Olympus DM-550 or LS-5???

27.08.2010

„Why always Olympus, by the way? They surely bought into audiotranskription!“ No, dear readers, they did not. We're just really enthusiastic about some (not all!) devices of this brand and, judging by feedbacks of the last 5 years, many thousand customers feel the same way, too. In our opinion, the Olympus LS-5 and the DM-550 are the best „price-perfomance“ recorders currently available on the entire market. Our large benchmark test resulted in announcing the DM-550 „Price-perfomance winner“ (the LS-11 was best rated in listening matters). At this time, the LS-5 didn't exist yet (which has the same technical equipment as the LS-11). Both product lines are so close to each other that we also have problems to decide for one or the other. That's why we are now making the differences transparent and letting you take part in our decision-making.

Workmanship

Both devices are very solidly crafted and have a metal/plastic cover. They are extremely sturdy – no rattling in daily use. The keys of the LS-5 are somewhat bigger, but the operation of either is very easy. Also blind users will have no problems handling them, whereas the DM-550 additionally features a read out aloud menu. Since the DM series was released, we have sold several thousand items and had only one (!) case of warranty. The same applies for the LS-10 and LS-11. As the LS-5 has been available for mere 3 weeks, we have no reliable data. But as it is exactly identical in construction to 10 and 11, we don't expect any difference here.

Optics

The LS is clearly bigger and really has the look of a professional recorder thanks to the two prominent microphone capsules. Therefore, it isn't that unobtrusive anymore. The DM, in contrast, is much more plain and elegant and seems more like a dictating machine, although you cannot dictate with it. It's rather a wolf in sheep's clothing regarding the recording quality. The displays of both devices are well visible, but have some difficulties with direct insolation (as almost every display). 

Everyday use

In comparison, operating the LS is a bit easier. The functions „Modulation“, „LowCut“ and „Microphone sensitivity“ are adjustable via mechanic switches located on the side of the gadget. You don't have to read the manual for that. The „Record“ button of the LS is nice and big – you literally want to press it (press twice to start recording; the DM button needs to be pressed only once). Easy to see on the LS: the red blinking or shining circular light when recording.

The (same) remote control is optionally available for both devices. It has a cruising radius of about 5 metres beeline.
Furthermore, external sources can be attached, but only the LS comes with a seperate Line-in and Mic-in.

While recording you should not, or very carefully, touch the devices because both record grip noise. The only remedy in this matter is an external mike. Alternatively, you could place the recorder on a mat. When outdoors, the microphones are very sensible to wind noise. A wind break (optionally available) is a duty. The Olympus windbreak for the LS is just perfect (We learned this when comparing to third parties). For the DM-550, there was none. So we have had one made (obtainable in the shop).

A real bonus is the battery lifetime of both devices. The DM-550 works more than 35 hours at a stretch with 2 AAA accumulators (included in delivery). These are even charged inside the device when the latter is attached to the computer via USB (the „Stop“ key needs to be pressed shortly while attaching). Consequently, you don't need to buy an extra charger or further batteries – this saves a lot of money!

The LS-5 lasts up to 20 hours using very good AA accumulators but comes without charging function. The optional LS power supply unit, however, can't be used for this.

The DM has a 4GB internal storage, whereas the LS is equipped with 2GB. At 320kbps in MP3 format, recordings of about 14,5 hours at a stretch are possible. The uncompressed PCM WAV format still allows 2-4 hours. Both storages can be expanded with (micro)SD cards. The transfer of data is immediately done, without installing software, to Mac or Windows, as if you attached a USB flash drive.

No dictating machines!

The LS-11, as well as the DM-550, are not suitable for dictating. Like all good recorders, they miss the feature to rewind and correct a sentence or to insert something. Only real dictating machines can do this. Therefore, they are more expensive and have a lousy sound quality (because of file format and mono microphones).

Price

Both devices are available for a really impressing price, namely below 200 euros. Only 1-2 years ago, devices with a similar recording quality cost a lot more. Now you might argue that the like-priced Zoom H2 has a good sound, too? Yes, it does, but firstly it is not as detailed, secondly it has worse workmanship and manageability and thirdly, a rather moderate battery lifetime (5-7 hours). The DM is at about 179 euros, the LS at 199 euros.

Recording quality

The recording quality of both devices is one of the best on the entire market of mobile recorders at up to 600 euros. You'll find audio samples in our benchmark test.
The LS-5 is somewhat better suitable for music modulation is also more convenient. The more unobtrusive DM-550 is suitable for quick speech recordings and interviews. Additional features (Track Resuming) are surely very attractive for MP3 and audio book user.

 

 

Audio sample DM-550 (download)

Audio sample LS-5 (download)

Conclusion

A decision on one of the two gadgets is hard to make. They are just too similar. In the end, it is important what you want to use your recorder for. Fact is: Before these two were available, you had to pay much more money to get this quality. We don't know any other manufacturer who is equal in this price-performance-ratio. You will make enjoyable experiences with these two devices.

 

 

Click here for the DM-550 test report.

Here for the LS-5 test report.

Here for the large benchmark test.