Between the Fostex PD-6 and the Sound Devices 744T/442 combo, aside from the difference in track count, does either unit excell over the other strictly in terms of audio quality and quality of limiters? Also, does Fostex allow for recording at 48.048 Khz/30NDF, while stamping the file to play back at 48 Khz/29.97NDF, in a similar way as the Sound Devices recorders? (The first question is obviously subjective, but I'd appreciate input from anyone who's had experience with both units.)
Thank you.

Lots of experience with the 442/702T - a little bit recently with the PD-6. I'd say they're entirely different animals, though either one will produce excellent results.

Re: audio quality - I'd say the SD gear has the slight advantage. Their preamps sound better to me (more gain too), the limiter system is better and more flexible, and the 442 gives you many more routing/output options than the PD-6. This is important for me - in that I need the ability to work single and double-system, and most times in an odd-hybrid arrangement of feeding cameras and recording.

The PD-6 will create the fake 48k time stamp on pulled up recordings (even SD calls it "Fostex" mode for a reason).

I'm still waiting for someone to build the perfect EFP audio thing - a five or six channel mixer, integrated recorder, EQ, multiple mix/direct output schemes, 10 pin snake connectors, three monitor return paths, talkback/slate, runs on one AAA battery...etc.

The Cantar is close, but I'd still need a portable mixer to handle two-camera shoots. The new Deva Fusion is interesting, but it's more recorder than mixer.

All depends on your application. Far fewer cables with the PD-6...

-Eric