I've been looking for a Wave/MP3 recorder for some time now. Tried the Tascam DR-1 and took it back - recordings too dry and clinical, low output volume on wave files, too much hiss on higher gain mic setting, poor MP3 music playback (gives an indication of internal component quality)

Also looked at the Zoom H4 - sounded good but gee it's ugly and a bit too complicated to use. I didn't need the 4 track functions etc either and it also had a cheap, nasty feel and build quality to it. I felt it would prove unreliable.

Sound quality is paramount for my application - recording Meditations for students which can become very softly spoken - so low background noise and hiss is vital. I needed a recorder to replace and out perform my Sony MZ-RH1.

The Edirol R-09 HR exceeds my expectations and I am astonished and delighted with its perfomance.

The remote control is a real boon for starting and stopping recordings without having to handle the unit which would create noise on the internal mics and it also allows me to remain quiet and stationary whilst recording the meditation live to the class.

A silent noise floor, quality built in Mics, superb recording quality, monitoring and playback and excellent MP3 music playback too - suggesting quality components and attention to detail. Beautiful.

Some say the unit is ugly. I find it functional, very easy to use and not at all ugly.

I love this recorder. There's a sense of depth, precision and musicality to the quality of everything I've recorded so far, Meditations, Bird song and flute and clarinet playing with friends.

Excellent service from Dolphin. Thanks also to Andrew at Dolphin who, on the phone, answered a couple of my questions in a knowledgable and friendly way.. Received the unit next day and it came with a 2gig card as well as a 512meg card.

Very happy.