Pondering preamp purchase, one more time around

[Billy Bee]

I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
would be most appreciated.

This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:

Rode NTK
Neumann TLM 103
Two AT 4051's
Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
an Audix D2
RNC
RNP

I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.

OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
I've not been led astray thus far.

Thank you, all.

[Rob Adelman]

Billy Bee wrote:


> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.

John Hardy preamp. Can't go wrong with that one. Mine has made it on a
short list of gear I will probably never give up.

-Rob

[Rob Adelman]

Billy Bee wrote:


> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.

John Hardy preamp. Can't go wrong with that one. Mine has made it on a
short list of gear I will probably never give up.

-Rob

[DJ]

Since you have an RMP (and assuming that you're using this for stereo
mic'ing your guitar, and also assuming that you're looking for a single
preamp which might make a nice voice channel) I can see possibly an Avalon
737 or Focusrite RED7 at your price point. A bit more $$$$ will buy you a
bit more preamp like a Forssell CS-1 unit or a Voxbox. There are lots more
to choose from. I either now own or have used all of the above units and I
like them all.

DJ


"Billy Bee" > wrote in message
news:msnfb.30738$%h1.18800@sccrnsc02...
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its
shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.
>
> This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
> timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
all
> types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
> Rode NTK
> Neumann TLM 103
> Two AT 4051's
> Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
> an Audix D2
> RNC
> RNP
>
> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and
opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> Thank you, all.
>
>

[DJ]

Since you have an RMP (and assuming that you're using this for stereo
mic'ing your guitar, and also assuming that you're looking for a single
preamp which might make a nice voice channel) I can see possibly an Avalon
737 or Focusrite RED7 at your price point. A bit more $$$$ will buy you a
bit more preamp like a Forssell CS-1 unit or a Voxbox. There are lots more
to choose from. I either now own or have used all of the above units and I
like them all.

DJ


"Billy Bee" > wrote in message
news:msnfb.30738$%h1.18800@sccrnsc02...
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its
shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.
>
> This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
> timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
all
> types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
> Rode NTK
> Neumann TLM 103
> Two AT 4051's
> Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
> an Audix D2
> RNC
> RNP
>
> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and
opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> Thank you, all.
>
>

[Andrew M.]

I would get 2 A.R.T. Digital MPA's. I love them. With their variable
input impedance control and 2 different tube voicing they are awesome. I
love them. They are my current favorite all around mic pre. If you have
never messed with variable input impedance then you are missing out on
something great.

Billy Bee wrote:
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.
>
> This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
> timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
> types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
> Rode NTK
> Neumann TLM 103
> Two AT 4051's
> Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
> an Audix D2
> RNC
> RNP
>
> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> Thank you, all.
>
>

[Andrew M.]

I would get 2 A.R.T. Digital MPA's. I love them. With their variable
input impedance control and 2 different tube voicing they are awesome. I
love them. They are my current favorite all around mic pre. If you have
never messed with variable input impedance then you are missing out on
something great.

Billy Bee wrote:
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.
>
> This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
> timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
> types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
> Rode NTK
> Neumann TLM 103
> Two AT 4051's
> Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
> an Audix D2
> RNC
> RNP
>
> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> Thank you, all.
>
>

[Steven Sena]

....Just one more ...
I have been saying that for over 20 years...

--
Steven Sena
XS Sound
www.xssound.com


"Billy Bee" > wrote in message
news:msnfb.30738$%h1.18800@sccrnsc02...
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its
shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.
>
> This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
> timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
all
> types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
> Rode NTK
> Neumann TLM 103
> Two AT 4051's
> Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
> an Audix D2
> RNC
> RNP
>
> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and
opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> Thank you, all.
>
>

[Steven Sena]

....Just one more ...
I have been saying that for over 20 years...

--
Steven Sena
XS Sound
www.xssound.com


"Billy Bee" > wrote in message
news:msnfb.30738$%h1.18800@sccrnsc02...
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its
shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.
>
> This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
> timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
all
> types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
> Rode NTK
> Neumann TLM 103
> Two AT 4051's
> Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
> an Audix D2
> RNC
> RNP
>
> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and
opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> Thank you, all.
>
>

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Billy Bee wrote:

> Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
> types.

Great River, Millennia, John Hardy, Grace come to mind. Used, they'd fit
your money.

--
ha

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Billy Bee wrote:

> Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
> recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
> types.

Great River, Millennia, John Hardy, Grace come to mind. Used, they'd fit
your money.

--
ha

[Billy Bee]

All good suggestions. Where in the heck can I find any of these used? I've
never seen a Great River on ebay. Are there other trusted sites for buying
used audio gear?


"LeBaron & Alrich" > wrote in message
...
> Billy Bee wrote:
>
> > Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> > keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I
am
> > recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> > percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
all
> > types.
>
> Great River, Millennia, John Hardy, Grace come to mind. Used, they'd fit
> your money.
>
> --
> ha

[Billy Bee]

All good suggestions. Where in the heck can I find any of these used? I've
never seen a Great River on ebay. Are there other trusted sites for buying
used audio gear?


"LeBaron & Alrich" > wrote in message
...
> Billy Bee wrote:
>
> > Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> > keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I
am
> > recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> > percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
all
> > types.
>
> Great River, Millennia, John Hardy, Grace come to mind. Used, they'd fit
> your money.
>
> --
> ha

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Billy Bee wrote:

> All good suggestions.

Probably, if what you're after is versatility and clarity with a lack of
overt coloration.

> Where in the heck can I find any of these used? I've
> never seen a Great River on ebay. Are there other trusted sites for buying
> used audio gear?

rec.audio.pro
rec.audio.marketplace
rec.music.makers.marketplace

are some places to watch if looking for stuff that isn't often for sale
used. In the case of the preamps mentioned, there is little speculative
value, so an auction doesn't often make as much sense as just asking a
reasonable price in a place where folks who know the gear are likely to
be hanging out.

You are correct that those are not found used everyday, but they do turn
up now and then, and if one is patient one can score. OTOH, the new
price of some configurations of those isn't far from your target, so if
the piece is going to be earning you money, your time might be better
spent using a new one than looking for a used one.

You can also try WTB posts into such forums and also use Google's
Advanced Group Search to see what's been offered in the recent or not so
recent past, and for how much.

> "LeBaron & Alrich" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Billy Bee wrote:
> >
> > > Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> > > keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I
> am
> > > recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> > > percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
> all
> > > types.
> >
> > Great River, Millennia, John Hardy, Grace come to mind. Used, they'd fit
> > your money.
> >
> > --
> > ha

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Billy Bee wrote:

> All good suggestions.

Probably, if what you're after is versatility and clarity with a lack of
overt coloration.

> Where in the heck can I find any of these used? I've
> never seen a Great River on ebay. Are there other trusted sites for buying
> used audio gear?

rec.audio.pro
rec.audio.marketplace
rec.music.makers.marketplace

are some places to watch if looking for stuff that isn't often for sale
used. In the case of the preamps mentioned, there is little speculative
value, so an auction doesn't often make as much sense as just asking a
reasonable price in a place where folks who know the gear are likely to
be hanging out.

You are correct that those are not found used everyday, but they do turn
up now and then, and if one is patient one can score. OTOH, the new
price of some configurations of those isn't far from your target, so if
the piece is going to be earning you money, your time might be better
spent using a new one than looking for a used one.

You can also try WTB posts into such forums and also use Google's
Advanced Group Search to see what's been offered in the recent or not so
recent past, and for how much.

> "LeBaron & Alrich" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Billy Bee wrote:
> >
> > > Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
> > > keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I
> am
> > > recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
> > > percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of
> all
> > > types.
> >
> > Great River, Millennia, John Hardy, Grace come to mind. Used, they'd fit
> > your money.
> >
> > --
> > ha

[Richard Kuschel]

>
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
>but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
>would be most appreciated.
>
>This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
>timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
>keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
>recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
>percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
>types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
>Rode NTK
>Neumann TLM 103
>Two AT 4051's
>Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
>an Audix D2
>RNC
>RNP
>
>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
>I've not been led astray thus far.
>
>Thank you, all.
>

In that range, I would get the Great River.
Transformer inputs and virtually immune to RF.

Having the entire gain range on one knob is really handy.

Simple, well built.

Richard H. Kuschel
"I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty

[Richard Kuschel]

>
> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
>but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
>would be most appreciated.
>
>This group has helped me assemble a nice signal path and much more with
>timely, expert advice. Just one more preamp will round out what I need to
>keep me recording a couple of projects that are coming through here. I am
>recording mostly acoustic guitarists singing vocals and overdubbing
>percussions, strings, horns, electric guitars, and world instruments of all
>types. Various posts and searches have led me to these purchases:
>
>Rode NTK
>Neumann TLM 103
>Two AT 4051's
>Beyer Dynamic M88 and two M69's
>an Audix D2
>RNC
>RNP
>
>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
>I've not been led astray thus far.
>
>Thank you, all.
>

In that range, I would get the Great River.
Transformer inputs and virtually immune to RF.

Having the entire gain range on one knob is really handy.

Simple, well built.

Richard H. Kuschel
"I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty

[Wayne]

>>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
>>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>>
>>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
>>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
>>I've not been led astray thus far.
>>
>>Thank you, all.
>>
>
>
Great River NV version. Different sound than the RNMP, RF rejection, can be
clean or dirty. IMHO, it's one of the very best preamps out there period.


--Wayne

-"sounded good to me"-

[Wayne]

>>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
>>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>>
>>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
>>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
>>I've not been led astray thus far.
>>
>>Thank you, all.
>>
>
>
Great River NV version. Different sound than the RNMP, RF rejection, can be
clean or dirty. IMHO, it's one of the very best preamps out there period.


--Wayne

-"sounded good to me"-

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Wayne wrote:

> >>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> >>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.

> >>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> >>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> >>I've not been led astray thus far.

> Great River NV version. Different sound than the RNMP, RF rejection, can be
> clean or dirty. IMHO, it's one of the very best preamps out there period.

Absolutely, but maybe too far out of his budget, and I don't think used
ones are going to be around yet (if ever <g>). I feel the MP2(-MH) is
also one of the very best pres ever, and he might have a better chance
of finding one of those used.

--
ha

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Wayne wrote:

> >>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> >>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.

> >>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> >>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> >>I've not been led astray thus far.

> Great River NV version. Different sound than the RNMP, RF rejection, can be
> clean or dirty. IMHO, it's one of the very best preamps out there period.

Absolutely, but maybe too far out of his budget, and I don't think used
ones are going to be around yet (if ever <g>). I feel the MP2(-MH) is
also one of the very best pres ever, and he might have a better chance
of finding one of those used.

--
ha

[John L Rice]

"Rob Adelman" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Billy Bee wrote:
>
>
> > OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to
audition
> > much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and
opinions.
> > I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> John Hardy preamp. Can't go wrong with that one. Mine has made it on a
> short list of gear I will probably never give up.
>
> -Rob


Agreed, I'll never give up my Hardy M-1.

While a two channel M-1 with all the options lists for $1715 you can get to
your budget mark by skipping a couple options for now and then adding them
later when you get some more cash going. For $1495 you can get the M-1 main
frame with two preamp cards with the deluxe meter option. The only thing
you'll be missing is the output transformers ( $110 each ) and you can buy
those later and install them yourself. ( no soldering, just plug it in I
believe )

Then, down the road, you can add additional pres to the two remaining open
slots for as little as $350.

More at :
http://www.imjohn.com/JohnHardy/


Best of luck!

John L Rice

[John L Rice]

"Rob Adelman" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Billy Bee wrote:
>
>
> > OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to
audition
> > much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and
opinions.
> > I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> John Hardy preamp. Can't go wrong with that one. Mine has made it on a
> short list of gear I will probably never give up.
>
> -Rob


Agreed, I'll never give up my Hardy M-1.

While a two channel M-1 with all the options lists for $1715 you can get to
your budget mark by skipping a couple options for now and then adding them
later when you get some more cash going. For $1495 you can get the M-1 main
frame with two preamp cards with the deluxe meter option. The only thing
you'll be missing is the output transformers ( $110 each ) and you can buy
those later and install them yourself. ( no soldering, just plug it in I
believe )

Then, down the road, you can add additional pres to the two remaining open
slots for as little as $350.

More at :
http://www.imjohn.com/JohnHardy/


Best of luck!

John L Rice

[Rick Powell]

(LeBaron & Alrich) wrote in message >...
> Wayne wrote:
>
> > >>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> > >>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> > >>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> > >>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> > >>I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> > Great River NV version. Different sound than the RNMP, RF rejection, can be
> > clean or dirty. IMHO, it's one of the very best preamps out there period.
>
> Absolutely, but maybe too far out of his budget, and I don't think used
> ones are going to be around yet (if ever <g>). I feel the MP2(-MH) is
> also one of the very best pres ever, and he might have a better chance
> of finding one of those used.

I have actually seen a couple MP-2NV's in the used market. The
sellers were asking $1,800 or so IIRC. I would imagine the MP-2's
would be a lot more available to obtained used; I've seen several
available in the past, for a price of around $1400 (depending on
version).

RP

[Rick Powell]

(LeBaron & Alrich) wrote in message >...
> Wayne wrote:
>
> > >>I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> > >>collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> > >>OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> > >>much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> > >>I've not been led astray thus far.
>
> > Great River NV version. Different sound than the RNMP, RF rejection, can be
> > clean or dirty. IMHO, it's one of the very best preamps out there period.
>
> Absolutely, but maybe too far out of his budget, and I don't think used
> ones are going to be around yet (if ever <g>). I feel the MP2(-MH) is
> also one of the very best pres ever, and he might have a better chance
> of finding one of those used.

I have actually seen a couple MP-2NV's in the used market. The
sellers were asking $1,800 or so IIRC. I would imagine the MP-2's
would be a lot more available to obtained used; I've seen several
available in the past, for a price of around $1400 (depending on
version).

RP

[Rob Reedijk]

Another vote for the Hardy M-1. I have some of the other fine preamps that
get mentioned around here---but the M-1 is king.

Rob R.

[Tom Paul]

"Billy Bee" > wrote in message news:<91Lfb.40725$%h1.27007@sccrnsc02>...
> All good suggestions. Where in the heck can I find any of these used? I've
> never seen a Great River on ebay. Are there other trusted sites for buying
> used audio gear?
>

I got a 4 channel unit on Ebay for $1800 a few months ago! The 2
channel units I've seen in the past go for $1200+ so I grabbed it.
It's got 2 channels with transformers and 2 without...a special hybrid
unit. I also have an Avalon 737 and I like the 737 for vocals (mine)
and as a bass DI. I love the GR on accoustic guitars with KM184's.

I'm like you...I don't have have many places to check out gear here in
Pittsburgh and buy largely on reputation and RAP suggestions. I buy
most of my new gear from Mercenary knowing I'll be able ot return it
if it doesn't float my boat. So far, I haven't returned anything.

Tom

[Tom Paul]

"Billy Bee" > wrote in message news:<91Lfb.40725$%h1.27007@sccrnsc02>...
> All good suggestions. Where in the heck can I find any of these used? I've
> never seen a Great River on ebay. Are there other trusted sites for buying
> used audio gear?
>

I got a 4 channel unit on Ebay for $1800 a few months ago! The 2
channel units I've seen in the past go for $1200+ so I grabbed it.
It's got 2 channels with transformers and 2 without...a special hybrid
unit. I also have an Avalon 737 and I like the 737 for vocals (mine)
and as a bass DI. I love the GR on accoustic guitars with KM184's.

I'm like you...I don't have have many places to check out gear here in
Pittsburgh and buy largely on reputation and RAP suggestions. I buy
most of my new gear from Mercenary knowing I'll be able ot return it
if it doesn't float my boat. So far, I haven't returned anything.

Tom

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

Billy Bee > wrote:

> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.

> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.

Given what you already have, I think your best bet would be a Great
River NV. You could buy the MP-1NV and have $500 left in yout pocket,
or you could dig up another $500 and buy the 2NV. Same preamp, one or
two channels. Fantastic preamp, and though it isn't cheap it's still a
great bargain. And there are lots of different sounds in there.

ulysses

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

Billy Bee > wrote:

> I know the "what's the best preamp for $1500 question" has its shortcomings
> but opinions regarding my gear choices and what is available in that range
> would be most appreciated.

> I like the RNP very much but would like to add one more preamp to the
> collection for recording two guitar mics and a vocal at the same time.
>
> OK, my budget is about $1500 for this purchase. As I'm unable to audition
> much gear in these parts, I'm trusting of the group expertise and opinions.
> I've not been led astray thus far.

Given what you already have, I think your best bet would be a Great
River NV. You could buy the MP-1NV and have $500 left in yout pocket,
or you could dig up another $500 and buy the 2NV. Same preamp, one or
two channels. Fantastic preamp, and though it isn't cheap it's still a
great bargain. And there are lots of different sounds in there.

ulysses

[Off Hugo]

> Given what you already have, I think your best bet would be a Great
> River NV. You could buy the MP-1NV and have $500 left in yout pocket,
> or you could dig up another $500 and buy the 2NV. Same preamp, one or
> two channels. Fantastic preamp, and though it isn't cheap it's still a
> great bargain. And there are lots of different sounds in there.
>
> ulysses

Ulysses, don't you have the Seventh Circle N72? If so, what do you
think about that as an option?

[Off Hugo]

> Given what you already have, I think your best bet would be a Great
> River NV. You could buy the MP-1NV and have $500 left in yout pocket,
> or you could dig up another $500 and buy the 2NV. Same preamp, one or
> two channels. Fantastic preamp, and though it isn't cheap it's still a
> great bargain. And there are lots of different sounds in there.
>
> ulysses

Ulysses, don't you have the Seventh Circle N72? If so, what do you
think about that as an option?

[Off Hugo]

> Given what you already have, I think your best bet would be a Great
> River NV. You could buy the MP-1NV and have $500 left in yout pocket,
> or you could dig up another $500 and buy the 2NV. Same preamp, one or
> two channels. Fantastic preamp, and though it isn't cheap it's still a
> great bargain. And there are lots of different sounds in there.
>
> ulysses

Ulysses, don't you have the Seventh Circle N72? If so, what do you
think about that as an option?

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

Off Hugo > wrote:

> Ulysses, don't you have the Seventh Circle N72? If so, what do you
> think about that as an option?


I haven't gotten to use them much since I finished them, but yes I
think it's a very good preamp. Well within the OP's price range, but
of course he'd have to put them together. And I think you can probably
do better price-wise than buying the transformers from Seventh Circle,
who get them from Vintech. Sowter makes a compatible output
transformer (the one used in the MP-2NV) that's cheaper, or if you're
going to spend that much you can look for old Marinair or St Ives
originals. I've got St Ives 10468 input transformers and Sowter output
transformers in mine. On the other hand, it's economical and
convenient to get the rest of the parts from Seventh Circle, so maybe
it's worthwhile to get the transformers from them as well.

ulysses

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

Off Hugo > wrote:

> Ulysses, don't you have the Seventh Circle N72? If so, what do you
> think about that as an option?


I haven't gotten to use them much since I finished them, but yes I
think it's a very good preamp. Well within the OP's price range, but
of course he'd have to put them together. And I think you can probably
do better price-wise than buying the transformers from Seventh Circle,
who get them from Vintech. Sowter makes a compatible output
transformer (the one used in the MP-2NV) that's cheaper, or if you're
going to spend that much you can look for old Marinair or St Ives
originals. I've got St Ives 10468 input transformers and Sowter output
transformers in mine. On the other hand, it's economical and
convenient to get the rest of the parts from Seventh Circle, so maybe
it's worthwhile to get the transformers from them as well.

ulysses

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

Off Hugo > wrote:

> Ulysses, don't you have the Seventh Circle N72? If so, what do you
> think about that as an option?


I haven't gotten to use them much since I finished them, but yes I
think it's a very good preamp. Well within the OP's price range, but
of course he'd have to put them together. And I think you can probably
do better price-wise than buying the transformers from Seventh Circle,
who get them from Vintech. Sowter makes a compatible output
transformer (the one used in the MP-2NV) that's cheaper, or if you're
going to spend that much you can look for old Marinair or St Ives
originals. I've got St Ives 10468 input transformers and Sowter output
transformers in mine. On the other hand, it's economical and
convenient to get the rest of the parts from Seventh Circle, so maybe
it's worthwhile to get the transformers from them as well.

ulysses