They are both comparable, but if you really want to spend your money only once, go for broke and get a digital 8~track. I KNOW, I KNOW... it's not in your budget right now, right? Just hear me out.... You'll probably be happy with the 4~track machine for a few weeks or months until you realize that you want 1: Better sound quality... 2: More options... and 3: MORE TRACKS to record on without having to constantly bounce tracks and lose MORE sound quality. Plus, you get built in effects and the ability to get perfect digitally recorded music that you can put directly on CD with a CD burner. I'm only saying this because I originally bought a Tascam 4~track and outgrew it in a short period of time. I know 3 other guys who did the same thing. Trade in value is next to zero on a 4~track. Go to Guitar Center and you'll see a wall full of new 4~track units. You can probably pick up a barely used 4~track for half the price of a brand new one in the Tradin' Times if that's what suits your needs. Disregard this rant if you're just looking to have a little fun and are not very serious about ever getting your music to the masses. But, if you ARE a serious musician, and/or ever plan to make a good demo or record some serious original music, spend your money once... it's worth it. Sorry if I seem a little preachy here, but even if this post doesn't apply to your situation, maybe someone else who reads this might reconsider thier recording needs and benefit from it. Heck, I'm already pricing 16~track machines for my next CD and I haven't even finished the first one yet!