Hey Chris, I am about to connect the my MPA Gold via S/pdif to an external RME ADI-2 AD/DA converter! I expect it will sound better than the M-Audio converters. So essentially, my M-Audio Fast track Ultra is becoming my Audio interface Dongle to the MAC. That's it. LOL
Here are the sound clips I recorded on the MPA. I'm interested in which you prefer and what differences you hear? I personally think the MPA Gold with Telefunkens is the clear winner. Its more three dimensional, is more articulate and is more analog sounding with a sweeter, more genunine tonality.
Keep in mind I threw these acoustic guitar recordings together very quickly just to get a general sense for the character of each preamp tube, and in comparison to going straight into the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra. So there are likely subtle performance differences. But overall, everything is pretty equal.
I used a single Peluso CEMC6 mic, Mogami Gold cable to the Preamp. The Art MPA Gold was connected to the Insert Input on the M-Audio via Mogami Gold cabling as well.
You be the judge. What do you like best? see this thread for clips:
Pre-Amp Shootout--M-Audio "Octane" VS "ART Tube MP" ~samples for yall to hear~