ART Dual MP / Aphex 207 / SP Vtb-1

[avieth]

I'm in need of some more preamp channels, but I don't want to spend too much. Browsing eBay I found these three models, and I'm planning on bidding on the Aphex. Has anyone used it? Googling its name I found some decent reviews, but I could get a Dual MP for $80, and I hear they are great for the price. But I also found some vtb-1s. I know these are great, and this guy is including some replacement tubes as well in case I get tired of the stock ones But the vtb-1s are $100/each.

Any advice on these? I'm leaning towards the Aphex.

[chessrock]

I think the Aphex would be a step above in terms of sound quality.

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[avieth]

I could get two Dual MPs for less than the price of the Aphex. I'm thinking I'll go for that. Do these ART pres sound good? I'm just looking for something that's not noisy and won't distort at higher gains. I'll be using them for micing up drums, guitar cabs, acoustic guitars, a Hammond organ, and as a DI for bass.

I was thinking of just picking two of these up, trying them out, and hoping for the best. I've read some reviews of the ART Tube MP (the dual is just two of these I guess) and some say it's great, some say it's crap and very noisy. I'd definitely replace the cheap tube(s) with a good quality tube like something by JJ Electronics. This is such a gamble, I just need some reassurance that I won't get noise and distortion.

[SonicAlbert]

I agree with Chessrock, of those on your list the Aphex 207 would be the one to go for. At least, that's the preamp I'd buy off that list.

Don't get fooled by "two for the price of one" thinking. Get the better preamp first, then add an ART later if you really need more channels.

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by avieth

I'm just looking for something that's not noisy and won't distort at higher gains.

Well, the good news is that just about any mic pre on the market will have a hard time not meeting that requirement. It would be a hard feat to accomplish. But if anything out there can do it, I have faith that ART can pull it off.

.

[homestudioguy]

I agree on the Aphex as well.
The ART 2 channel Dual MP pre's don't even come close.
See Electronic Musicians Review: http://emusician.com/signalprocessor...aphex_model_2/
Harmony Central Review: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r...Aphex/207/10/1
Perhaps get this and if you need to have an ART Tube Pre, save up and get the much better sounding ART MPA GOLD.