[tedma]

Originally Posted by mark714

Sonically there are many reasons to get the gear on your list, but you'll be better off in life if you don't spend money you don't have. If you don't plan to use the stuff on a daily or weekly basis, just rent it when you need it or get by with what you already have.

I understand your position as a musician that self-produces. This record probably means the world to you, but you need to take the emotion out of this purely technical decision. Money seems to be an issue here, and you brought it up first which is the reason I'm addressing it. If you are look at it from a business standpoint the decision is simple.

Establish a relationship with a great mastering engineer that shares your aesthetic and understands your goals. There are plenty of fantastic mastering studios that have what you are looking for (times ten). You will also benefit from their fresh perspective when they treat your mixes. I think you will be ahead if you get your balances and emotional content right and give a trusted mastering engineer some room to work on the final presentation. It will also feel a lot nicer if you can walk into the mastering studio 7 grand richer...

Solid. Really solid.