Not really a huge gap separating the two, in terms of sound quality, I don't think.
Although there are some differences that can be heard when it comes to drum overheads, kick or snare. A little more depth / dimension with the Sytek when it comes to transient-rich stuff like drums. And the JFET channels on the Sytek have a certain character to them that is useful on some things.
Are they also similar in gain and input impedance? What model of Sytek BTW? Also, someone (I believe it was you, Chess, but I could be wrong) once said that a certain model of Sytek was an industry standard (like the RE-20) for radio broadcast and VO. Could you refresh my memory on what model that was?
No, they're a bit different. The b version is supposed to have improved sonics from the use of a Burr Brown op amp. I'm not sure how this translates to sound. I have not heard either unit, but they are different.
well, considering that the rane ms1b has a pretty big roll off at 50 hz, it distinguishes itself from the rest of the pres for sure. not that you NEED much info below 50 hz for many sources.... but bass instruments can really benefit from it....
also, the symetrix can have some pretty simple mods installed that take it up a peg so to speak. it has a really terrible sounding opamp at its output stage.... i have no way to back this up WHATSOEVER, but my guess is that a modded symetrix gets you to sytek quality (at about $100 a channel).