Where's the price/performance bump with mic preamps?

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Nate74

Nate74

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In my search for studio monitors it seemed that there was a pretty significant difference between the monitors at the $1k price point and those below it. I started looking at the $500 8" monitors (KRK Rockits, Event TR8s, M-Audio MX-8s, etc). But to get to what sounded like what I expected, I needed to move above the $1k amount (Mackie 824s, Event Studio Precision 8s, etc.).

So as I now comptemplate a new mic preamp I'm wondering where do they go from "beginner stuff" to "serious home recording gear?"

As a basis for discussion: my DMP3 has served me well (and will stick around for sure). I think I paid about $170 for it. So at what price point do you see the next big step in quality?

Is it at the
$300 (ART MPA Gold, etc.)
$400 (GT Brick, M-Audio Tampa)
$500 (FMR Audio RNP)

Or is it up in the $1.5k range with the Avalons and Grace stuff?
 
I would say that generally speaking, you start to see a bigger step up at around $750 per channel. There are of course some things that break this generalization.
 
I really like my DAV BG-1, and it cost a little over $700 for two channels. But that will be the exception, not the rule. The rule is that with preamps, money does indeed buy quality.

I agree with xstatic, the bump is around $750 per channel or so.
 
750/channel seems about right, but you can get lucky occasionally and start finding te better pieces at around 400-500/channel on sale/clearance/used. Just my .02.
 
A little better (lower) than I expected:) Thanks for the input.

So besides SonicAlbert's suggestion, what else is worth a look (well listen) around 750?

Thanks again!
 
Single channel, or two channels for $750?

Remember, the few multiple channel units we mention are the exceptions to the rule in that price, not the rule.

Single channel units to consider would include the Grace 101, and maybe the Groove Tubes Brick.
 
I've taken to using my DMP3 on drum overheads and on my mid/side setup for recording acoustic guitar and for room mics on guitar cabs, so I guess I'm talking two channels... which I guess takes me up to 1.5k?
 
For clean the Sytek seems to be pretty popular--it's about $800-$900 for 4 channels.
 
I took a look at the Sytek website. Looks like that would fit the bill and then some. 4 Channels opens up all sorts of possibilities.
 
D&R also makes a nice transparent 2 channel preamp that streets at around $500 for 2 channels.
 
Thanks X. I think (and by that I mean my wife) would much rather spend $500 on a preamp than $1500 :rolleyes:

I'll take a look at it!
 
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