Please Note: Requires Consumer Audio CD-R/CD-RW Discs
As with all consumer CD recorders of this era, the CDR 870 will only accept specially designated “consumer” or “for audio” CD-R and CD-RW discs, rather than standard computer data discs. This is due to the Serial Copy Management System (SCMS) built into consumer recorders of this type, and blank consumer audio CD-Rs remain readily available from most retailers.
Key Features
The CDR 870 offers a genuinely flexible set of connections for a recorder of its era, with analogue phono inputs and outputs alongside both optical and coaxial digital I/O, allowing direct digital connection to DAT machines, MiniDisc recorders, or other digital sources regardless of their preferred connector type. Recording level is adjustable via a manual REC LEVEL control, with automatic and manual recording modes available, and a CD Sync function for straightforward digital dubbing from another CD player. The front panel offers Finalize and Erase functions for preparing recorded discs for playback in standard CD players, alongside a headphone output with its own level control.
Technical Specifications
(Source: The Music Den listing, cross-referenced via Sound On Sound and Radiomuseum.org)
- Type: Compact disc recorder (CD-R/CD-RW)
- Disc format: CD-DA (audio CD-R and CD-RW)
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Dynamic range: 98dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 105dB
- Line output: 2V
- Analogue connections: Stereo phono in/out
- Digital connections: Coaxial and optical in/out
- Headphone output: Adjustable level
- Power requirement: 230V AC, 50Hz, 15W
- Dimensions: 435 x 310 x 75mm (W x D x H)
- Weight: 4kg
- Country of Manufacture: Belgium
Important Owner’s Notes
This unit is supplied without a remote control. As noted above, it requires consumer-designated audio CD-R or CD-RW blanks rather than standard computer discs.
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked by David in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
A fully tested, very good condition Philips CDR 870, a genuinely useful and historically interesting CD recorder offering flexible analogue and digital connectivity for archiving vinyl, tape, or digital sources to disc. Supplied without remote control; requires consumer audio CD-R/CD-RW blanks. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
