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Originally Posted by rocksure  That Martantz unit looks great. With a decent sized display and controls, and having XLR inputs as well, it looks like the kind of device I am interested in. |
Really is a nice unit... ive used it numerous times. Sounds good stock but can also be modded by Oade Brothers Audio (pretty sure they still do the modifications). Can actually buy the unit from them new and they do the mods right there pre-shipping for a marginal increase from stock price.
Marantz PMD-661
If using really low output Ribbons - Triton Audio Fethead works well if distance micing as it adds about 20 extra dbs to the stock preamps.
FetHead - tritonaudio
Metering is really good as they are right within view and are very clear from a distance. I really like multi-segment metering that isnt on a screen. Has a digital input (S/PDIF) as well as USB 2.0 for file transfers. Buttons are soft (squishy kind - purposely) but well designed. The unit really feels robust - guessing some of that comes from the shape (brick like) and alot from just the attention to detail Marantz put into the 661.
Really cant go wrong with the PMD661... for the asking price and what is offered there is alot of value. Added bonus is the mods that can be done or the Fetheads if alil more gain is needed (which really only happens when far micing or using extremely low output mics).
edit: it has a digital input ... ive always thought was an output. Just never needed to use it as i used the USB port to transfer record audio to a laptop. So opens up even more possibilities as you can input an external converter or preamp with digital output. hmmm.. grace lunatec come to mind....but honestly the stock amps are nice.