Well, here is the skinny on it:

Multiple Paths, One Goal: Total Sonic Realism

# Four distinct inputs can be optimized for any source
# Instruments – Twin Topology® DI channel; dual-triode 12AT7 vacuum tube or discrete FET solid state
# Microphones – discrete solid state HV-3 microphone preamplifier
# DAW or tape outputs – Discrete solid state line level amplifier
# Guitar power amp outputs – Speaker Soak™ technology
# Powerful yet musical tonal shading
# Two bands of mastering-grade NSEQ-2 parametric Eq; 20 Hz to 20 kHz center frequency, 0.4 to 4.0 Q
# Optimized DI input for any instrument with variable 470 k / 2 M / 10 M impedance
# Nine outputs for unlimited functionality
# Patented Re-Amp outputs with custom-designed magnetics emulate Les Paul® and Strat® pickups
# Audiophile headphone output
# Balanced and unbalanced monolithic outputs
# Balanced and unbalanced discrete FET outputs
# Microphone level output with large-geometry DIT-01 transformer: -3 dB 3 Hz – 300 kHz
# Effortlessly musical performance at all dynamic levels
# Input headroom >100 V, output headroom > 30 V
# 100% effective hum removal with numerous ground lifts & isolations
# Built for critical professional applications
# Ultra-clean toroid power supply: internal sub-chassis
# Gold connectors, OFC audio wiring, silver Teflon power wiring

It is one of their top selling products. My guess is its an excellent addition to any DAW system. If you buy it, let us know how you like it and what you are recording.

Hmm...

Thing is, I have about $1500 burning a hole in my pocket, but I (obviously) want to make a smart purchase, not an impulsive one.

Other items of interest to me are:

Langevin DVC

Apogee Ensemble (which I really need to get at some point or another, if I ever want to get past the two input limitation of the Duet)

Sebatron 2000

Tough call. I can't always get my hands on these things to try out either.

From that list I would go with the TD-1. In the end you can't get enough transparent gear. Coloured stuff is nice for the flavour now and then, but I more often need gear that gives me what I give it. If the mic is right, then often I don't want the pre-amp to add colour.

I have never heard a track recorded through the TD-1 that wasnt sonically impressive.

HOWEVER......The DVC is one of my favorite things in a recording path.

The TD-1 is a bit more versatile.

Left turn....I bought an LA-610.