Can someone be objective in my comparison about these two pres?

[rushfan33]

I did a search on the Presonus M-80 and I really didn't find a substantial amount of info. I'm trying to decided between getting the RNP (only one), or the M-80. I can get a terrific deal on the m-80 (around $800) and I know that the RNP is about $475.

I've heard nothing but great things about the RNP but I was curious as how the quality comparees between the two.

Has anyone used BOTH of these pres? I'm doing hard rock stuff using ADAT-XT's and an ATR 60-8. My main desk is the Mackie 32-8.

Thanks,
RF

 

[wheelema]

I have no personal experience, but this is what Fletcher at mercenary audio thought of Presounus (and a few others)...

Fletcher at Mercenary Audio on the Toft ATC-2
I guess we'll start with the shit I didn't like about it first... I am, after all, a negative motherfucker so let's get this out of the way... the mic pre's suck.

They're just not up to what I like playing with... and seeing that we have pre's like the Martech MSS-10 hanging around here... it's not necessarily a "fair" evaluation [my "GEO" doesn't handle like my Ferrari... so the GEO sucks kind of an 'unfair' comparison].

They're certainly up there with shit like the Presonus and the Focusrite... they just don't measure up to a "real" pre-amp

I added the underlying emphasis.

I kind of take that feedback as something of a backhanded compliment to Toft, Presounus, and Focusrite. But the RNP is reputed to be a cleaner preamp.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Rush:

For a few bucks more, you can get the Grace Design 101, one channel mic pre.

As I posted earlier, I ran a test against my ART dual channel, and the mic pres on my 2816 [they usually are not very good and I found that to be true.]

The Grace 101 was superior. I had a friend here and we both agreed after listening to the test results DRY and then with some reverb.

Going price for the Grace 101 is around 550 at the right dealer.

Green Hornet

 

[Richard Monroe]

Wheelema, Fletcher's a pretty hard sell, and even though he is an FMR dealer, I doubt he would claim that the RNP is vastly superior to a Grace 101 or any number of other serviceable mid priced preamps. I'm kind of amazed that he sells the Toft unit, and states flat out that the preamps suck. (his words, not mine). Well, I guess you can't fault his honesty. I tend to discount what Fletcher says about all but top shelf gear. If he says a piece of equipment really is great, it probably is, but his opinion is not the first one I would seek on the merits of mid-priced prosumer gear.
Sorry, Fletcher, but I think you've been driving a Ferrari too long to be able to compare a Mitsubishi Eclipse to an Acura Integra. We, the little people, know that either one will beat our Ford Escort.-Richie