Is anybody else using the Vacuvox V41 preamp? I received mine a few months ago, with steel tubes, and it is the best-sounding preamp I've ever heard. I love my vintage 1073 for vocals, as well, but the Vacuvox V41 beats it in terms of capturing detail.

I record synthpop to analog tape and everything runs through my Vacuvox V41 now. The detail, going onto my Studer A800 or Otari MTR-90 16-track, is stunning. My signal path is:

Instrument >> Mogami 2549 cable (TRS) >> DW Fearn PDB >> V41 >> EQ-2NV >> compressor >> Manultec Orca Bay (for a high shelf boost) >> tape machine

My only gripe is I wish the HPF on the V41 were at 80 Hz instead of 60 Hz, but it's a relatively minor issue.

I own a V41 and love it dearly. Pretty much record everything through it. Previously the Fearn VT-2 was my go to 2 channel preamp, but it’s been replaced by the V41. The only other preamps I really use are the Coil PS6 (70s and 286s), which have a different color. V41 is my desert island preamp.

Very nice to hear this.
Did you get the chance to try it on acoustic sources?

I am shopping for a tube preamp for 2023 and i was looking at Coil preamps or The snow petrel for my Coles.

The U41 is not the same price, but it could be an option.

I will receive my U23's very soon, so i will put my hands on Vacuvox units soon, it should give me a good idea

How would you describe the difference between you Coil preamps and the V41?

Thanks!

The Vacuvox is really clear and rich sounding. The Coils are more vibey and colored. I like using them as line inserts on a mix; and if I were tracking drums, the PS6 would be clutch.

But when I do overdubs (guitars, vocals), I track through the Vacuvox V41.

I'd use the Coils instead if I knew I wanted to bake in that color from the start; maybe on synths or electric bass, I'd start with the CA70s.

Acoustic instruments/vocals though, the V41 is going to give me the best sounding version of the source.

Is the Vacuvox based on the Maihak V41?

Yes

Nice!
Thanks.

Thanks for your feedback Nightowl43!
I really appreciate it.

I've used it on vocals and shaker. Best vocal preamp I've heard.

When was this available?
No info on the Vacuvox website.

Email them directly. They’re not on the website..you can also find info here

https://retrogearshop.com/products/v...41-tube-preamp

cough, thanks.

What DI do you use for the V41?

I have a ZOD ID DI. Yourself?

Ahh...I've heard good things. The owner of Great River recommended those. I have not tried.

I'm using DW Fearn PDBs (passive direct boxes). They're like the JDI, but slightly better, to my ears, probably because of fancier resistors or something.

Using the Zod between my Burl summing box output to the JCF and convertor
Sounds great

Are you guys still loving the V41?

I have 8 Coils, 2 Tree Branches, Redd 47’s, Tubetech MP1a, Electronaut, Gyraf G9, Thermionic Rooster 2, LaChappell and many solid state pre’s.

Would the V41 “bring all the boys to the yard?”
How does it compare to Knif pre’s or Mercury 76’s for instance? I don’t do vintage.

See in the old days the high end would have cared about the greatest and most expensive European pre amp with such a rich history.
I know it’s personal but is it worth investing in?
I appreciate it’s only a decision I can make.
Are there are any users out there who can help sway me.

Embarrassing? How?

Why not go ahead, buy one and let us know how YOU like it?

EDIT:

i see you have edited your post, Paul.
Now this thread is no longer embarrassing.

Not exactly big fans of Vacuvox over there now are they

What a lot of crazy vintage gear they have though!

I have no idea what you mean.

Before you edited your post #19 one of the last two lines was "this thread is embarrassing".
And that's why I asked "Embarrassing? How?" #20
You then edited your post #19 and so I also edited my post #20 , that's what I meant.

No big deal, just answering for transparency.

I wonder how good that shaker sounds.

Anyone compared Knif Pre’s to other Euro high end?

This is a strange thread and doesn’t speak to the sound of the pre amp apart from it being the greatest shaker sound.
I know there are people I respect that like the sound of Vacuvox but I’m not spending nearly £10k on something I’ve never heard.
There are a few compressors floating on the used market long term too which also makes me uneasy. I wonder why?

My only guess is that those lucky enough to own one are too busy making recordings with them, to be looking for gear review threads to chime in. I own mostly vintage preamps, but the Vacuvox is one of the few modern pieces that has earned its place in my studio.

See that’s interesting. How did you get hold of yours?

I ordered it directly from Berry

Did you pay upfront?