GAP Pre-73 or True Systems P-Solo preamp? Anyone here use either of these?

Thanks to all who offered advice.  It was very helpful.  I have decided for the GAP Pre-73.  I just ordered it and look forward to using it soon!

Thanks again,

Cecelius2

And arent there some transformer mods out for the GAP to move it closer to the Neve Mojo???

I have one and I would love to have another and I'm also wanting one or two of the GAP 54 compressors, but I just don't have the budget for it right now.

the only mods I've seen available from anyone are from www.zenproaudio.com  (and Warren Dent - owner is a great guy to deal with!)
the mods look good to me but I don't think they're really worth the extra cost for the amount of change you would get.  a full mod is with carnhill transformers and tantalum capacitors (or you can get just one of the 2 mods).  full mod price is an extra $300.

again - I don't really have anything against the mods and I might consider them, but I am pretty sure that I won't get 2X the improvement for 2X the cost!

There was an interesting review in Tape Op of Neve and clones.  I have a feeling the reviewer was splitting hairs and many home systems couldn't reproduce the differences (or the degree thereof), but it was still interesting to hear one man's opinion.

In my opinion, it takes good ears and a good system, room, etc. to hear the differences between price ranges.  It is like the gradiations of fine wine, but in the real world the differences of wine by the gallon a lot of the sublte, nutty (and pick your adjective) flavor is lost.

If you do acoustic recording you really deserve a good preamp (and mic!).  Having lots of useable gain makes the most difference - esp. in recording techniques.  Although I haven't heard a downright bad built-in interface preamp, they don't respond as well as they reach their maximum operating levels.  Higher quality (and priced) preamps just roll on.  And having transformers to add a little saturation is very nice, to my ears, esp. in the digital world (I came from analog).  All things being equal, I'd rather use a vintage Neve or one of the modern clones than a GAP, but how much difference that would make in the end product - well, most likely only me and my hairdresser would know.  Certainly not $2000 or more difference for a one-time recording.  I've heard the Gap and it is good.  I've got the ISA one and it, too, is a professional level tool.  The Portico, to me, sounds even better.

You can't really go wrong spending a few hundred dollars on a good preamp.  It is nigh impossible if you spend over $500 and either of those price range are "keepers" no matter what level of equipment you end up at.  Of course there are definate "flavors" at those price levels, but that is not as important.  You can always add those later.

@

I received the GAP Pre-73 today and recorded several takes with  a Martin D-35 acoustic guitar and a Sterling ST-77 mic.  The sound reminds me of the analog era (70's).  Yes, it can do clean and sparkle, but for my ears it seems to shine with the mic gain turned up to -40 db which gives it warmth and a nice saturated sound, while still allowing the sparkle and string definition of the guitar to shine. 

Thanks to all of you again for your advice and experience.  At this price ( I got it on sale for President's Day with a 10% discount off the normal $299 price) this was a real "nobrainer" for me.  Great deal!  Great old feel!  Great sound!

Thanks

Cecelius2

AT


Beagle,

They were all pretty good.  But you know, I had to take the clips to my music system to hear any difference.  On my computer speakers they all sounded alike - good, but the same.

So when are you going to get an LA 610? ;-)

The differences were all very subtle. 
 
I'll probably get an LA610 when I win the lottery! ;-)