Conclusion

Lite-On's latest 24X burner provides impressive levels of performance.

In summary, its strengths include:

• SMART-Burn optimizes write speeds and prevents buffer underruns
• Inclusion of Nero Burning ROM software
• Lowest-priced 24X burner on the market
• Quick access times
• Excellent application-level read performance
• Error correction during CD-DA playback ties the best SR has tested
• 24X write speeds are some of the fastest SR has measured

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The LTR-24102B's weak areas are:

• Sparse documentation
• No IDE cable included in retail package
• Slow audio extraction at the beginning of a CD
• Read speeds with CD-RW media are significantly slower than competition
• Packet-writing formats trail the competition significantly

Overall, the LTR-24102B performs well enough to garner serious consideration by power users. Its combination of low cost, quick read speeds and spirited writes keep Lite-On's flagship competitive with current Leaderboard champ Plextor. Only slow initial DAE speeds and poor read performance with CD-RW media keep the LTR-24102B from supplanting the PX-W2410TA outright.