Its a nice pre. The input and output transformer can be upgraded. Some people change caps in the signal path to tantalum (What Neve used before he knew their evils...) All and all a nice box for the price.

Thanks for the input.
Yes, that's what i read on gearslutz, so i was kind of wondering what people, here, thought of them.
Did you use one of these before?
Do they sound like 300$ pres or are they in the upper league like some people seem to think? (when they've been modified that is)

N.

I don't own one, but I have a friend that has one, I looked over his shoulder when he changed the input and out transformer. I can't comment on the unit before the mod, but after it sounded very nice. It was present in the upper mids and had a smooth low end. I could see using it on vocals. Nice pre for the money.

Well, thanks then.
Could you tell me what kind of transformer he used?
I read about this one for an output transforme : Carnhill part nº CA-18-VTB1148
But couldn't figure out what they use as input Transformer...

Did your friend change caps??

Anyway, thanks for your kind help.

N.

Oh, thanks, i did not find this one...
Thank you very much.

N.

This is just my personal opinion and it could be just that my monitors are crap but IMHO the effect of the Mod is negligible. It may be that over the course of a recording the mod may sound nicer on layered tracks but as it is, that GA PRE73 sounds pretty nice stock. The 1073 has a bit more body but it's also $3000 more. For the price, it's a smokin' deal.

I find this test :
View Single Post - Golden Age Project Pre73

It's pretty interesting.

I'm really considering one of them (or two) and maybe just change the output transformer if i find myself hearing that distortion they talk about.
Looks like a mighty good deal....

I would suspect the input transformer would make a bigger difference. My friend used a cinemag, not sure the model number.

I'm afraid the input transformer is a little trickier to change...

I found the attached schematic for the Carnhill input t.

Does it make sense?

Attached files

I might even suggest that you purchase one of my Neve 3415A's? Why try to build a genuine imitation when you can have the real thing for less? $300 US gets you a 3415A, complete with Neve/St. Ives input & Marinair output transformer. Complete with a BA 438 input amplifier and a BA 440 output amplifier with all discrete transistors. You would need to reverse the input transformer. You would need to add some variable gain adjustment & resistance 20 DB microphone pad. So while everybody is trying to build a genuine imitations, you could have the real deal. And once you hear it, you'll love it, everyone will love it. I have a lot of these to sell, since I decommission my second 36 input Neve console.

Selling Neve modules
Mx. Remy Ann David

I wouldn't bother with changing the output trany, the upgrades to the output have been said to be only very subtle.

For my money i'd upgrade the input transformer.

(Autobot or Decepticon?)
-Chris