The M4000/5000 probably is slower than the Mark II when cycling. But then again you run less risk of fowling the tapes. Except for random static causing a tape to hang now and again during playing, I have never had a single problem with the M4000. Cycling continues to work flawlessly.
In a message dated 8/4/2010 11:52:03 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, atm655@verizon.net writes:
Sounds no more limting than the 8 second play time.
A possible advantage to the M5000 when it arrives.
Tony