I sold my M-10’s because I thought the R-05 sounded better.
Now the R-07 sounds better than that one. My own opinion
others might feel differently, but I recorded well over 600 shows
with an M-10 so I have a large sampling to compare it to.
Edirol/Roland makes an awesome small recorder. I use an M-10 and a R-09HR for different situations, but prefer the Edirol R-09HR for all stealth shows, if for no other reason, because of the plug locations on the machine. It's also more user friendly when you can't monitor what you're doing as well as being able to dim and shut off lights. As for the recording quality (the Edirol mics are better, but the Sony's aren't bad - for an emergency. I've had to briefly use both before being ready to plug in the real mics), I think they're both so close that it's insignificant, but I'd give the edge to the Edirol. If I were to upgrade the machine, and wasn't concerned about size, the Roland R-26 is amazing, and in my opinion, the best available in a small recorder. Note that I'm not comparing the R-05 or the R-07, but still wanted to testify as to the quality of the Roland. If you need a machine to use at festivals and other long events, the Sony M-10 wins hands down if for no other reason other than the batteries lasting for about 50 freakin' hours!
There are a lot of great choices for small recorders out there, there is NO best one. The best is what suits your own needs.
I liked the mic in better on the R-05 than the M-10, more clean gain to add to mic in. My opinion :-) If you don't use that
then it doesn't make a difference. Didn't like the gain wheel on the M-10 or that lock didn't lock the gain. Quality on line in is pretty
much the same. My opinion. Right now i have 2x R-05, R-07 and MixPre3 to stealth with and i'm liking all of them :-)
Of course you are correct about no recorder being the best, since our needs are specific. However, I was speaking about the machine, not our specific needs. It's too big for stealth (compared to units like we are comparing in this conversation), but for it's size, using it in a non-stealth situation with the internals and/or external mics...like, for example, a band setting it up to record themselves...it would be the best for those situations. I recommend it for all non-tapers who want to record themselves, band rehearsals, a basic live recording, etc. Check it out, you'll see why.
You can see the equipment I use, which is very similar to yours, so I think we're on the same page ;-)