Audio Systems: Device to record live acoustic music?, sony ecm ms907, mini disc recorders

Question
QUESTION: I am in the market for a low cost device to record live acoustic music. I am considering one of Sony's minidisc recorders. The two models I am considering are the MZR-700 and the MZ-R55. Is one better than the other? I can get one of these for around ~$50 used and it will come with 4 or more minidiscs, an AC adapter, PC link cable, and manuals. Will I be disappointed in the audio quality? What other devices are out there that I should consider? I need them to be compatible with my I-Mac. I currently have a Sony ECM-MS907 stereo condenser mic. I've never used this before. Will this be adequate?

Any advice will be appreciated.

ANSWER: $50 would buy a microphone cable for the techniques and equipment I typically use. The MZR700 or MZR55 are about the same and are designed for recording from a line level source. If you want a quality recording then you should use a microphone mixing device or good mic preamp. You can use a condenser microphone as long as it has it's own power. As far as, 'will you be dissappointed', I don't have your ears. I know that I wouldn't be happy.

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QUESTION: What do you mean, "line level source"? Will the Sony ECM-MS907 still require a mic preamp? What about this setup would be the first thing you would upgrade and what would you upgrade to?

Answer
Professional audio is my field. If something doesn't work then I figure out what is needed to make it work. Those mini disc recorders are not designed for live recording therefore you will need to experiment. You can try using the condenser microphone and hear if it sounds good enough for you ears. I cannot comment on amateur recording because my criteria is extremely high. I record major artists in major studios. You should read the Yamaha sound reinforcement manual if you want answers to differences in input levels, impedances, connectors, phase, grounding, equalization, high and low pass filters,limiting, compression, all of which play an important roll in recording. I can't answer one question and leave all of the others out. It would be very unprofessional of me.