What I like about the R1: I'm up to almost 80 runs, it's a lot easier not to screw up with the R1 than with a DAT portable. Way less hassle and faster transfer to CD via computer. Certainly not inferior sound (I go line-in). I just finished two recordings, one at 24 bits and one at 16 bits, of a loud classical concert, same program different nights, almost same seats. Good levels so I didn't need to do much editing, and used Wavelab's UV dithering algorithm to put the 24 bit version into 16 bit wave files for CD. I hear no difference, but will pass them on to my friend with high-end audio equipment this week.
I think Sound Professionals got in a bunch of them last week, too.
Jeff