memoryman

Sharp is your best bet unless you want to drop $1500 or so on the HHB Portadisc (worth every penny, but it's alot of pennies). I use an MD-DR7 for exactly the same use, and the 1-bit output amplifier makes a difference in quality when transferring to PC for editing, etc. Also very reliable, and Sharp's manual record levels are best for getting best results w/ variety of sounds.

FYI, the Sharp IM-DR80 (Japanese version of 580) NetMD/1-bit model will be available in the states Sept 22 through outwardsound.com, looks like $320 - 330 USD will be initial pricing.