Wow--I can't believe I've finally made it through all the posts of this multi-volume thread in the last few hours! Anyway, this is my first post here, and I'm hoping you guys can confirm something for me...
I've been looking to replace my Zoom H4n and am considering the Sony D50 and M10. I use the Zoom primarily to record classical concerts (mostly opera) in small-to-medium sized venues using the internal mics. (Externals are not an option at the moment.) I've actually been pretty pleased with the results, save for some all-too-obvious self-noise from the Zoom. I'm sure the D50 would improve in that respect (and I assume its internal mics would be better as well) but from what I've been reading and hearing, the M10 might fit the bill as well. From the recorded samples made with the M10's internal mics that I've heard around the internet, I've been really struck by its really low noise floor. In fact, listening via high-quality headphones to the "noise floor" samples on the Wingfield Audio site (
http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-noise.html#samples), the M10 was clearly quieter than the D50, which astounded me. Are the internal mics and preamps of the M10 really that quiet? I know the lack of a cohesive stereo image is a problem, and that alone might tip the balance in favor of the D50, but the quietness of the M10 is sure appealing.....