Depends what texture your looking to get, versus the way the microphone's amplifier sounds on your source. Matching mics to pres is really as easy to using an XLR wire, as in they are all acceptable in amplifying any microphone. At the end of the day, its really only about texture desired for the sound, or personal preference for the tonality hitting the deck. Sometimes I patch the AK47 right into the recorder, [depending on the app] or right into a compressor and skip the preamp. That microphone has a serious real deal amp circuit, and I personally think it sounds awesome for everything I've tried with it. I think microphone placement will always trump the choice of preamp used. Lately, I've been digging the API 7600 Channel strip with the AK47, as you can bend the ___ out of the tone and come up smelling like roses. I think a lot of people brought up good choices and recommendations to try, but perhaps if NONE of these preamplifier's do the job, you are amplifying the wrong microphone. Its definitely something to think about, as you will find no better EQ/Processor than swapping the microphone out for a better one that gels with the sound/response of the source you are pointing it at. I've been re-discovering why I like the M16 Mk2 for certain applications, opposed to the Ak47.