Any reccomendations for a CD burner?

Plextor is the most popular among highest quality options, I also heard some Teacs are about the same level...
I wouldn't care about most standalone units, as A/D converter quality is usually isn't clear, using SPDIF introduces more jitter, etc. Using PC, and thus being entirely in digital data domain, burner of high quality, and a good software, one could minimize those problems, IMO.

Another interesting option for the PC route is the M-audio Transit. This is an A/D convertor in with a USB interface for only $100. It performs up to 24/96 conversion and acts as an A/D or a D/A.

That said I would imagine a standalone to be much simpler to use. Many studios use TASCAM or HHB. Check on www.musiciansfriend.com.

In this community, role of DAC is usually considered important enough to pay several grands, or even more. However when the subject is not DAC, but ADC (A/D converter), many agree to go with incomparably cheaper solutions. Just curious why it happens? A/D affects reproduction quality not less than DAC... Would anyone using M-audio consider to downgrade his Theta Gen VIII to $100 DAC?

i've had a standalone tascam cdrw 700 for 5 yrs now, have burned over 2000 discs, and haven't had a problem (though i just found that verbatim discs don't work in it; a first!).

can defeat SCMS with the unit too!

The M-audio, Berringer, Edirol, Flying Cow ect. are not nearly as good as the other options listed. These units are made with price as the selling point, thus the parts are usually compromised.

FYIW, Oade's do modify the Edirol, which might be a cheap option. For more info go to their web site.