Avalon with 002

[Malky]

I'm running an Avalon 737 as a pre into a 002 line in, input gain at zero. Opinions please on whether I should add a A/D converter of similar quality to the Avalon and go digital into the 002, in order to get the best out of the setup. Would this represent a minimal, worthwhile or signifcant increase in quality? I'm not so bothered about upgrading the D/A stage (don't use my setup for master mixes, mainly dubbing). Also, what recommended A/D converters for this level of setup - e.g. Apogee Rosetta? Thanks.

[lemix]

Hey Malky,

Would this represent a minimal, worthwhile or signifcant increase in quality?

What $$$ you're looking at ? I would just rent a couple of different D/As for a day, record the same source tru the 002/DA1/DA2 and see if the results are really justifying the extra cost...
You might just like your 002 the best

cheers,

[Malky]

Hello Lemix, My budget is in good old U.K. £££s, but I think the U.S. equivalent would be up to $1800, which would certainly cover the Apogee Rosetta AD, for instance. Yes, a good idea to try before buy, and perhaps the 002 converters would stand up to the comparison. Cheers.

[marcusb]

if it ain't broke don't fix it ...

what exactly AREN'T you liking about the 002 convertors? If you are unhappy with the sound there are most likely many other more important variables (mic placement/preamp+eq+comp setup) that are messing your signal more so than the convertors.

[lemix]

I'm apologizing for using D/A in my post above. Of course it should have said : A/D...
-lots of empty Guinness cans...-

cheers,

[spkguitar]

Mmmmmmmmmm. Guinness.

[lemix]

[Malky]

Hello Marcusb - You raise a good point - I'm not unhappy with my setup per se, just slightly paranoid that the 002 converters are are not in the same quality league as the Avalon 737.
Also, there are no inserts on the 002, so the signal has to go through the 002s line in pre amp(zero gain), i.e. two pre amp circuits.
But perhaps it is too much of a luxury to consider a quality A/D converter.
Cheers.

[tele_player]

Malky - I doubt the 002 line inputs (4 - 8) are much different from the line inputs on an external A/D.
I have a 737 and 002, sounds good to me. One of these days, I may try another converter (maybe Mytek) on the S/PDIF, just to see if I can hear the difference.

[dubaifox]

If I were you and had $1,800 to spend (that is about 380 British Pounds these days ) I would get a combo A/D Converter and Word Clock.

These combined would give you a big improvement over the converters and clock in the 002. Apogeee is coming out with a new 2 Track unit that is both A/D and Word Clock, though they have not announced it yet. There are other options too.