I want to find something to make really clear lecture and coffehouse type band recordings (i.e. able to just whip out the recorder and set on a table near the instruments). I am being tempted by the zoom H2 as I need an all in one type thing that can be easily pocketed. Something that I can just pull out, turn on, and set on the table out in the open and get great results.
The key word here is "really clear recordings" and "great results".
IMHO: no, you won't be able to acheive it, but it depends on your definition of great.
The problem with the H120 is that it needs a pretty hot signal for the line in. Otherwise you'll have to crank up the gain way up in the digital range, which will introduce noise:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,87558.msg1166861.html#msg1166861So hypotetically, if you can find a T-shape plug-in stereo mic, with internal battery (ideally more than 1.5v) and decent quality capsules that can feed your iriver with a hot signal, yes, it's possible to get
good results (I reserve the word "great" for cabled external mics). But I've never come across any mic like that so far...
When I run my Sony mics with my Iriver, I have to crank up the gain as far as +36dB, even for loud rock shows like Mars Volta last week. Imagine what you'd have to do at a coffeehouse!
/Jan