New Mic or New Preamp

I'm sort of in a quandry here -albeit one that is actually fun. I've been eyeballing the seventh circle audio preamp kit(s) for sometime now. The reviews are fab. I'll probably get the product in it's kit form. I've never really built any electronic projects before, but a good buddy of mine is an electronics repair guy who is willing to help. With the t15kf preamp, the kit the gear comes to about 400. The other option is to get a new mic. I've currently got two fets: 4050, and a sterling 55. Both good mics, esp'ly the 4050. But, I'm really considering getting a tube. I've been reading up quite a bit on the mxl960. I'd probably switch out the tube for a Mullard, and replace the capsule with one from Pelso. I figure it will probably sound pretty darn nice -for about 350. The goal is to try and get still more definition for my vocal tracks. Here's the real problem: I've been cursed, I know. A buddy of mine had me do some bvg's through his Neuman u87 (this would be about 15 freakin' years ago) and I cannot get the experience of that out of my head. I realize neither option is 2k worth of Nman sound. And, I have considered just going for it, but I'm trying to pay DOWN the debt. Any thoughts, comments, feedback?

The T15 is a very clean nice kit. It uses the 1512 and 1646 THAT IC's which is the way I would design a pre if I wanted a super clean pure sound. And the module cost of $89 is really decent. I do a lot of DIY stuff - so I decided to inflict maximum pain on myself and go for the G9 DIY instead. More difficult, more time, etc :) I figure I'll be done sometime in 2010 :)

Look at JLM Audio !!!! "Baby animals" kits with JLM14 input transformer - JLM99V Opamp --- and maybe -but not necesary- JLM111 output transformer. Got 8 of these - with JLM and Lundahl transformers. Compared them to a friends seventh circle N72 (neve clone). The N72 sounded very much "in your face" to me. Kinda harsh. Bass sounded muddy to me. Only way i would use it would be on snare - guit solo - everything in the front of the mix with a good midrange.But not voice. Now the baby animals just blow you away: The JLM input trannies sound soft witha clear defined warm bass - and super smooth highs - warm midrange - perfect for voices and for about everything. The Lundahls are much more transparent : perfect for acc guitar overheads ect.... I would never change one of my Baby animals for one of the N72s (the others from SC i dont know). You get one kit from JLM for about 135 USD - this is just a steal. Cases you get here for about 80 - 100 USD Check out the "Big baby animal thread" there too. This are not my pictures but they look completley the same: The G9 seems to be too much work for what you get. I built already 2xSSL,2xG1176,calrec stereo eq, 2 green pres and lot of stuff more. The G9 is surely a great pre amp , but too much work for just 2 channels of clean preamp. Take 2 baby animal with Lundahl in - John Hardy 99 opamps - JLM111 out and you get about the same for lesssss money and you can built it in 2 days.

L Ciper and reaperdeeper, Thanks for your replies. Very helpful info. Oh yeah, that Gyraf project looks like its worth a couple of gallons of midnight oil. In my case, probably a case :-) The JLM stuff looks great. And thanks for the review. I'm headed over there after I finish this post to have a good look around. I checked out the prodigy site. RD: any specific contacts on those enclosures. Also, how did you handle powering up your unit? I hope that's not a totally dumb question. I am a supernoob on this stuff. But, I'm kind of excited at the prospect of building myself. Went out and bought a small piece of breadboard, a solder gun, and a handfull of resistors to practice soldering.

The cases u find on prodigy at the black market - look for a sticky: rack cases... - The guy is called Purusha - contact him. For powering the Baby animals you just need 48V. JLM offers a small cheap external PSU. U find it on the Baby animal Kit page. If you have questions about the BAs you can contact Joe Malone from JLM directly. He responds to quickly to every question.