Marantz has raised the bar, exponentially. The PMD671 can record 24-bit, 96 kHz audio for the highest sound quality available in the field or even in the studio. The ability to read-after-write offers completely new levels of functionality never before available in a field recorder. Even the mic preamps have been dramatically improved. Then add programmable presets, and changing formats on the fly is as easy as pressing a button. Serious professionals need serious tools. If your application requires uncompromising audio, unflinching reliability, and unprecedented functionality, you owe it to yourself to take a very serious look at the PMD671.