Well... yes, but most people haven't heard a *really* good cassette recorder. And the difference in background hiss is a big difference. There is also less distortion, no wow/flutter and better frequency response, flatter and going further at both ends of the spectrum.

I think your point is better made by saying that the quality of recording on the digital recorders is wasted using the internal mics - plug a pair of Schoeps MK41's in though a good preamp and you would have as good as any other stereo recording - and with good monitoring I think you'd hear it was better than even a Walkman Pro.

Anahata