I've owned VMP's, they are warm and Bluesy kind of a vibe, very well priced but I wouldn't suggest them for high end acoustic music as much as I would suggest a Millennia M-2b, which I own as well. The M-2b is the H-V3 in HD with a silkness. I love it.

If you are looking for a softer rounded out pre, the VMP might be just what you need.

Hope that helps.

Argh!!! Not the Millennia ;). I've used them for years and have grown to really not like them at all. Too glassy and distant sounding. No, in this case, I have >32 channels of squeaky clean. I'm looking for some saturation - whether that be iron or valves...
I used to get amazing classical recordings with my Langevin (big iron). I'm regretting having sold it.
Cheers-
J

Not very imaginative, but the API 3124....

Cucco, post: 382396 wrote: Argh!!! Not the Millennia ;). I've used them for years and have grown to really not like them at all. Too glassy and distant sounding. No, in this case, I have >32 channels of squeaky clean. I'm looking for some saturation - whether that be iron or valves...
I used to get amazing classical recordings with my Langevin (big iron). I'm regretting having sold it.
Cheers-
J

You've used the M-2b? Not the same animal, no way. Killer in deed.

TRANSFORMERLESS, FULLY CLASS-A, 350 VOLT TRIODE DESIGN
>35 dBu OUTPUT HEADROOM OPTIONAL DPA +130V MIC INPUTS
GOLD AUDIO CONNECTORS, TUBE SOCKETS, AND RELAYS
MUSICALLY RICH VINTAGE VACUUM TUBES AVAILABLE
PRECISION POTENTIOMETERS, ULTRA-PREMIUM COMPONENTS.
EFFORTLESS, LIFELIKE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE AT ALL DYNAMIC LEVELS
BUILT FOR LIFE, COSMETICALLY APPEALING

API is on my list for sure.
Check the SPL Premiums specs.

High quality triple stage design with Lundahl input transformers and discrete high voltage transistors. Check the [[url=http://[/URL]="http://spl.info/fil…"]manual[/]="http://spl.info/fil…"]manual[/] for details

I have some on there way. I only mention these because its what I am looking for in all my preamps. They are priced really well too.

ADL 600 is another big iron pre, sounds like the M-2b but not quite as ballsy (open) lol!

Cucco, what converters are you using? I think a lot of people are spending unnecessary money trying to get that sound from other sources when in fact the converters are more critical. When I changed my ADDA, everything opened up and the glass vaporized. smoke Even RODE mics that people say are tinning sounding is hard to believe now.

Cucco,

I have a variety of the Sebatron pres. They suit my needs very well, but I'm not doing ultra-high end classical music. They can add a flattering tubey color, but there's more to it than just the traits of the tube.

No way to tell if you'd like them without hearing them I suppose - so if I have something you'd like to hear, PM me.

Check out the APA Juggernaut
APA Gear - Testimonials, Video Clips, F.A.Q., User Reviews, & Audio Samples - US Toll Free @ 1.866.235.0953, Ph. 813.746.4058