if it ever comes to pass.
Analog will not ever catch on to it's former mainstream acceptance and utility by average people like us. Almost e'one's gone digital, in masses, and there's no turning back for most of them.
Any new or retro reissues of analog recorders will likely be aimed at high dollar pros and the studio business. Of course, it would be easy if Tascam could tool up lots of it's older superior analog designs, to supply the rest of us, but I'm not holding my breath until then.
There's a misconception, at least concerning me, but I'm not typical:
If Tascam ever reintroduce the 38 (for instance) at $2000, I'd gladly hop over all the rest of modern & cheaper digital gear to get it. I'm not typical, of course, and YMMV.
I'm not looking for miracles on this, but it's a good sign that the final nail has not been driven in the analog coffin.
As I said above,... for used higher end classic analog gear, Ebay is about as good as it gets, for now & into the forseeable future.
However, TASCAM still has BRAND NEW 424mkIII's in VERY limited supplies at limited retail outlets,... as well as more generally available NEW 414mkII's and Porta 02mkII's,... still availabe at music retailers for limited times to come. If you're inclined to go for the 424mkIII, 414mkII or Porta 02mkII, get'em now while they last. The 424mkIII is currently on BLOWOUT CLEARANCE PRICES at retailers like Zzounds, Musiciansfriend and other online retailers.
I won't lie to ya, guys, that I got a brand new 424mkIII in 2002, and it's never left the box,... still brand new,... and I just went out and bought another brand new 424mkIII in December 04, which is still brand new in it's sealed box. Why? Do you have to ask?
Heh.