Topic: new to digi recording - budget <US$600 (£330) - any ideas

[limered]

hi,
i'm new to recording in digital format. well, i've been using a sony MZR-35 MD with MS-907 mic for a while ,and would like something easier to interface for uploading band jam bootleg mp3's/OGG etc. so quality is not paramount necessarily. However, it would be nice to have flexibility with quality - best -> worst. and the best quality for the money really.
i have been looking around - what would you say is best - my options so far are:-
1) Marantz PMD - 660 (any samples appreciated) , i already have a couple of AT-4035SV's , since i don't necessarily want stealth for my own band practice.
2) Neuros II - with either SP preamp or church audio pre amp and their mics.
since this way i've got a evice for carrying my mainstream music around on aswell.
3) second hand JB3 with perhaps second hand UA5 and some second hand C4's (if i can afford them) - JB3's everyone seems to use on here.
4) a second hand DAT player (M1 or D-100) use the existing MS-907 that i have and also wait for a preamp.
any thoughts or suggestions.- i live in the UK, i don't know if it makes any difference.
what i'd like to do is record jams and try to start up or get involved with an underground music infrastructure/server. for bands that make it up on the spot. <US$600

thanks.

[BJ]

another vote for #3... low cost, versatile, easy to operate, compact...everything you could possibly want.  I have not heard the c4's, but they get gr8 reviews here...there are other low cost mics too....look around...I REALLY like my AKG's!!!

+t and welcome!

[neumannkid]

#3 for all the reasons above. Ive been listening to some shows taped with C4's lately and have to say that they sound great especially for the price Ive seen them for lately.

[hexyjones]

Even I would go for #3!