NPNGD_DMP2NW_and_GreatRiver_MP2MH.wav

[rick-slo]

Since I have the NPNGD_DMP2NW and GreatRiver_MP2MH preamps I was asked in a PM about what I thought the difference might be soundwise.

I recording a clip a number of years ago which is here (the usual caveats apply to this sort of thing):
http://dcoombsguitar.com/Misc/NPNGD_...iver_MP2MH.wav

[AcousticDreams]

Thanks so much Rick-slo with posting this comparison of preamps. I have already listened to it 10 times!

Both preamps sound great, however there is a clear difference between them.

The NPNG seems to gently reveal the subtleties of attack times with a very natural & open nature. I like it! Love hearing the presence of the initial pluck of the string without it sounding harsh or brash.

The older Great River seemingly has a Slightly less presentation of the initial attack times. If you will, a very small, super nice, rounding effect. This to me is perceived as super smooth & very musically pleasing. I like it too! Could even be an advantage to those notes that were not plucked as evenly as they should have been.

Hmmm? Decisions, decisions. I think it all boils down to your style of music and how you want it presented.

My style of music is very dynamic upon the plucking of notes. I like what this NPNG might have to offer for my stye. My slightly wild playing sometimes converges with very vibrant sting oscillation almost to the point of emulating the buzz of an electric guitar. On the other hand...I can get a bit out of hand sometimes and the Great River's smoothness could be a great controller. Right now I am leaning towards the NPNG's offerings.

It has been said by some, the John Hardy's Twin Servo amps,(which are a step up in grade and price from M1's) are very similar to NPNG.

I will be very interested in hearing other's evaluations, especially the very trained ears of Doug Young.

[rick-slo]

This recording has all the caveats I have warned about before when making these sort of comparisons. Here the volume with the
NPNG is about a half decibel louder and there are two separate play throughs of the tune. Nevertheless the recordings reasonably
reflect my opinions arrived at after having done many recordings with the amps. The NPNG averages out with slightly fuller and
warmer notes and the Great River with a bit more detail on the transients. However the differences are quite small and both sound
first rate.

Neither preamp is still in production.

[jim1960]

That MP2MH is smoother than 007 at a baccarat table.

[RRuskin]

Originally Posted by jim1960

That MP2MH is smoother than 007 at a baccarat table.

That model has 2 sets of outputs per channel so one can chose to use or bypass the output transformers. All outputs are active at the same time.