Thought I'd post a quick update. I received the 2 decks last week and had time to unpack, clean and setup one last weekend. Wow - what can I say. A pleasure to look at, operate and listen to. Very solid machine, befitting a deck that cost big $$$ when new. Although I am still a bit confused on what that was. I've read MSRP facts from $800 to $1,600. Regardless the built in functions and features are outstanding. All the buttons have a solid feel.
At this point the only question I have is related to the insertion of a tape. I get an odd sound, one I am not familiar with with any of my Akai decks, when the tape is tensioned. That's the only time the deck makes the sound. I assume it's the idler wheel on the reel and happens because the tape is already tensioned and there is little to nothing to take up. From what I read in other posts this is normal. I have not had the chance to make any comparisons to my Akai decks (GXC-570D, GXC-750D and GXC-760D) but at this point I think I have a winner here.
Like to hear any thoughts from other owners on the sound I mentioned. Thanks.