ART PRO MPA II - Analog or digital version?

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quesne

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Hello All:

I am planning to buy either the PRO MPA II or the DIGITAL MPA II (used, of course). I have found two in excellent condition, and either would cost me about the same amount (~$250 delivered).

I have never used any digital connectivity on my existing equipment to date, but you never know what the future may bring. My question has mainly to do with longevity. For example, I have read a number of posts on gear sites that indicate some people have had issues with the VU meter lamps burning out. As far as I can see, all of those posts have been regarding the DIGITAL MPA II rather than the PRO MPA II.

I was wondering whether, for example, the heat build-up in the digital unit might be higher due to the additional circuitry, and therefore adversely affect the lamps over time? Does anyone have any experience with these units that could help to inform my curiosity?

The real question is: All things being equal (including the price, condition, etc.), would you recommend getting the digital unit? Or the analog one? Is there any reason at all to prefer one version over the other? As I said, I do not currently use any digital connections, but it might be nice to have them.

I'm just looking for an informed opinion, if it's out there :-) Thank you for any assistance!
 
If your interface accepts digital in, you might gain 2 more Inputs, is one point for the digital.

I don't think there will be much sound difference heard. These preamps use a converter, take a signal off an output and run it to a SPDIF.
Older units digital are probably not going to impress anyone like a "Julian", Ive had a few with digital outs and ran them into a small interface gaining extra Input which was good.

The digital shouldn't effect the preamp MPA at all. Usually its a option with added cost...so all being equal why not get the digital unit. imo.

But your post was in April so maybe you've moved on?
 
Thanks very much for the response, CoolCat :-) Actually, several people told me something very similar to what you have said: That I should expect the performance of the Pro MPA II and the Digital MPA to be virtually identical. Likewise, I ended up testing three or four different units within a 30 minute drive from me. I ended up buying a Digital MPA. Very nice one in excellent condition, with upgraded tubes (Sylvania 12AX7 NOS). The only difference that I can see is that, on the Digital MPA, the LED meter is not a "tube warmth" indicator. It is strictly to monitor the digital signal out. Otherwise, they are the same (as far as I can see).
 
Get the Gold one. That's the one I got years ago. I recorded a singer with it 15 years ago and he said it was the best he's ever sounded.
 
quesne said:
Hello All:

I am planning to buy either the PRO MPA II or the DIGITAL MPA II (used, of course). I have found two in excellent condition, and either would cost me about the same amount (~$250 delivered).

I was wondering whether, for example, the heat build-up in the digital unit might be higher due to the additional circuitry, and therefore adversely affect the lamps over time? Does anyone have any experience with these units that could help to inform my curiosity?
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Some lamps burn out occasionally - it’s the same for the non digital one as well - the digital version does not run any hotter than the non digital BTW.


quesne said:
The real question is: All things being equal (including the price, condition, etc.), would you recommend getting the digital unit? Or the analog one? Is there any reason at all to prefer one version over the other? As I said, I do not currently use any digital connections, but it might be nice to have them.

I'm just looking for an informed opinion, if it's out there :-) Thank you for any assistance!
Click to expand...
ADAT, SPDIF, and AES are not as common in home systems - get an Audio Interface with one - like the RME Digiface AES - and you are spending upwwards of $2K - not as budget friendly as one would think - still if both units are the same price range I would choose the digital due the extra versatility.
 
Monkey Allen said:
Get the Gold one. That's the one I got years ago. I recorded a singer with it 15 years ago and he said it was the best he's ever sounded.
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Thanks for your response, Monkey. What is the difference between the Pro MPA II and the MPA Gold?
 
Papanate said:
Some lamps burn out occasionally - it’s the same for the non digital one as well - the digital version does not run any hotter than the non digital BTW.



ADAT, SPDIF, and AES are not as common in home systems - get an Audio Interface with one - like the RME Digiface AES - and you are spending upwwards of $2K - not as budget friendly as one would think - still if both units are the same price range I would choose the digital due the extra versatility.
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Thanks Papanate! I did end up getting the Digital MPA after testing a handful of examples of the two different configurations. I am currently using a Zoom R16 as my interface, and it does a fine job (for the moment). I used a PreSonus FireStudio Project for quite some time years ago, but I lent it to a friend when we moved, and I have yet to get it back :-)
 
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