Bean I've been running 680's since they came out, rock solid and believe me the one deck I put a physical BEATING on at one point. I know there are people here with deck that gave them issues but just because that you constantly read the same bad times does not make it a bad deck. What there are maybe 5 decks that have been bad and by the owners own admission some of that could be caused by improper battery power. How many deck out there running fine? A lot more than you will ever hear about. I'm sure if I had gotten a bad unit I'd be pissed too, still don't make 'em all bad. I bet if you searched you could find 5 744t's that were bad out of the box, but you don't see anyone saying the 744's are bad decks. The more the same story gets repeated...Bad 680...the more people think it's another story about another bad deck. I just don't think it's warranted to trash a certain model because of this. I have had two of them. FLAWLESS performance. Would buy another in a heartbeat. Great sound, great features at a great price. I'd say of you don't like it don't buy it, but to not buy it due to the continued bashing from people ....some of who do not even own the deck is ludicrous. Do your own homework.....make your decisions to buy or not to buy based on facts and probably price point. It's real easy to say...Oh I heard this guy had a bad deck you better stay away from that.....but how is that an accurate piece of advice if you have not had the chance to run the deck? I think half of this "BAD" rep is only because of situations like that NOT from people who have actually owned the deck. OK that turned into a rant...sorry bout that but really I know more people here on TS who have NOT had problems than people who have had a problem. Yet you would think that every one of these decks is bad by the reaction you get as soon as you mention 680. Don't believe me just look on the archive for 680 and you'll find a bunch of my recording and many many others And believe me I really feel for the guys who got a lemon or had a problem even if it was due to a battery issue. That sucks, since I think it's a great deck you never got a chance to enjoy. I also think you should post your story about the deck to keep things true and maybe even force a step up in QC at Tascam.