Long time model 8 user here too. My a'phile friends and I have Ab'ed numerous pieces of gear against the 8 over the years and it still holds up well.
IMHO, the 6,8 and 9 were some of Jeff's best work and even today will put most newer ss gear to shame. If there is an heirloom piece to be found in high-end, I think these pieces are as close as you can come.
