I'm searching a high quality hard disk video recorder with an adjustable audio recording level.

Searching the internet, I've found the Panasonic DMR-E500, which seems to have this option. But it seems to be an old model, from the year 2004.
http://panasonic.com.au/content/library/files/F001572.pdf

Preferred price range is $200-300. Is that reasonable for high quality audio and video?
I especially want to use the equipment to conserve important analogue VHS en Sony Hi-8 tapes.

A lot of recorders apparently don't have an adjustable audio recording level. I have a hard time finding one. So, your help is very much appreciated.