[ccrider895]

Originally Posted by AAR.oner

i'd also say the Marantz PMD660...the true upside is the XLR inputs, which i prefer to 1/8" mini jack on most compact recorders...also the built-in pre's are much better than most others, and you can get them upgraded with even better pre's through Doug Oade

Seconded. Get it from the Oades directly. I don't do much taping, but I've borrowed my friends unit a bunch of times, and it couldn't be any easier for a n00b to use. I have bought other audio equipment from them, and Jim was one of the nicest people I've ever dealt with.

I've been meaning to get one of those for myself.