Hope this is the right place to post this?

I have seen a VC7 for £300 new and want some opinions on it. I already have a VC1Q which I like a lot, are the pre's in the VC7 the same or better?

I have been looking for a clean, transparent(ish) dual mic preamp that would be a significant upgrade on the DMP2 pre's in my Omni Studio and was looking at the DMP3, RNP and SPL Goldmike as these were all below £500 (I'm poor). The Toft AFC-2 is now in the running, which has EQ as well!

The thing is the Toft, SPL and FMR are all about £200 more than the 'special offer' VC7, are they worth the wait and extra cash? The DMP3 is only £175, but may not quite be the step up I require?

I would like Alan Hyatt's opinion as he has commented in the past about the Joemeek pre's being (contrary to popular belief) very transparent (with warmth) and that it is the comp and EQ that give it the 'Meek' sound. Do you still think this Alan? Do others agree?

Will the new Joemeek range or SP offer a dual mic preamp in the £300 price range? What about an AFC-2 without EQ for £300?

I like the switchable impedence matching on the VC7, which I believe actually works as opposed to the CS method, which although Alan used to praise now says doesn't work at all. I also like the MS to LR decoding.

One thing I am concerned about is the headroom, which many have said is not alway high enough in the Meeks? I have never had a problem with my VC1Q, but as anyone got opinions on this issue?

In general Alan, is the VC7 one of the better (Old) Joemeek s's? Is it well worth £300?

Cheers