Investing in world-class front end gear is not as exciting as getting a new instrument... but (IMO) there's not a better investment you can make.
Everything recorded thru it will sound better.
 
DI electric bass is a good example.
Thru a typical inexpensive front-end, DI electric bass (especially passive) often sounds weak/thin.
The same instrument running thru a Neve preamp suddenly has "it"; requires little to no EQ... and just a little compression to seat it in the mix.
 
 
 

Thanks everyone for your input , it’s been very helpful.

DeeringAmps
Check it out
RCA 7025
only $199.95 each.
Gawd dam bargain!

Your point is well taken. My original point was that the Pro VLA II sounds good out of the box, but sounds even better if you upgrade the tubes. BTW, I found some NOS 7025's on ebay, 2 for $150.

Jim, I've heard that ribbons are good on horns. I only record for myself these days in a small project studio and I don't play brass, so I never had a chance to try a ribbon on horns. Sounds logical though.
 
Bill

Kev999
I have a DBX 166XL. It's OK for electric guitar but I wouldn't recommend it for vocals.

That seems to be the general consensus. And I'm sure they're perfectly adequate for situations where you're just trying to keep levels even. But if a person's wanting to use compression as an effect to get that big, expansive, airy sort of sound, cheaper ones have a harder time getting it I think. However, it's not like I've tried them all. The ART unit that was mentioned may be great for all I know. I've also heard good things about the inexpensive Joe Meek units, but I've never had the opportunity to try one.
 
Bill

I've never used the ART, but it has a nice reputation, tho I don't think it does the LA-2A thing.  The Warm 76 can be found for less the $500 used, I think, and it does the 1176 thing.  But anyone interested in hardware needs to check out the KT units.  I haven't used them and don't know about quality control, but buyers have liked them.  It is Behringer now, so I think the prices they are offering are a means to get rid of everyone else in the low-end hardware business, then they raise prices later.  So get 'em now before you have to pay WARM + prices.
 
@

The Golden Audio Projects Pre-73's are very good 1073 style pre-amps, and at a great price.
 
I've got a MK 1 & a MK 2, with the MK 2 upgraded with a Carnhill output transformer.
 
The only reason I upgraded the transformer is because I bought it second hand and the one inside it was damaged by the previous owner (I think he dropped it as the knobs were smashed as well), and the Carnhill was easier to source. It only cost £25 + delivery.
 
 
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Pre73MK3--golden-age-project-pre-73-mkiii-mic-line-preamp
 
 
The MK3 comes pre-prepared for the 3 Carnhill transformers (mic/line/output) should you want to upgrade them. The upgrade does make it sound closer to a genuine Neve, but to be honest they sound fantastic with the stock transformers.