I haven't used a Neve 1073, but many claI'm there's magic in this combination of Neve preamp and eq.

Not wanting to spend the $$$'s for the 1073, but having a Neve 1272 and some open slots in a API rack, I was wondering if the combination of a Neve 1272 + API eq (550, 553, 554 type) would approach the "magic" of the Neve 1073?

Often people talk about the differences between the 1272 and the 1073, minus the 3rd gainstage..

I am told that the old difference between the Vintech 1272 and the Vintech X-73 preamp is a capacitor on the gain stage, and that it is a small upgrade cost.

Is the difference ONLY the direction of gain stages on the Line Input. ie Only the WAY it clicks through the steps? Or are there more important SOUND QUALITY related differences?

Assuming they look almost identical (do they?) Then, if, say, you were in an other country and hired a 1073 and a 1089 turned up instead would you:

Hi Fletcher et all
I have been hearing some very good things on a number of forums about these Neve design based clones. Have you tested any of them and are they as good as they and their specs say they are? Apparently you can't get them in the UK as there is no distributor as yet. I would be very grateful for your thoughts.

Thanks
Simon :confused: