As a classical singer who's enough of a geek to pay attention to recording devices, I'm often asked "what should I buy" by other singers (and students). Recently I've been so busy I haven't been keeping up as well as I used to, so I've started replying with a kind of "stock" answer, basically:
(note: most classical singers these days are looking for all-in-one devices, hence why the ones which require external mics or pres are perceived as "geeky". And, to be honest, with things like the Zooms and Edirols on offer, it's easier to recco that to people who are just getting started out)
ultrabudget-and/or-prepared-to-be-a-bit-geeky
Used iRiver
Used JB3
Used MD (which I usually DON'T recommend, just because it seems to me it's becoming obsolete and disks are hard to find)
Better than a tape-recorder and will do in a pinch
micromemo or other add-on recorder for iPod (how does this compare to the H2?)
Good
H2 (for those on a tight budget, or who just need a quickie device to tape lessons and rehearsals - better than an MD, not as good as the other digital recorders)
Better
H4
R09 (original)
Best (under $500)
R09-HR
Olympus LS-410
Sony PCM D50 (or up)
Serious tapirs
Marantz et al
Does that seem about right? Are there any others out there currently I should know about?
Tx! Been a while since I posted much since I've been so BUSY, but things are going great. Loving my DPA4060s (hence why I'm selling the CMC8's - they did their job well and I bet I'll regret it, but such is the way of the Gearslut In Training lol)
All the best -