Can anybody tell me what's the difference in sound between the Urei 1176 and 1178?(I know, the 1178 is stereo) I think there are only silverface 1178 around. Is there an difference like with the 1176 blackface/silverface? Is there something in serial-numbers that's important? Is the four- Buttons-In-Trick working with the 1178.
Hope somebody can help me.

Would 2 stereo linked 1176's (Purple or UA) sound good on a mix bus?

I've seen a couple of silver 1178's for sale on Ebay, usually described as a stereo version of an 1176. Sounded pretty intriguing, except that recently on one of these forums someone (sorry, can't remember who, but I think it was someone heavy) said that the 1178 in no way sounds anything like an 1176. The implication was clearly that it was an inferior beast.

I would love some feedback on whats the difference between the 1176 silverface LN and the blackface LN. Their seems to be a higher price on the blackface. Do they sound different? Why do most people prefer the blackface? Lastly would the blackface be a better investment?
Thanks,
Bruce

OK, I decided to wait and get something that I will not outgrow (damn the peer pressure). For all around (but particularly vocals), would I be better off going in the LA-2 (ex. Universal Audio) type or the 1176 type (ex. Purple Audio)? If money were no object. The only other compressors I have are the RNC and I will probably get the Avalon 737. For rock music, not heavy metal.

I want to add a couple to the collection...

Disregarding the fact that UA jacked you around...

What would you buy and why?

Thanks from and ex-Bostonian.