Presonus MP20 W/Jensens VS RNP

[Rufus Leaking]

I have an opportunity to buy either a Presonus MP20 with Jensen transformers and Burr Brown op amps or an RNP. The RNP is quite a bit more and I'd prefer to save that extra money if I can. Is the RNP really that much better than the modded MP20? It sounds like the MP20's IDSS control at least offers some tonal variation (regardles of how well it emulates a tube circuit) which gives it a plus in my book. Can anyone opine on the tonal differences, quality and color of these two pre's?

 

[ozraves]

I know someone who owns both and thinks they are about they same in quality.

If I could get an MP20 for under $300 with the Jensens then I'd say you're getting a good buy. If not, then I'd get the RNP.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

 

[Flatpicker]

I know someone who owns both and thinks they are about they same in quality.

If I could get an MP20 for under $300 with the Jensens then I'd say you're getting a good buy. If not, then I'd get the RNP.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

Thanks, Steve. I've often wondered about that myself.

 

[ozraves]

Thanks, Steve. I've often wondered about that myself.

It's one person's opinion and it's not mine. But, he's got a good ear for sound. Of course, his modded MP20 might be a better unit than the original MP20 with the factory Jensens.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

 

[chessrock]

I hear a lot of mixed reports on the Presonus.

 

[ozraves]

I hear a lot of mixed reports on the Presonus.

I think it's kind of like your take on the Rode NT1. They put out a product which some people liked and then they started switching in "crap" parts. I haven't gone out and deciphered the situation b/c I've got some nice preamps.

 

[Wide Awake]

The Presonus sounds good to me. Clean and neutral, it let's the character of the mic come through. The IDSS feature is extremely subtle and not worth mentioning, it does what it describes but I never find myself using it. I've never heard the Jensen-version but if you are getting it for much less than an RNC than that sounds like a very good deal. I'm tempted to do the mods on my MP20 but I don't know anything about electronics and it's probably not worth it to pay someone else to do it.

BTW- there is a review of the RNC in this months Sound On Sound magazine. They liked it, but the funny thing is that they described it just like I did the MP20, clean and neutral (which isn't a bad thing at all IMHO)

 

[Rufus Leaking]

Thanks guys. I'm going to go with the Presonus and will report back.