avalon?

I just picked up a Vintech X73i - so far, I love it.
It's probably along the lines of the MP1-NV.. not exactly the same, but 'Neve-esque' since it's based on a 1073.

1500 gets you a pre, EQ, and power supply for up to 4 units.
Certainly worth a look.
"-)

Check out Sebatron while you are at it.

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone have any experience with the pre's I mentioned? What are the sonic differences between the UA 610 and 2108?

johnthemiracle, the Avalon 737 and 2022 are both beyond my price range.

boheme6, the Vintech stuff looks very nice. What is the difference between the X73 and X73i. The price difference is substantial.

ShellTones, how do you think the Sebatron compares to the others mentioned?

Regards,
Joe

From the choices you listed. Either hte API or the GR NV. I own a pair of Vintech X81's and they are very good as is any of the Vintech stuff.

API for rock.....ISA428 for "Every instrument"....

Tagger wrote:

ShellTones, how do you think the Sebatron compares to the others mentioned?

Regards,
Joe

Sorry, I don't have experience with the other units--only the Seb. Kurt and Bowisk have both the GR and the Seb. Maybe they'll chime in. The Seb, IMO, is very versatile and sounds great on everything I have plugged into it, but I'm still lusting after a GR or Hardy to compliment it. Budget wise, you also have to consider that the Seb is about 1/2 the price of the GR.

Well, all the pre's that you listed are quite different in there sound.
All are good choices though.

I would opt for the Great River. I have not been able to get a bad sound out it ever.

Chris

what about the chandler TG2... I've been keeping my eye out on that one...

I just got the Chandler TG2 in and used it on a blues vocal the other night and WOW, man did it sound different than anything in my rack.
I would best describe it as creamy with a bell-tone high-end. It reacts super-cool to a vocalist hitting the mic hard. Theres a kind of silky distortion when this happens that opens up the highs.

The TG2 is a different animal altogether and sounds like nothing else out there to my ears.

Chris

When I got to spend a little time playing with the TG2 I thought it was more of blend that fits right in between a 1073 and an API. Better top and bottom but harder than the Neve but softer than the API.

I own an Avalon M5 and a Great Rive Me-1NV.

Both of these are excellent pres for vocal and acoustic instruments.

You can usually find a used M5 for about $900. I got mine off Ebay for that price.

THORAX

Right now I'm leaning towards getting the ISA428 to have 4 channels. For my first high end pre, it'll probably serve me better to have more channels. It seems as though this is not anyone's FAVORITE preamp, but it'll get the job done well in most cases. I think I'm just looking for confirmation that this will not be a noticeable step down from the other units. Thanks for all the help thus far.
Joe

I have an ISA428 and think it's a great preamp. I think it would be a good choice for you as well...you get four preamps, and it's probably the most neutral of the preamps you mentioned (but not at all "sterile") which would make it pretty versatile.

-Duardo

OF the ones you listed the API or 610 are good for your intended purpose.

Someone suggested Sebatron already... I've got one so I'll second the reccomendation.

For about $1,200 you can get the VMP2000e which has two channels. As a fully tube driven (at gain stage) pre, it gives fantastic sound and gain.

There are a few EQ switches you can engage which add to the different colors you can get.

D.I. and XLR for both channels. Great overdriving with serial connection (ch1-->Ch2).

Its a nice solid unit, well worth the price.

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