A little history on NEVE
Here's the deal:
A 1272 was originally a line amp on a Neve 80 series board. Those line amps used the same circuit as the preamps, just without a few components. They can be modded into mic preamps fairly easily. That's what you're getting with an Averill or Marquette 1272 - a modded line amp with a few parts added to convert it into a preamp instead of a line amp. They've also been "gone through" to bring them back up to spec - replacing old capacitors, etc.
Neve 1073's use the EXACT same "card" as a 1272, yet have an additional gain stage and EQ. Otherwise, they're identical to 1272's. They both use the same transformers - St Ives. The trannies have a MAJOR effect on the sound. Strictly as a preamp, a 1272 and a 1073 are pretty much identical sonically, although Allen's correct - the 1073's have more gain available, and greater headroom because of the extra gain stage...
Vintech uses NOS Neve parts and the EXACT same circuit as a "original" 1272 preamp. Their Dual 72 is EXACTLY the same as a racked 1272 pair in terms of circuitry, transformers and other parts, and they sound identical. Same with the X73 - it's the same as a 1073. If all you want are preamps, 1272's - Vintech, Averill, Marquette, etc. are all pretty much the same and any would be fine. If you want preamp / EQ's, any good 1073 should do it... but they're considerably more expensive. A Vintech X73, with power supply will set you back about $2,000 or so for a single channel. A racked "original" will cost you at LEAST $4,000 - if you can find one. Probably closer to $6K.
IOW, Vintechs are sonically identical, because they're electronically identical and use Neve parts. They're the best bargain for "Neve tone" IMO.
Great River is VERY cool stuff. I have the utmost respect for Dan Kennedy. And Fletcher at Mercenary Audio has similar "gear tastes" to mine, and I respect his opinions also. While I have not heard the MP-2NV, based on the people involved, I can say that it's probably an outstanding product. And I normally wouldn't say that about any gear without hearing it first - so hopefully, that speaks highly of my opinion of Dan and Fletcher... My understanding is that the MP-2NV is "in the style of" a Neve, as opposed to a actual Neve "Clone". My understanding is that it can also do the more transparent, classic "Great River" type tones too, so it may be a more flexible option than a Vintech or Averill rackmounted Neve.
So there you have it. If you're looking for a Neve preamp and are on a budget, the Vintech stuff is probably the best deal. If you want the Neve "name" (and the monetary appreciation that will probably accompany it over time), then an Averill or Marquette racked unit will probably be the unit to choose. If you're looking for a new unit with a bit more sonic flexibility, although not IDENTICAL design to the originals, then check out the Great River stuff.
No matter which of these options you choose, you'll be getting a great preamp that you can rely on and it will definitely be considered "world class" by just about anyone who knows about this stuff.
