Pre recommendation for HD IO or Symphony I/O

[IVcrane]

I am purchasing the 00x to HD Native bundle tomorrow. I've been given 2 options and can go with either a HD IO 8x8x8 or Symphony I/O. The costs are relatively close for each.

One thing I am going to need is a multi-channel pre to interface either option and need at least 4 total.

Some options I've looked at are:
Focusrite ISA428 and 828
Vintech 273 and a 2nd lesser expensive 2 channel pre

Or if i get the Symphony, getting the 8ch module, but have read reviews that say that while they sound incredible, the fan noise with a 2nd module installed is quite loud.

I'm trying to keep 4-8 channels of pres under $2000 if possible but still get good quality.

Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated, this will be my 1st move to HD and is a major expense for me. As for what I do, I mostly record hard rock bands and occasionally country.

[Craig F]

for Pres may I suggest an API style 500 frame and pre modules you think you would like to use http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/studio/500-series/

[IVcrane]

Craig,

That looks like a more expensive, but nice option...
There are some huge variants in chassis cost, is there something particular I should be looking for in a chassis?

-Ed

[Craig F]

the ISA stuff is not cheap but it is good
I think the 500 stuff is nice for easy growth but I don't have any specific recommendations

[IVcrane]

The focusrite ISA428 is 4ch for $1100 and the ISA828 is 8ch for $1850. I have not used them, but have heard great things about them. I love the Neve 1073 but best I can do cost wise is the Vintech 273. Have been looking at the BLA B-173, but can't find any real reviews on it.

The one thing I keep reading is that the ISA has the Neve sound and design, but reviews say they are not comparable.

[Craig F]

Mr. Neve did the original ISA designs after he left the Neve Company but he took a different approach with Focusrite.
Both are good but they are different, I would say ISA is more modern than vintage Neve but not clean modern

[groundcontrol]

The ISA is a nice enough design in its own right (the 110/115 eq is/was the actual piece the resistance) but it's not even closely related soudwise to Neve 80 series (1066/73).

If you really want to see a similarity with the previous N designs, they probably are closer to later 53 series modules, with some of the later ones starting to use ic op-amps instead of discreet ones.

Not bad, just not great. They sound a bit light-weight and forward and are comparatively lacking in headroom so they sound a bit pinched when pushed too hard - you have to be careful.

[IVcrane]

Has anybody tried the Black Lion Audio B-173 1073 pre clones? they are less than $1000 for 2 channel pre

[JFreak]

I have two ISA828's and I lov'em

[albee1952]

One thing about the ISA boxes; the digital feature is not built in, but an extra-cost option(I run the ISA-428 via digital here, along with 4 preamps in a lunchbox). If you need to use digital path, the ISA-428 gives you the 4 ISA preamps(which, as said, are clean and nice) AND you can feed the A>D with 4 more analog signals(I feed mine a pair of Vintechs and a pair of Five Fish X-12 preamps(API-312 style). Of course, if you are only needing 8 preamps via analog, then I would consider a 500 rack(Purple Audio Sweet 10 is a really good option) and some 500 preamps. You do have some budget options here with Radial's new Pre/Comp($349) or Lindell Audio($299). Or go really "budget" with a Focusrite OctoPre Mk II Dynamic(it really sounds fine for a lot of general use) and then add a pair of something "special"(like the Vintech 273)