Vintech X73i ??

[theom]

Well, What's the deal?
Is it less $$ than the regular X73.
Where did they cut the corners? Metering? Transformers?
Anyone hear one at AES?


http://www.vintech-audio.com/

[droog]

The X73i is a class A, all discrete, transformer balanced microphone preamplifier with equalizer both based on the classic Neve 1073 module. It is constructed utilizing modern manufacturing techniques which allow us to offer this product at an incredible value.

I haven't seen inside a X73 , but I would take a guess and say that the X73i uses surface mount components , possibly with the boards being assembled in asia , hence the "modern manufacturing techniqes". The use of seperate pots instead of the concentric pots used in the X73 would make it cheaper , and the absence of metering would make a small difference. Also the X73 has selectable frequencies for the hi shelf , but the X73i high shelf appears to be fixed.

That's how it looks at a glance...

[e-cue]

The $1,300 price point peaks my interest.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by theom
Well, What's the deal?
Is it less $$ than the regular X73.
Where did they cut the corners? Metering? Transformers?
Anyone hear one at AES?


http://www.vintech-audio.com/

I've used it already(well 4 of them to be exact).

Sounds the same, more freq selections, different knobs, most switches worked in reverse(but that will be fixed).

Its still doesn't sound like the real thing to me, but it is still useful.

Cheaper price.

[bc184c]

The main difference between the X73i and the X73 is that the "i" version uses pc mounted rotary switches throughout. They are very good quality Grayhill 71 series switches that are used by several well known manufacturers including Manley labs.

In the regular X73 we use custom made, hand wired concentric style switches that feature gold plated pins. We also use a Swiss made, hand wired input attentuator switch, also with gold plated pins. The process of hand wiring resistors on this switch takes over an hour of labor by itself.

We save time and money mainly by using the Grayhill switches. We do not use any surface mount components and all of our products are manufactured in the USA.

At this year's AES show we did head to head comparisons with the X73i and vintage Neve 1073's we rented from Dreamhire in New York. If anyone heard the demonstrations, please feel free to comment on how close you thought they sounded to the vintage module.
Thanks,
Dallas Upton
Vintech Audio

[droog]

Originally posted by bc184c
We do not use any surface mount components and all of our products are manufactured in the USA.

Good to hear Dallas

I can't wait to see a few out this way

[xl-sander]

all i can say i am a big fan of the dan alexander 1272 clone unit... and its the cheapest... it sounds exactly like a neve he said and still says all the time... i can say its a wonderful uniz which i use to track everything, it made my sound much better... just my 2 cents

[drew]

Dallas,
Where does the 473 fit in here? Is it built the same as the "i"? Also, in general, is it the same mic pre and shelving eq as both of the 73s?
thanks
drew

[David R.]

Dallas - welcome!
Is there anywhere in the SF Bay Area that can demo a unit? The gearlust has been welling up inside of me but I hate buying gear because of a nice picture.

Also, one power supply for two units - what size is the supply? Rack mount or big lump on the floor?

[bassmac]

Is the x73i's power supply different - smaller?

If so - will it work with my x73?

I'd love to shrink down this boat anchor I have.

[NathanEldred]

Originally posted by bassmac
Is the x73i's power supply different - smaller?

If so - will it work with my x73?

I'd love to shrink down this boat anchor I have.

It's the same exact supply that the rest of the Vintech line uses.

[bassmac]

Originally posted by NathanEldred
It's the same exact supply that the rest of the Vintech line uses.

Darn - I guess I’ll need 3 more x73’s to fill it up then - Gearslutz’ can’t have vacancies in their power supplies.

[bc184c]

First, Drew asked about the 473's mic preamps and shelving eq's.
They are the same 3 gain-stage mic preamp design as in the original Neve 1073 (also our X73). We use the same transistors,
same types of feedback capacitors, etc.

The hi and low shelving eq circuits are just like those found in the original 1073's except that there are two frequency choices for the hi's on the 473 and the vintage 1073's are fixed at 12k. We have two frequency choices for the low end on the 473 and the original has four choices.

With regard to the X73i's power supply, as Nathan said it is the same one used for the X73, X81 and 473. It is a 1.2 amp supply
capable of powering up to four individual units or one 473 and two individual units. We're thinking about offering it in a rack mount version in the future.

Thanks,
Dallas Upton
Vintech Audio

[drew]

Thanks Dallas.

[Lindell]

Any real life tests yet?

[adamcal]

is the X73i hi control a fixed frequency, unlike the X73, or are they the same.

(in the photo it looks like its fixed)

[bc184c]

The high frequency adjustment on the X73i is fixed at 12k just like on an original 1073.


Dallas Upton
Vintech Audio

[Faderjockey]

At that price. I use a Chandler LTD-1 for my 1073 sort of Micpre/EQ sound.

But we have a Dual 72 and 473 here and they sound great. Dallas hasn't shipped us the right knobs for the 473 yet still the Plastic black ones. But the unit sounds great and I use the 1272 one all the time.

The X73i price is much cheaper then another LTD-1.

Should be cool

[cdog]

I recently bought a 473 after some shoot outs... my studio is a bit of a revolving door for gear but this one is lodged firmly in the rack. Highly recommended.

What is the street on the 473?

I am thinking about replacing my Red1 for a different flavor.
Has anyone heard both and would care to tell.
Red1 doesn't suck but, I like revolving gear.


Thoughts?

D

[NathanEldred]

Originally posted by dpasch
What is the street on the 473?

I am thinking about replacing my Red1 for a different flavor.
Has anyone heard both and would care to tell.
Red1 doesn't suck but, I like revolving gear.


Thoughts?

You might want to start a new thread with this question, I think this has gotten buried. Basically the Red 1 is cleaner and somewhat more hi-fi in general, the Vintech is classic old school Neve sounding so it depends on what you want.