RNP makes gear that is very good quality for the money. Their products are well built, but are not high end audio gear. They are essentially the first step up from entry level pres and comps. I have one RNP and 2 RNCs, and even though I now have better pres and compressors, they are still very useful and continue to get used. They are not a panacea for all audio problems and situations -- for example, the RNC while being a very good transparent compressor - particularly for vocals, isn't great on bass or where you might want compression as an effect. It isn't a Distressor. But in their price class, they provide extremely good value IMHO.
Keep in mind, particularly with mic preamps, the difference in sound as you get better equipment is incremental and not as marked as some (including the manufacturers and their marketing) might have you believe. The differences in sound from even an inexpensive pre to a "good" pre can be subtle and can be affected by the kind of microphone used and the rest of the signal chain. Sometimes the difference is more a matter of "flavor" than a night and day "improvement." In general, you can generate a substantially greater difference in sound through mic selection and placement than by replacing a $200 preamp with a $500 preamp, or even a $1000 preamp.
