I recently purchased a NEC 3550A DVD R/W, and have a question regarding the burning speed. The NEC is capable of burning at 16x, are the any advantages or disadvantages to burning at this speed? And am I correct in assuming that if I want to burn at 16x, I would need 16x media?

In my opinion, the only advantage is that it burns faster, and it might be a good idea to purchase 16x media

I find that I have more problems, if I use the Max. burn speeds.
I always have fewer problems, if I back the burn speed down a little bit.

Correct.
Your media has to be compatible with the burn speed you want to use.
With 16x media, you can burn at 16x, or less.

Thanks for the response guys.

tg1911...what sort of problems have you encountered burning at faster speeds?