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[dnafe]

Hi all

I'm inquiring for a friend so bear with me.

He can pick up a Sytek MPX 4AII four pack for around $800 US but also has the opportunity to buy a six pack of 990 pre's for approx $2400 CDN.

The 990's have a gain control, phantom power, 10 db cut and are very well made (you'll have to trust me on that comment)

His question is - are the 990's worth the extra money?

Thanks in advance

Don

[Fletcher]

Probably.  Any chance of playing with them next to each other?

[dnafe]

Actually no he can't

He was basing his Sytek purchase on anecdotal info from various NG's and forums and the 990 purchase on the advice of a friend.

His plan was to upgrade his pre's (Presonus and Mackie VLZ) with the sytek, an RNP and one more dual channel pre - mainly to have various flavours and the 990 purchase would basically wipe out his budget in one shot and limit his preamp choices as well as the # of pre's to choose from.

I personally think he can't go wrong with the 990's but his concerns are valid.

Hope this helps

Don

[audiothings]

i need pres and the sytek was prime on my list. sorry, but could someone tell me what these '990' pres are? the john hardy-jensen thing or something else with the 990 op amps? much interested, a 'six pack' would do nicely for me...

[Greg B]

I've never tried the 990's, so I can't say which is better, but I've been using the Sytek MPX-4aii for a year now (mostly on drums, acoustic guitar, and vocals), and I've been very happy with them.  I've never heard better preamps for under $300 per channel.  Very smooth and transparent.

[floodstage]

I'm with audiothings wondering who makes this 990 six pack you're talking about. Especially for 2400 CDN.

Mercenary shows a Hardy Jensen Twin Servo 990 preamp in one, two, three, and four channel versions.  All at least 1000 bucks US a channel.  A six channel version is not shown but if it was, it would probably be at least 6000 (1000 per channel).  

If a 6 channel Hardy exists, 2400 CDN would be a good deal.  I'll buy it if you don't.

[screws]

Seventh Circle Audio (www.seventhcircleaudio.com) makes a few DIY kits that include a dual 990 preamp kit (their model # J99) that sounds amazing. Priced much cheaper than the Hardy stuff, since you do all the work yourself.

I've never heard the Hardys, but the SCA J99s sound huge.