It's pretty rare to have the opportunity to listen to a comparison of
expensive, highly regarded preamps, recorded under similar conditions.
On the Tapers Section forum, an individual posting under the name
"freelunch" has made recordings available that do just this.
The preamps tested include
Aerco MP2
http://www.aerco.net/mp2.html
DAV Electronics Broadhurst Gardens #1
http://www.davelectronics.com/bg1.htm
Grace Designs Lunatec V3
http://www.gracedesign.com/products/V3/lunatecV3.htm
Here's the message freelunch posted to describe the test:
"I did a quick test last night with a friend.. He noodled on his
Gretsch hollow body electric 6-string, unplugged. He hasn't played
guitar much in the past few years and... nuff said.. Each 16/44 sample
is a minute or two.
Mics were MG200 ORTF about 4-5 feet away. Pre-amp gain 50 to 55 dB.
About 6 dB added in post. Levels were tweaked to balance each sample
at -17dB RMS avg. The fireplace behind the mics can be heard popping.
mics > preamp > 722 @ 24/96 > Wavelab UV22HR
Cables were 1804a. Preamps involved: AERCO, DAV/BG1, V3."
The three files capturing the results are posted here
http://sportmetrics.com/abc-comp/a.flac <-- this is the DAV BG1
http://sportmetrics.com/abc-comp/b.flac <-- this is the Aerco
http://sportmetrics.com/abc-comp/c.flac <-- this is the V3
Unfortunately, there is no file showing what the 722 recorder's preamp
sounds like by iteslf.
Yes, it's possible to find fault with this comparison. It's
definitely better to use more controlled conditions. But this is one
of the first opportunities I've seen where you can actually listen to
each preamp under similar conditions.
Of the three models, the Aerco is a "pocketable preamp," able to run
on battery power and of small size. So it's the best choice for use
in the field. The other two are designed to run using mains power. A
few enterprising people have rigged up battery sleds powerful to run
them where no mains power is available.
--oryoki
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