Both the R-09HR and the PMD661 are good recorders.
I like the PMD661's XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, its SPDIF digital input, 48V phantom
power, and its independent gain controls for right and left channels. The R-09HR
lacks all of the above. While the R-09HR has a good preamp, the PMD661's has
lower self noise.
The R-09HR is smaller, has better battery life, and I prefer the R-09HR's external
switches that let you make quick changes to mic sensitivity, limiter, and low cut filter.
The PMD661 buries these important settings for mic recording in the software
menus.
Digifish has posted links to recordings made with the R-09HR behind a Sound Devices
Mixpre that are very convincing.
I don't know how hot a line signal the PMD661 can accept without overloading.
It's always a good idea to take a couple of attenuators along for use with either
recorder.
Flintstone