Sytek w/JFET or RNP???

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frist44

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I'm about dive into the "nice" preamp category. in terms of the number of channels, i don't have a preference. i wouldn't mind having the sytek 4, but 2 will do. If i were to get the sytek, i would have the JFET ic's on channels 3 and 4, so i would have that beefier option.

Do you think the RNP will hold up to the reputation the sytek has gotten?

Would i be better getting the sytek because of the 2 different sounds?

They're both about the same price/channel, so the cost isn't an issue.

Brandon
 
Mind you, this is not coming from direct experience or anything, but from what I've been hearing, word on the street is their similarities don't end with their price point. They apparently sound very similar, are of similar quality, and both represent superior values for the price.

Right now, I'd give the nod to the Sytek, based simply on it's established reputation. It's been around now for a while, and it's proven itself over time. Very few people even own the RNP, so it might be a little premature to put it in the ranks yet with the sytek, although all signs seem to point in that direction.

I would think Bowisc would be a good one to ask, as he apparently has both. I hope he chimes in on this one, 'cuz I think a lot of people would be curious about the RNP vs Sytek thing.
 
I'm definitely curious. What Sytek models are we talking about, and where can they be found?
 
I would not say that one is better than the other.

I will say this: I would find it difficult to make a comparison between the two, just for the sake of saying "this one's better than that". However, there are some features that both have or lack.

The RNP is definitely something very different. As I've mentioned before, it has an amazing "openness", or top-end that gives the impression as if your hearing has been extended forever. Not so much of an "EQ" kind of high-end, or high-frequency boost. Almost seems psycho-acoustic. The RNP really brings your signals "up front", but not in an aggressive, rude way. Signals behave well through the RNP. The DI feature alone is quite remarkable. I tried bass guitar, electronic drums, keyboard and even plugged in an SM-57 to the DI input... very, very nice. And ya get 2 channels for under $500. Definitely in the value-busting trend of the RNC. My only complaint is the gain knob (actually switch). It feels very awkward; a bit too tight... almost feel as if I have to turn it very slowly... but I guess its not as important as what comes out of the box, for most users. I am sure FMR Audio is building these units with much precision.

Now the Sytek. A great value if you get the options on Channel 3 and 4. Very clean, fast pre-amp. Excellent if you'll be doing drums or recording classical music... or if you're just looking for a nice, clean, transparent pre-amp. It is VERY detailed-sounding. It is about as sonically close to Earthworks as you can get, one reviewer said. These pre-amps used to go for $1200-$1500 just 2 years ago. The reason you can get them for under $800 (according to Mike Stoica himself) is that the design is already "payed for". Mind you, this unit has been out for a few years already. It's not a new piece of gear. The MPX-4aii is a no-frills unit... all you get is mute, phase, and 48v push-buttons for each channel. No insert capabilities either. In the rear, you get XLR in and XLR out for each channel. The unit feels very solid; great build quality.

If you're looking for something flexible, and transparent, and could do without a DI input... I'd recommend the Sytek with the Ch. 3/4 options.
 
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