you should go for Brent, value will hold much longer (you will rarely see them on ebay)if you buy an original parts version.
the clone versions are great as well, no one will ever know if it's clone or original.
Sonny

I cant imagine making a bad choice with any of these to be honest with you...I have worked with the X73 on vocals, guitars, and bass, that pre is really cool. the EQ section is so very versitle!

Barry Rudolph wrote a very favorable review of the Chandler unit in Mix (expanded EQ a plus), and he compares it with a Brent Averill. I've seen some pretty negative comments about the Vintech. Fletcher at Mercenary doesn't seem to think they measure up as Neve clones.

Word is that Neve is going to release a 1073 reissue...I'd wait for that or get a pair of originals- They'll hold their value better, sound killer and look better on the gear list....my $.02.....

My Brother owns two x81's and we've done one-on-one compare of it and a 1073, and the mic pre tone is right there. Of course the eq is different as the x81 has 4-band. The very minor difference is that the Vintech X73 and X81 sound newer, As in cleaner, less noise and bit faster/harder while the 1073 my Bro has (or rather had as he just sold it) sounded a bit slower/softer less detailed. Keep in mind that a lot 1073's don't exactly match one another either.

I also have noted that a lot of the people that make negative comments on the Vintech also seem to have their own agendas - or sell other products that compete.

I love the vintechs... i actually took down a pair of 1066s the other day for a pair of vintechs.. i couldnt get the 1066s to sound alike at all... they sounded like 2 different pres... i love the fact that the vintechs are sooo closely matched..

Originally posted by syborg:
Word is that Neve is going to release a 1073 reissue...I'd wait for that or get a pair of originals- They'll hold their value better, sound killer and look better on the gear list....my $.02.....

Yes. The party at AMEK is over. The people responsible for getting Rupert Neve to design the 9098/9098i, facilitate and build the console line all have left for various reasons. The key guy is working with Neve to get re-issues of the real deal. http://www.rupertneve.com is almost complete, and the new stuff should roll out soon.

Though Rupert had other designers working for him, some of which are manufacturing clones themselves, I would opt for the Neve nameplate on mine.

I've got 5 genuine Neve 1073's and 1 of Brent Averill's Reproduction 1073's. I can tell you that the Repro is stellar and every bit as good as the original. I would advise to spend a few extra bucks and get the 1084 Averill Repro instead. The EQ has a few more options that will come in handy. The Averill's are plug and play and the support and advice is superb. You can't go wrong.

A little story:
When I first heard a 1073 on a kick drum I cried. From that moment I knew I would have to have enough 1073's to mic a whole kit and the cost brought tears to my eyes as I truly had Neve-itis. No other single piece of equipment has made me happier.

Originally posted by denial:
I've got 5 genuine Neve 1073's and 1 of Brent Averill's Reproduction 1073's. I can tell you that the Repro is stellar and every bit as good as the original. I would advise to spend a few extra bucks and get the 1084 Averill Repro instead. The EQ has a few more options that will come in handy. The Averill's are plug and play and the support and advice is superb. You can't go wrong.

A little story:
When I first heard a 1073 on a kick drum I cried. From that moment I knew I would have to have enough 1073's to mic a whole kit and the cost brought tears to my eyes as I truly had Neve-itis. No other single piece of equipment has made me happier.

Ditto to your whole post, with sugar on it! :c: