Record at a lower level and use a limiter on the file later.

if you can't resist the urge to record at the max.... or just need a dummy proof unit.... buy something with a limiter built in like the Sony D-50...... but even that unit will crap out, and the limiter is pretty slick on the D-50.
Limiters on a small device are only gonna be marginally ok, and might do more damage than good.

The Marantz 661 is the best portable PCM recorder i've owned (and i've had a few!)
The Korg MR-1000 sounds better at 1Bit if youre going for pure high quality audio..... 1Bit is the clear winner over PCM in the audio quality dept.