Apples and oranges. The 1969 is a compressor first, the preamps from all accounts are rather clean and neutral. The 2NV is based on a 1073 preamp and will be much bigger and colored sounding. Call Mercenary and try both. Send back the one you don't like, but be prepared to keep both.

I've got a 1960 (on which the 1969 is based) and I find the pres on that throw the mids way forward, so you have to pick what you use it on pretty carefully. Of course the new turbocharged 1969 might be different..

Thanks a lot,

but be prepared to keep both

I am!

The 1969 preamps sound nice, but not special. I do like them, but the piece is a compressor first. I've had mine since the fall and still haven't tried the DI. I think direct guitar is for weenies and I use a DI box out in the room to feed the pres for bass. I haven't put the pres through a ton of passes. I think I'll try them on some type of drum application next.

It is an excellent bus compressor and it also works well in tracking. I'm a big fan!
:D

I concur with the above regarding the 1969. Although, I have used the DI for bass with *very* good results. Not yet tried the pre's. Pretty happening 2-bus compressor.
Benjy