fonetik

I actually posted on here a while ago about buying a digital recorder. I opted for a Marantz PMD660 but am still interested in a Hi-MD device. As I see it, the RH1 is the only real option so what should I be willing to pay? A quick peruse of ebay seems to suggest they're still going for $300 plus - any chance of getting them any cheaper?

I just managed to get a Marantz 660 for $350 actually. At that price I couldn't say no because it has XLR inputs for mics. I'm still seriously considering a Hi-MD unit actually though simply because of the size and weight of the things. I'm keeping my eye on eBay for a RH1.

Thanks for the welcomes and for the advice guys - I wasn't expecting such detailed responses. First off, having done a bit more research since my last post I think Hi-MD is the way I want to go. According to a phonetician I know at UCL the only solid-state devices worth getting are the Marantz or the Fostek and these are out of my price range. He reccommended Hi-MD but did mention possible difficulties getting the data from the device & onto my laptop (running windows XP by the way) - but as far as I knew this wouldn't be a problem at all!? If the NH800/NH700 really do offer comparable recording quality with the RH1 then the former must be the way to go for me. Unless anybody can think of anything essential in the RH1? I've found this: http://www.minidiscaccess.com/item.html?PRID=1553219 and this: http://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopexd.asp?id=734 to be the best prices I can find. $215 and $330 respectively with shipping. Does this sound about right? I'm monitering eBay but it seems people are getting carried away and ending up paying over the odds on there. I did notice an RH910 went for under $200 though, which tempted me. Any more thoughts you all have would be brilliant, and I'll let you know what I end up going for. If I do plump for Hi-MD then I'm sure I'll end up posting on here fairly regularly.

Hi guys - I've just joined after reading through some of your topics. I'm hoping you can help me. I'm currently starting out on a project where I'll need to record about 6 hours of conversation for the purposes of acoustic-phonetic analysis. I'm considering using Hi-MD as my instrumentation, along with a decent external microphone. I'm seeing that Hi-MD seems to be in decline though - units are sparse and I've noticed the odd discussion on the topic. I'm wondering if you could advise as to how much longer Sony will be producing the format - is it worth me investing now? Secondly, I've found several units available on eBay. Specifically, the MZ-RH10 (comes with mic), MZ-RH910, MZ M100, MZ NHF800, and MZ NH1. Which of these are the most recent and most suitable for field recording purposes? Also, what would be an appropriate price to pay for a decent model? I noticed an MZ-RH1 just went for $310. Any help anybody can offer would be *much* appreciated!