Bonjour tout le monde,

Fletcher,
This question is especially for you, but I welcome anyone's input.
What's the best pre-amp I can buy for under $1000, including used?
Thanks,
Mark

I have a friend with a ZR-76 (Ensoniq). We both feel the sound could be improved with a pre-amp and were wondering what you guys are using.
Do you recommend something like a dbx586(?) with tube warmth and digital outputs? (For digital tracking.)
Do you use stereo preamps and slightly vary the left and right outputs? Or set them the same?

I just picked this pre up and it seems everything I run through it is distorted.There are no input or output adjustments on it, so I guess I'm stuck with one level, but do I need a pad after the mic, before the pre?
If so, which one is transparent enough(model numbers please).
Also, has anyone else used this pre before?
Any applications where it excels?