Neverending debate on 1176 LN vs. MC77

heksu · 21st June 2006

Hi guys.. I'm new here

I almost purchased the Purple Audio MC77 until a couple of days ago I read the review of George Shilling on MC76. I got a bit confused and thought of going for UA 1176LN.. He seemed to like UA 1176 LN more on the 1176 review. But is it just because the history of 1176 or is it truly the sound??? I'm still strying to make my mind..

There are a lot of admirers of Purple here, but are there any liking 1176 more??? Some people like Purple over 1176, others 1176 over Purple.. The debate goes on, but as i don't have the chance to compare these devices, i need some objective (as possible) opinions: the goods and the bads of each device.

Shilling said also that MC76 is slightly faster than 1176, which is not a bad thing in my point of view..

Purple is clearer, they say.. I'm looking for a warm vintage sound, so if I purchase Purple do I loose the vintage touch? Shilling said that purple distorts easier and the distortion is more fuzz like.. is this a problem?

Any opinions are welcome!! Thanks!

P.S. Is it worth to pay 500-600 euros extra to get UA 1176 LN instead of MC77?

robmix · 21st June 2006

rent 'em both and check it out for yourself. Personally, I'd take the purple over any version of the 1176 except maybe a well maintained Blue Strip.

heksu · 21st June 2006

Sorry, cannot do that. We don't have such rental companies here :(

Several people have truly been satisfied with the Purple... i'm slowly getting convinced

One guy just told me that he would go for Purple as it beats UA 1176 according to him.

davidwilson · 21st June 2006

I have a silverface edition (H REV) of the 1176 recently recapped (Elna's) and BB OPA 2604 on input section.
I have ordered form Purple Audio the MC77 which was about a month ago so if it actualy arrives I will let you know my feelings.

Considering the lack of reply as the wether it has been shipped yet I wouldn't hold my breath though.

Mark Warren · 21st June 2006

I don't think there's any kind of never-ending debate going on in this forum. For the most part, most agree that the Purple is far more true to the original sound and vibe of an original 1176 than the UA reissue is. So if it's a choice between a Purple MC77 and a UA reissue, go with the Purple and you will be happy.

If you can get your hands on an original 1176 that sounds great, than maybe that would be more what you're looking for, but they're getting harder to find and they all sound different. I've heard 2 blackface 1176's in the previous months that don't hold a candle to my Purple, and both times I was anxious to hear them.

At one studio when I suggested we run the audio through the original 1176 the owner told me 'Oh, I really never find myself running any audio through the 1176'. That puzzled me but sure enough when I heard it I knew why, it sounded like ass. And I knew my Purple would not be sounding like that.

I have not had a chance to personally A/B the Purple against the UA reissue, but I've heard enough people's opinions here and am so darn happy with the Purple, that it's like why bother. The Purple just sound freakin awesome. It's sort of a one trick pony but it does that trick so well that you just want to ride that pony all the time - yee haww!

HudHudson · 21st June 2006

I have to agree with Mark. The Purple does the 1176 so well and at a great price point, unless you want an early vintage blackface 1176 (or a blue stripe) for the sheer sluttiness of it. My Rev D and MC76 sound very close, with the Purple sounding a tad more hi-fi and the UREI having a bit more excitement of the upper mids to my ears.

edanderson · 21st June 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidwilson

I have ordered form Purple Audio the MC77 which was about a month ago so if it actualy arrives I will let you know my feelings.

Considering the lack of reply as the wether it has been shipped yet I wouldn't hold my breath though.

speaking as someone who builds MC77s for a living, purple's leadtime at the moment is a few weeks. if you ordered from a dealer, they might have a few in stock, but probably not. we're finishing a few units this week, and the next batch should be done around the end of the month. if you ordered a month ago, you should get your MC77 soon. in the near future the leadtime should begin to go down, as some of our parts problems are laid to rest.

andrew is very busy and isn't easy to get ahold of. sorry if you've felt ignored. rest assured we're all working to get your unit to you as quickly as possible.

ed

heksu · 21st June 2006

Thanks for great opinions!!! :D I think i'm getting convinced with purple and will go for it within next few days.

Cheers!!

davidwilson · 21st June 2006

Your responce is much appreciated ED.

After hearing all the great comments on this product I am realy exited about getting my hands on this unit.

Mike Jasper · 9th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Warren

I have not had a chance to personally A/B the Purple against the UA reissue, but I've heard enough people's opinions here and am so darn happy with the Purple, that it's like why bother.

Why bother? I guess one reason would be so you don't just pull opinions out of your ass.

We're both in Austin and I've got the UA 1176. You on for the test?

As to my opinion whether the UA 1176 is better than the Purple, my answer is: don't know yet. Haven't heard them side by side.

Jasper

Mark Warren · 9th October 2006

Showdown at the corral eh??

I'm up for it. Next time we do some testing bring your 1176 on over and we can check it out.

What I meant with the Purple is it's been used on so many sources now and it always sounds great so there was no need to go on searching for that sound. Unlike with the Distressor where when I got it I couldn't figure why it sounded like ass on a lot of things. I myself went for the Purple based on the opinions here, but you may be correct, they could both both be great.

With the Purple you'd probably have to jam a screwdriver in the input and Variax the AC line to finally get it to sound bad. And who knows even that might sound good! (We'll try that on your unit though

)

max cooper · 9th October 2006

Would you guys let me know if you get this together? I'd be happy to sport the Guinness.

84K · 9th October 2006

I like the Purple MC77 better than ANY of the original 1176's I have used.

Jack P · 9th October 2006

norman_nomad · 9th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by heksu

Hi guys.. I'm new here

I almost purchased the Purple Audio MC77 until a couple of days ago I read the review of George Shilling on MC76. I got a bit confused and thought of going for UA 1176LN.. He seemed to like UA 1176 LN more on the 1176 review.

You have to specify which revision of the 1176LN in order to have a comprehensive conversation about these units...

1176's are temperamental... many have been recapped... many need to have the Q-bias pot properly adjusted according to the calibration procedure... even two units that are the same revision can act and operate differently based on their maintenance history...

Even two units with the same components and perfect maintained history can sound slightly different if the FETs in the compression circuits aren't exactly matched!

I've never heard the Purples, but I know they use reproductions of the input/output transformers on the original units... so I imagine you'd be in pretty good shape buying the Purple...

Fletcher · 9th October 2006

Will this debate never end?

max cooper · 9th October 2006

Why should it?

Different tools for different fools.

pan60 · 9th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

Will this debate never end?

no!

Mark Warren · 9th October 2006

Sure thing Max, and the only thing we need now is an original 1176.

Anyone in or near Austin have an original 1176 they'd like to bring to the party?

Mike Jasper · 9th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Warren

Sure thing Max, and the only thing we need now is an original 1176.

Anyone in or near Austin have an original 1176 they'd like to bring to the party?

Now that's a good idea.

As to Guinness, after the test. Got to make sure it's after the test.

Jasper
PS -- Fletcher, the debate will end for me once I've heard them.

Jay Kahrs · 10th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

Will this debate never end?

Probably not.

Why should it?

But does it really matter which one is in a rack? I dunno. The Purples are kool. The UA's sound good too...the 6176 is a different animal but I was digging the dual 1176 the one time I used it...and my pair of sn# 8XX's from UA sound killer sooo....

There's still waaaaaay more differences & tonal variation in any two "old" 1176's unless you go through through & make 'em "new" again...

And even THEN they'd still all be different.

And all usable.

So whuddever.

There's my two cents.

Let the debate continue!

**Reptil** · 10th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by edanderson

speaking as someone who builds MC77s for a living, purple's leadtime at the moment is a few weeks. if you ordered from a dealer, they might have a few in stock, but probably not. we're finishing a few units this week, and the next batch should be done around the end of the month. if you ordered a month ago, you should get your MC77 soon. in the near future the leadtime should begin to go down, as some of our parts problems are laid to rest.

andrew is very busy and isn't easy to get ahold of. sorry if you've felt ignored. rest assured we're all working to get your unit to you as quickly as possible.

ed

Is there a API 500 series purple compressor in the pipeline, or should I go with the MC77?

HudHudson · 10th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Warren

Sure thing Max, and the only thing we need now is an original 1176.

Anyone in or near Austin have an original 1176 they'd like to bring to the party?

Hey Mark -

When were you planning to do this? I'm a bit slammed with the new place but could bring my Rev D if our schedules match up.

Hud

robot gigante · 10th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Warren

What I meant with the Purple is it's been used on so many sources now and it always sounds great so there was no need to go on searching for that sound. Unlike with the Distressor where when I got it I couldn't figure why it sounded like ass on a lot of things.

True indeed!

Mark Warren · 10th October 2006

Hud,

That would be great! Lets say perhaps sometime next week?? I'll PM you.

-Mark

absrec · 10th October 2006

I may be the wrong guy to ask this question. Anyway, here goes.

I have used vintage 1176 (REV E&F) at several different studios and I own two reissues. I can't tell the difference, although I've never done the blindfold A/B test. I've heard wonderful things about the Purples as well though I've never heard one. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy either one. It seems like you'd be fine with either unit.

Just my 2 pennies.
-Aaron

kats · 10th October 2006

Quote:

For the most part, most agree that the Purple is far more true to the original sound

Most people do not agree to that. The only thinkg I've heard is that alot of people like the MC77 better than the 1176, NOT that is sounds closer to the original.

Dan · 21st May 2009

Can't let this debate end...

The MPCist · 21st May 2009

A better than B.....?

Who cares!!!

It compresses, right? Then just use it for what it can do. If it doesn't fit your style, change for something else..... Man, this debate is just too much.... who cares....

SeanBlack · 21st May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Can't let this debate end...

It did 3 years ago.

21st June 2006	#1
heksu Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Finland Posts: 15 Thread Starter	Neverending debate on 1176 LN vs. MC77 Hi guys.. I'm new here I almost purchased the Purple Audio MC77 until a couple of days ago I read the review of George Shilling on MC76. I got a bit confused and thought of going for UA 1176LN.. He seemed to like UA 1176 LN more on the 1176 review. But is it just because the history of 1176 or is it truly the sound??? I'm still strying to make my mind.. There are a lot of admirers of Purple here, but are there any liking 1176 more??? Some people like Purple over 1176, others 1176 over Purple.. The debate goes on, but as i don't have the chance to compare these devices, i need some objective (as possible) opinions: the goods and the bads of each device. Shilling said also that MC76 is slightly faster than 1176, which is not a bad thing in my point of view.. Purple is clearer, they say.. I'm looking for a warm vintage sound, so if I purchase Purple do I loose the vintage touch? Shilling said that purple distorts easier and the distortion is more fuzz like.. is this a problem? Any opinions are welcome!! Thanks! P.S. Is it worth to pay 500-600 euros extra to get UA 1176 LN instead of MC77?

21st June 2006	#2
robmix Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,559	rent 'em both and check it out for yourself. Personally, I'd take the purple over any version of the 1176 except maybe a well maintained Blue Strip. __________________ Rob Hoffman -------------------------- http://www.elicitmusic.com

21st June 2006	#6
HudHudson Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, Texas USofA Posts: 1,645	I have to agree with Mark. The Purple does the 1176 so well and at a great price point, unless you want an early vintage blackface 1176 (or a blue stripe) for the sheer sluttiness of it. My Rev D and MC76 sound very close, with the Purple sounding a tad more hi-fi and the UREI having a bit more excitement of the upper mids to my ears. __________________ "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S. Thompson should have said this, but didn't www.yellowdogstudios.com

10th October 2006	#26
absrec Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,138	I may be the wrong guy to ask this question. Anyway, here goes. I have used vintage 1176 (REV E&F) at several different studios and I own two reissues. I can't tell the difference, although I've never done the blindfold A/B test. I've heard wonderful things about the Purples as well though I've never heard one. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy either one. It seems like you'd be fine with either unit. Just my 2 pennies. -Aaron __________________ If you don't spank it, you can't crank it!

21st May 2009	#29
The MPCist Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 4,479	A better than B.....? Who cares!!! It compresses, right? Then just use it for what it can do. If it doesn't fit your style, change for something else..... Man, this debate is just too much.... who cares.... __________________ THE MPCIST

21st June 2006	#4
davidwilson Gear addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 475	I have a silverface edition (H REV) of the 1176 recently recapped (Elna's) and BB OPA 2604 on input section. I have ordered form Purple Audio the MC77 which was about a month ago so if it actualy arrives I will let you know my feelings. Considering the lack of reply as the wether it has been shipped yet I wouldn't hold my breath though.

21st June 2006	#5
Mark Warren Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA Posts: 661	I don't think there's any kind of never-ending debate going on in this forum. For the most part, most agree that the Purple is far more true to the original sound and vibe of an original 1176 than the UA reissue is. So if it's a choice between a Purple MC77 and a UA reissue, go with the Purple and you will be happy. If you can get your hands on an original 1176 that sounds great, than maybe that would be more what you're looking for, but they're getting harder to find and they all sound different. I've heard 2 blackface 1176's in the previous months that don't hold a candle to my Purple, and both times I was anxious to hear them. At one studio when I suggested we run the audio through the original 1176 the owner told me 'Oh, I really never find myself running any audio through the 1176'. That puzzled me but sure enough when I heard it I knew why, it sounded like ass. And I knew my Purple would not be sounding like that. I have not had a chance to personally A/B the Purple against the UA reissue, but I've heard enough people's opinions here and am so darn happy with the Purple, that it's like why bother. The Purple just sound freakin awesome. It's sort of a one trick pony but it does that trick so well that you just want to ride that pony all the time - yee haww!

9th October 2006	#11
Mark Warren Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA Posts: 661	Showdown at the corral eh?? I'm up for it. Next time we do some testing bring your 1176 on over and we can check it out. What I meant with the Purple is it's been used on so many sources now and it always sounds great so there was no need to go on searching for that sound. Unlike with the Distressor where when I got it I couldn't figure why it sounded like ass on a lot of things. I myself went for the Purple based on the opinions here, but you may be correct, they could both both be great. With the Purple you'd probably have to jam a screwdriver in the input and Variax the AC line to finally get it to sound bad. And who knows even that might sound good! (We'll try that on your unit though )

9th October 2006	#12
max cooper Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,802	Would you guys let me know if you get this together? I'd be happy to sport the Guinness.

9th October 2006	#13
84K Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: right coast Posts: 3,857	I like the Purple MC77 better than ANY of the original 1176's I have used.

9th October 2006	#14
Jack P Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 934

9th October 2006	#16
Fletcher member no 666 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 9,464	Will this debate never end?

21st May 2009	#28
Dan Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,648	Can't let this debate end...

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