If you're looking for brand new analog recording equipment, the 414mkII is best.
$250 of used Ebay analog gear would get you a like-new-in-box-never-used 424mkIII, but it's a waiting game. If you want instant gratification and the pride of owning brand new equipment, there's the 414mkII again, which is a decent sounding Portastudio with adequate features. Of course, the 424mkIII would be better, but you're back to used equipment again.
There's nothing wrong with the 414mkII. It's a shame the 424mkIII is out of production and not available new any more, but the 414mkII's decent for what it is,... which is a scaled back smaller version of the 424mkIII.
When it comes to buying gear in any price range, you can talk yourself into circles, up until the point that you plunk down the cash and make the purchase.
My point is,... eh,... that $250 is Ebay-gear dollars buys you quite a lot, that the subject is almost wide open, but if you prefer to have brand new analog recording gear, the 414mkII's about as good as it gets,... and there's nothing to be worried about. It's a fine unit that gives good features and sound.
The dbx noise reduction virtually eliminates hiss.
