Sony TCM-200DV Cassette Recorder with Dual Power Source

In some cases old technology is actually better than new.

I have been using a DVR in language study; I would record my friend speaking basic sentences in Japanese and then listen to them over and over to help with my pronunciation.

But there are a few problems with a DVR. First of all, there are only three playback speeds; normal, slow, and fast. This cassette recorder allows you to vary the speed- I believe that the specs in the description are wrong, it seems as though you can speed up or slow down up to 100% of the original recording.

Also, using a DVR cueing in reverse and forward is not possible. You can rewind and fast forward, but you cannot hear anything when doing so.

Finally, when you are interrupted during a recording, or stop the recording prematurely, a DVR is cumbersome when trying to go back and add or record over previously recorded material. This is very simple using the cassette recorder.

Obviously a DVR also has many advatages over a cassette recorder, but for my purposes the old is better than the new.

My kids were thrilled with this, just like I was when I was their age with my first tape recorder. This one has a great feature to slow down or speed up the playback which has been lots of fun for my kids. Just wish it had a counter to keep track of where you are on the tape. I'm glad I bought a small portable microphone to go with it which makes it easier for one person to operate while recording themselves.

Excellent service; shipped right away. Product was well packaged, hence no damages. Would definately buy from Amazon again.
L. Jackson

We were able to take this recorder on our vacation and use it in a church service where we recorded some music and a message. We were about four rows back and still got a very clear recording (of course not a professional grade) that we could use to learn the song and review the message. We have not used all the features, but what we have used have performed above our expectations and we look forward to continue to use it with confidence.

Generally a very good product. Sound quality could use marginal improvement (would rate it at an 8 on a scale of 10). The speed control feature is very handy. While the item description states cassette recorder with dual power source - it does not come with the plug in power source (that would have made it a very strong candidate for five stars). Very good value for the money.