Hey Everyone,
thank you all for your insight and advice. Well... it looks pretty unanimous! - go for the John Hardy. I think this is a great idea and a good long term investment as was previously mentioned by some of you.
I agree that while the 828 pre's are definately it's weak point and the converters are not quite top notch, it is still a very stable unit - indeed it has been trouble free and very reliable under quite demading situations since the day I bought it.
Llyod, I was also particularly intersted in your response as you've used the John Hardy with the 828 converters in the past so this gave me additional reassurance - thanks.
So.... this morning I ordered a 1 channel John Hardy m-1 (the rackmount expandable version) and expect delivery in a few weeks.
Next up will be some high quality AD/DA and a few more channels of JH.
Again, thanks to all of you for your feedback and advice - very much appreciated!
cheers,
nas