Lynn Fuston did a shootout of many pres and the John Hardy M1 was very favorable in my recollection.

I think the M1 was tested, I know he tested a bunch of them.

I have not tried one of them here but I am sure if you are not deeply satisfyed, look at the return policy of said store or try to get one to rent for a week.

Mics, cables, acoustics, talent and mic pres all play their role. Their is no magic bullet but if Lynn says they are really nice, you got to believe a Man as passionant as he is in this all.

He does have a rather nice (not cheap) CD where you can audition many pres and mics and it was done in LAB conditions so their is no monkey business at all. He was totally unbiased and wanted the test to be true with about 75 grand of samples. Their was no mention of manufactures favors, bribes or advertising associated with it and he got clearence from all manufactures to do it legally.

I guess what I am saying is, this is the only CD set that I have seen that was well planned, well thought out, done a while ago and had the full cooperation between parties as to what the intentions of this product was. A true shootout based in lab conditions for folks to evaluate equipment otherwise prohibitive to go out and buy and have a shot in the dark.

You can do a search on Lynn Fuston and find his forum and his links to the CD's.

Other than that, since I do not own one or have not evaluated one, you need to look at the tools provided here to discover the route, best taken.

You will have the oppurtunity to look over serveral selections and see what fits your needs.

All engineers should use this valuable tool for auditioning and selection based on the painstaking tasks that were performed.

Also, I am not affiliated in this test but me and Lynn have spoken on the phone, he is a really great guy and I trust his methods implicidly.

Friendly link is here.... [url=(dead link removed)[/url]

Happy hunting!!

Thanks for the nice words, Bill.

All I can say is that so many new great preamps have come out in the past two years, I may have to do another Preamp CD. The problem is deciding which ones to include.

And I try very hard to keep it honest and fair. I don't think it's right to post samples for people to compare when the testing methodology is less than ideal and the levels are not precise. People may think they're hearing the differences between preamps when in fact all they're hearing is a 3 dB level difference. I work very hard (most people would not believe how hard) to get everything as precise as possible so people can trust the results.

I encourage feedback about what people think. There are comments all over my forum, 3dB, and r.a.p. as well.

I'm eagerly anticipating the release of the next project too. $118,000 worth of A-D converters, three different sources, 28 converters. It's a real eye opener. Or should that be ear opener?

See ya.

Lynn, you are an inspiration to all of us engineers and I am honored that you came to post. You run a very nice site and you have paid your dues over, and over, and over again. Your talent is widely recognized by all the designers and owners of fine studio equipment manufactures and I am most humble to you for your input, dedication and hard work to help us all advance the state of the recording arts.

Lynn, you are truly one of the greats. Your work decades from now will be enjoyied by all that care.

Thank you ever so much for joining us here.

You are always welcomed.