Low self noise preamps for ambient recording?

[panatrope]

Originally Posted by rkopald

Preamp noise bad.

... only if it is greater than the self-noise of the mic!

Depending on application, have you considered mechanical means of improving the sensitivity - like a parabolic reflector? Much higher signal level, no increase in (electronic) noise, comes at the price of greater directivity. (Should be great for twitchers, though!)