files 1.06Mb per second over USB 1.1 and 8.43MB per second when using USB 2.0. However, the latter number - a quick two songs per second - compares favorably with other hard drives based on MP3 players with fast connections we've tested.
Versatile, yet intuitive
On the menu, you can select MP3 Record, Sound, Play Mode, Playlist, Language (English, French, German), and the album du
ro diagnose. Behind these options are a multitude of playback and recording options that let you fine-tune using graphic EQ, choose the recording quality, and create playlists on the fly, among other things.
The device inputs and outputs are so versatile you'll find an optical S / PDIF in / out, a headphone jack (a 1/8-inch-to-RCA cable is included) and one analog 1/8-inch of entry. This means you can play audio for bending around the neck or stereo headphones with an optical-digital or analog RCA inputs. You can also record from any digital or analog line level source such as a digital microphone, a CD player or a player through a receiver. However, the built-in microphone is suitable only for voice notes.
The Archos records audio in MP3 format at sampling rates from 16 kHz to 44.1 kHz and bit rates of 30Kbps to 160Kbps - a reasonable range of recording quality and file size. We are pleased to see the shows recording levels with a slider, which lets you change the signal strength, which makes it easier to get one that is possible when using the Nomad Jukebox 3. The latter device does not show the recording levels, but can record WAV files to a higher fidelity audio.
Cool Extras, solid performance
In addition to this feature 1/8-inch headphone to RCA, Archos launched the AC adapter to power the four internal AA rechargeable batteries Ni-MH giving a duration of 10 hours, and a clip neoprene belt that is suitable for walkers, not joggers. Audio sounds clean because of a 90dB signal to noise and slightly distorts the volume to maximum.
Sure, Archos's Recorder 20 is neither elegant or as small as the iPod and has all the bells and whistles of Creative Nomad Jukebox 3. However, not everyone's special needs EQ settings multiple environments, including travel by train. With your connection speed, large capacity, and ability to burn MP3, the $ 320 recorder, 20 currently offers more bang for your buck than any other hard drive based player, and highly recommend it.
