Thanks, pfife, good input. I thought I'd included the media on the MD side, oops. Regarding MD unit's specific level-setting functionality, I'm not looking to get into the level of detail required to list which MDs support on-the-fly recording levels or not. As for the JB3 cons, a few comments...
a con for NJB3: some people seem to think that its too large, and thus less stealthy. I am not one of them, but they are out there.
Yup. Can't hurt to put in a reference.
also a con for NJB3: The input problem- where the ring around the input can preclude some fatter cords from plugging in all the way.
This is an easily resolvable known issue, therefore I don't really consider it a con. I could also list tape mis-loads as a con for DAT, switches on the back that get moved easily and inadvertently, etc. But those types of things are generally easily prevented and therefore, IMO, a non-issue.
also a con for NJB3: Many people think the software sucks. Only other option is Notmad, which costs $20 (I believe)
Good point, forgot about the s/w side - because using Notmad I never have to deal with the crappy stock s/w!
also a con for NJb3: I don't think the a/d's are nearly sufficient- I rarely see a source thats DPA ->MS60xx box-> NJB3;
My speculation is because the a/d's are not that good, or because I am just not looking hard enough...
I think you'd be hard pressed to find that sort of source. I think the
perception is that the NJB3 ADC is insufficient. I think the blind test I posted earlier this year (though obvoiusly not scientific) indicates that most tapers - and some fairly well experienced ones taboot - either preferred the JB3 or couldn't tell the difference. All that said, it's probably worth mentioning, but I don't want to come out and say outright it's insufficient, because for most people I don't think it is.
I think maybe my "disc skips possible" for MD is off-base - any regular MD users want to correct me?
Roamer - thanks for the HiMD plug, forgot about those! Will update later...