Focusrite ISA-220 verse Avalon 737SP (Pre-amp questions)

[Mikey Ace]

Hi all I was extremely interested in the Avalon 737SP because its been reccomended by everyone as one of the best pre-amps.
I saw "in a catalog" that ISA-220 is also very good and more expensive. In the music catalog the Avalon 737SP is $1995 and the ISA-220 is $2,249.

I just checked the Sam Ash website, and they have the Avalon 737SP for $1999 and the ISA-220 for $1500.

That is crazy how Sam Ash is cheaper by over $700.

(Just a note: I never heard the Avalon 737SP in person, nor the ISA-220, and can't afford both to take in my studio to try out, I need good advice)

I am looking for a pre-amp for mainly vocals, and I am looking for the best pre-amp around that price. I am using a Rode NTK microphone, so I want the pre-amp that will best suite it.

What is a better pre-amp/channel strip the Avalon 737SP or the ISA-220?

Is the ISA-220 a steal for that price, or is the Avalon worth the money and is better?

Also there's an A/D converter that is optional on the ISA-220. How does it compare with a Apogee Rosseta converter?

How would a Avalon 737SP sound with an Art DIO converter compared to a Apogee Rosseta converter?

I am using a VS-2400CD, and I do not have any have any word clock inputs, only co-axial and optical inputs.

I will be using the Pre-amp mainly for vocals, and maybe some direct guitars and basses and solo keys. (no drums because and I use discrete drums.)

Also, I was interested in the Apogee Mini-me that cost around $1,100 without the USB function.
The Mini-me has 2 pre-amps similiar to the Track 2, and has Superior A/D conversion.
How does the Mini-me compare to the ISA-220 and the Avalon 737SP?

What are my best options, in that range with those 3 preamps?

Your opinions would be well appreciated?

Thanks in advance, Mikey Ace

 

[maskedman72]

avalon 737 $1,750 check it out:

http://www.mercenary.com/avalondesign.html

i would go with the avalon myself. a very,very nice pre.
but i would also consider getting a great river. with the great river you could get 2 channels for about the same $$$$.

 

[bobbyD62]

I own two Avalon 737s and bought my 1st one on a recommendation with out ever hearing the unit. I am using the new Apogee Rosetta 800 with my system (Roland VS2480) and the sound is amazing. The Avalon sounds great on vocals and works wonderfully recording Bass direct. The October issue of Sound on Sound Magazine has an interview with David Bowie & Tony Visconti and they are using the Avalon 737s for Bowie's vocals on his new album "Reality". I currently own only 1 Mic which is an AKG 414 T11 and it sounds great through the Avalon. I had a chance to hear the Avalon with an NTK and it sounded awesome. I am now in the market for a new tube mic because the sound was so good with the Avalon and NTK. But than again, my ears only know Avalon so I can only go buy the sounds that I am achieving in my home studio. Your best advice would be from someone who owns the various preamps that you are considering. Or better yet, go to a Guitar Center if there is one nearby because they have a good selection of high end preamps that you can demo.

Peace

Bobby