best preamp under or around $500

  • Thread starter Thread starter videodrone
  • Start date Start date
The question in my mind at $500 is whether to go with the Grace 101 or RNP. If the Grace is significantly better than I would go in that direction, if it is not that much better, I would rather have the RNP with two channels.
 
The Grace is a good pre in the 550.00 range very clean and transparent with a very slight high end rise{for one channel}..Also I like the DI 's for keys in the 101{Two channels of 101 are gonna cost 1100.00}... I'm sure the RNP is similar sonicly{you gotta listen to it yourself}... but the RNP has 2 channels for 500.00!If you are on a buget well...Even if they are pretty close in sound.. I dont think you can go wrong with RNP..You will use it down the road even if you get more flavors later!!I can't say how much better one is over the other{I only have the Graces}But when you look at features the Grace is twice the price based on channels..Wish I could be of more help..But if you need 2 chans. do want to spend 500.00 or1100.00?I would save my cash get the RNP and upgrade my monitors and mics first before I moved up to the next level of preamps{Great River etc.}...so I could hear what was going on! Also so I could make more informed desisions sonicly about where I was heading..JMO


Don
 
Questions, questions . . .

I guess my main concern would be how does it compare to the Sytek?

Considering that for only $300 more ($200/channel as opposed to $250 -- I guess it's not a huge difference but it adds up), I can get two more channels of a pre that's been around longer and has, by all accounts, a more established reputation.

However, if it (RNP) compares favorably, I suppose it would be worth it considering it also has the DI feature.
 
tubedude,

you were right about the RNP being more detailed than my 1604vlz pro. i re-recorded the bass part after i cut my fingernails and the RNP seems to have blow the doors off. i'll listen to it tomorrow. i'm always more subjective the next day.

i'm going to be tracking acoustic guitar tomorrow, and vocals on thursday.

i should know by saturday whether i'll be buying another RNP or returning/selling this one.

then i gotta find 2 stereo compressors as small as the RNP that can be used in mono.
 
Middleman said:
The question in my mind at $500 is whether to go with the Grace 101 or RNP. If the Grace is significantly better than I would go in that direction, if it is not that much better, I would rather have the RNP with two channels.
Click to expand...

To me, the RNP seems to be one of those transparent kind preamps at first blush but when you A/B it with a Grace you can hear the ballsy character of the RNP as well as a little distortion. There is definitely color there. I don't think there is a wrong choice between the two. I personally prefer the Grace.

--Steve
www.piemusic.com
 
The vtb2 is going to be 550 bucks, street prices for SP stuff has usually been 20% lower than that so $450 is my prediction.

He does have a pre coming out for 900 but its the toft pre.
 
Tubedude,


Since you have had your RNP for longer than most. Could you please post a completed mix somewhere of a tune done with it? Ive heard one tune done by a piano player, singer/songwriter. The vocals were buried though and I couldnt tell how they really sounded. MP3s suck but its better than buying something 100% blind. It would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks
Justin
 
darrin_h2000 said:
The vtb2 is going to be 550 bucks, street prices for SP stuff has usually been 20% lower than that so $450 is my prediction.

He does have a pre coming out for 900 but its the toft pre.
Click to expand...

Studio Projects toft preamp?
 
chessrock said:
Questions, questions . . .

I guess my main concern would be how does it compare to the Sytek?

Considering that for only $300 more ($200/channel as opposed to $250 -- I guess it's not a huge difference but it adds up), I can get two more channels of a pre that's been around longer and has, by all accounts, a more established reputation.

However, if it (RNP) compares favorably, I suppose it would be worth it considering it also has the DI feature.
Click to expand...

I agree if someone was planning on buying two RNP's they should at least check out a MPX-4A first. I used one about six months back at it was amazing. I haven't yet tried an RNP but it would have to be pretty damn good to blow the Sytek away. My understanding is the RNP may have a little more color while the Sytek just seemed to make everything loud and solid with out losing or adding a Godamn thing! It's just sooo focused!!

Still I'm sure I could find plenty of uses for both. Although once I used the Sytek it was the ONLY pre I used while I had it.

Mmmm... I think I might have a look on Ebay!
 
darrin_h2000 said:
The vtb2 is going to be 550 bucks, street prices for SP stuff has usually been 20% lower than that so $450 is my prediction.
Click to expand...

Where do you get that from? The only post I can find mentioning a price is one by Alan on Harmony Central on December 22, saying that he's targeting between $800 and $1,000 for the VTB-2.
 
jslator said:
Where do you get that from? The only post I can find mentioning a price is one by Alan on Harmony Central on December 22, saying that he's targeting between $800 and $1,000 for the VTB-2.
Click to expand...

I seem to remember reading Alan saying the Studio Projects VTB-2 was going to list for about $900 or so also... but, I don't remember where I read that.
 
He posted $550 on recording.org himself, the street price has allways been 20% lower than that.
 
darrin_h2000 said:
He posted $550 on recording.org himself, the street price has allways been 20% lower than that.
Click to expand...

All I see him mention on recording.org was an estimated street price of $600. He said that on December 11. Then he said on Harmony Central on December 22 that they were targeting a price of $800 to $1,000. I guess that means list price. Or maybe the price is going up. In any event, I doubt that $450 or even $550 is realistic. There is, of course, one person who knows the answer for certain. He seems to be keeping quiet though.
 
Doh!
This thread is as good as dead and the issue about the VTB-2 still isn't resolved.
I'm suprised Alan Hyatt hasn't chimed in.
I hope he does.
 
That_Abbott said:
I'm suprised Alan Hyatt hasn't chimed in.
Click to expand...

He's been remarkably quiet, which is unusual for him. I wonder what's up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top