Right now, I have a Tascam DR-07. I'm looking at getting a new recorder as a step up. Currently I use AT853s which run great with the DR-07 but running with any other mics require a separate phantom power source (I have a bunch of mics in my studio but no portable phantom power supply). My budget is about $300 and I can get the DR-100 for just that. Is it worth the upgrade? Is there another recorder with XLR ins and phantom that'd be in my price range?
Another option I would consider is a good external preamp that supplies phantom power with XLR jacks. Any of those available areound $300?