After searching for my first "real" preamp I've decided on a Sebatron 2000eVu. I am putting money into an account and hope to purchase it within about 4 months.

However, I need something to use in the mean time. Based on my setup and my needs, I've narrowed it down to these 2 units. I chose them because they have S/PDIF which I can use on my current interface and also most likely be able to use with my next soundcard for 2 extra channels.

I do not expect these to be spectacular pre's, but I do expect them to preform better than the built in pre's on my soundcard.

The unit will be used for everything untill the Sebatron becomes part of the family, after that I suspect they would mostly be used for either drum oh's or kick/snare untill I can get 2 more channels of good pre (looks like the seventh circle stuff) (which seems like that upgrade will be after my interface and monitor upgrades) . So I guess I'll need a couple years out of it.

Which one of these units would you choose? I've read good things about the Aphex 1100 MKII so I assume Aphex has the ability to make good gear. I've never heard anything great said about the art stuff on the other hand. I'm not looking for "tube warmth" bull$hit.

Which is more worthy of my $400 investment?