Quote:
Originally Posted by JMc  I'm looking to add more mojo to my vocals and recently decided to try and find an original Gates Sta-Level. There was a nice one on eBay yesterday, but someone else wanted it more than I did, and paid $2k for it, which is close enough to the Retro price, that I decided to hold off. I started thinking about recaps, hard to find tubes, etc.
Besides...
I've ordered the LA-610SE which is coming out later this month, and aside from the improvements over the original LA-610, I feel it's bound to become a collector's item eventually, since only 500 are being made worldwide. That is of course, if it sounds terrific. At $2k, it's in the same ballpark range as the Gates I passed up and not far from the Retro Sta-Level pricing.
Now, the dilemma... I'd still like a vari-mu comp/limiter like the Gates to have in my rack for that fat, thick sound. The Retro SL seems to be getting very good comments, but I'm wondering if I'd be better off patiently waiting for an original Gates, or is the Retro truly as good (sounding), plus actually better because of the added controls and tube options?
Does Vintageking allow returns if I ordered the Sta-Level and decided after trying it that I am more satisfied with the LA-610SE for achieving the sound I am after? |
Simply call Vintage King and ask. They're good people. Try Darrin at Vintage King. Then you're 100% sure depending on what they say.
As for the UN 610 "collector's edition".... eh, While I also have a 610 among loads of other stuff, next to my V72, Neve, Pacifica, BA-660... I wouldn't look at the UA piece to be "destined to be a collector's item."
1. They're not THAT well regarded (you'd do better with the Retro Sta or 176b)
2. I can't tell much of a difference from the build of a regular 610
Again... maybe give Vintage King a call and ask the same quesion, they are straight shooters.
Lastly, even if you have Fairchilds, V72 and gear of that level, not sure if I'd EVER look at this as an "investment," unless it's in you and what you can do with it. There are many other places your money can make better money.
Buy what you want, need and will use. My two cents.
-andrews
