I have been using a poastudio 414 mkii for about 6 years and have really found some amazing ways to make it sound flawless over the years, but it just recently died and i want to just move to a reel for recording my music. i have been looking at the 388 and the 38 for a while now. i really like the 388 for its convince but i have heard the heads are nearly impossible to find in great shape to replace. if i do find a good 388 i wouldn't want the heads to go bad within a year or 2, generally speaking how long are they good for? im recording music 7 days a week about 10-12 hours a day. i have heard both the 388 and the 38 and to me the 38 sounds a bit better, alot more open, less compressed, bigger sound, is it possible to run a M308b into the 38 as a mixer? and do i need to buy DBX for the 38? if someone can help me decide i would really appreciate it. pros and cons. the 388 seems like a pretty fun machine as well as 1/4 inch tape being cheaper than 1/2 but i would like the better quality of the 38. i wouldnt buy one unless its in absolute best condition i can find even if its very expensive. so would you say 388, or a 38 running into a m308?