Hi. I don't know about the Aphex, but I have
an Art Tube PAC, and I don't recommend the low-end ART pre-amps. The thing is....the whole point of a tube pre is to get extra warmth and richness that you might not get from a comparably priced ss pre. Well, my ART is the most sterile, dull sounding tube unit I've ever used. I wonder if the tube is actually part of the circuit. I'm not sure what you're application is, but for me, a decent s.s. pre(like
the Symetrix sx202) blows the ART away, unless you purposely want to add tube overdrive....if that;s the case, use a good guitar pre-amp.
Heck, even the pre-amps in
my Alesis Studio 32 sound better than the ART.
Another problem with *my* ART is that it causes lots of high frequency noise to other units sitting next to it in a rack. None of my other gear creates such noise, including my other tube gear.
If you must try out the low-end ART pre's, at least make sure you have some kind of money-back guarantee if you don't like it.
good luck!
ps: for the record, I must admit the ART is reasonably clean and quiet, for a <$200 pre, but still dull and useless for my applications. I'll sell you my Tube PAC
If you want a great-sounding pre for around $200, get a used Symetrix sx202!!!!