Big List of <$1000 Pre Amps

  • Thread starter Thread starter thehymns
  • Start date Start date
T

thehymns

New member
This question gets asked a lot, "what's the best preamp under $1000." I myself ask it all the time as well. So, here is a list of preamps that have recieved high praise on the board and that are readily available that are under $1000. I included their new price as well as what they run on average used on eBay. Feel free to add to the list!

Brent Averill 312a (single channel): New: $979, used *couldn't find one!*
Vintech 1272: used $950
FMR RNP: $499, used $425 *I was surprised by their resale value!*
Groove Tubes Brick: $400, used $300
Universal Audio SOLO 610: $800, used $625
Great River ME-1NV: $1075, used $750
DAV BG-1 (I actually couldn't find a US price for these, help!)
Chameleon Labs 7602: $700, used $600
Chameleon Labs 7622: $800, used $675
Summit Audio 2BA-221: $630, used $375
Speck Mic Pre 5.0: $780, used ?
Toft AFC-2: $650, used $400
Joe Meek VC6: Used $175
Joe Meek VC6q: Used $250
Joe Meek VC1q: Used $350
Grace 101: $565, used $400
Chandler Germanium: $800 used
True Systems P-Solo: $600, used $450
Blue Robbie: $1000, used $525
 
Last edited:
Howabout,

AEA Ribbon Pre: List $975
Buzz Elixir:$795 (Needs a 500 series rack to live in however...)
 
I think you are mixing apples, oranges, and pears. You have single channel preamps, dual channel preamps, channel strips. You cannot group these side-by-side IMO and have a meaningful list. You are going to have a single list with well over 100 items. You should break it into three lists. I, alone, could name 20 units in each of those categories.
 
I have been seeing the Portico 5012, dual channel in the $1100-$1200 range which, if you have a few more dollars, is a great preamp as well.
 
The Rane MS1b is about as clear as a bell. I haven't used anything in any price range that I would consider to be noticeably clearer or more detailed.

It could use a pad at the input -- seriously. And it's power supply is really goofy -- it's a freakin telephone cord for cryin' out loud.

But other than it's sometimes over-sensitivity, it just sounds great, and it's very inexpensive. You could get one of these and forget about spending a thousand bucks on something else ... until the day you feel like adding something like a Neve or API clone to use along with it.

.
 
Once you have a lunchbox.

A-designs
API
Great River
Buzz Audio
Shadow Hills
;)
 
Mr. Antrobus said:
Nope, I make do with an ma-2.2 that I bought for around $1,100 new back when the dollar was stronger.
Click to expand...

Okay thanks. I own a pair of R84s and I've considered the pre as I do a bit of low level Acoustic gtr micing with them.
 
10-4 on the DAV No1 BG - $700 for 2 really, really nice channels.

In my lunchbox I have:

1- A-Designs P1
1- Brent Averill 512
1- Purple Biz
1- GR MP500-NV

Want a Shadow Hills or Elixir to fill up the box.

All of these are in the $650-$750 range plus the cost of the lunchbox

Also have:
1- Avalon M5
1- GR 1ME-NV
 
D&R makes a 2 channel preamp that streets at around $500 new that will hold its own anywhere in that list:)
 
xstatic said:
D&R makes a 2 channel preamp that streets at around $500 new that will hold its own anywhere in that list:)
Click to expand...

Heck, the manufacturers website is saying they have a special on it for 150.00 Euros...
 
Thats exactly what it is. A couple of preamps from their currentconsole range boxed up in a half rack space frame with basically no extra's. D&R makes an excellent "neutral" sounding preamp. I have not kept my eye on the price or any specials because my console already has 48 of those preamps in it.
 
chessrock said:
The Rane MS1b is about as clear as a bell. I haven't used anything in any price range that I would consider to be noticeably clearer or more detailed.

It could use a pad at the input -- seriously. And it's power supply is really goofy -- it's a freakin telephone cord for cryin' out loud.

But other than it's sometimes over-sensitivity, it just sounds great, and it's very inexpensive. You could get one of these and forget about spending a thousand bucks on something else ... until the day you feel like adding something like a Neve or API clone to use along with it.

.
Click to expand...

Is it significantly cleaner/better than the DMP3?
 
danny.guitar said:
Is it significantly cleaner/better than the DMP3?
Click to expand...

"Significantly?" Probably not.

Noticeably? Yea, I'd say so.

Worth spending your time worrying about? Too much time on your hands. Get recording.

dmc777 said:
I'd also like to know how the dmp3 compares to the symetrix sx202 and 302.
Click to expand...

See above statement regarding "too much time on your hands - get recording." :D

.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top