[geeek]

Great vocalist -> Telefunken Elam 251 (1959) -> Neve 31104 -> EAR 660 was the best I ever heard.

Repeat again with Telefunken U47.

Also.. Great vocalist -> Neumann M269c -> 31102 -> Ear 660

Or..

Good Vocalist -> Shure SM7 -> Any Decent pre -> Any graceful reasonably transparent limiter -> decent enough converter/tape will do the job.

The main thing is the performance..

I can think of many many situations where a Tele 251 of U47 just wouldn't be right.

I'd choose the Neve more often than not tho.