Richard I use mine with a 744 from time to time. I had the four direct out mods done the Cooper before Andy retired. The pres in the SD recorders are good, but I think the Coopers are better. If money didn't matter, then I would go with a SQN front end. In the years I have owned the Cooper it has not let me down, on the otherhand some of the SD products I own have. I have a SD302 being repaired right now. If you can find a CS104 for $1200-1400, you will have an excellent mixer.
David