Wasn't sure where to post this info, so I'll put it here. I wanted to know the relative recording settings on three different pieces of gear using the same source material played back on my stereo (haven't had an open taping opportunity yet).
I was comparing the 661, the FR2-le, and an Oade T+mod UA-5 > 661. Here are the settings and gear.
Playback: hhb 830 Burnit CD burner > Primare A20 > GMA Europa / ACI Force sub.
Studio Projects LSD2, cards @ 120º > 661: -12 pad engaged, gain knob @ 6; peak at -2.9db
Studio Projects LSD2, cards @ 120º > FR2-le: mic input almost maxed (4:00), main gain knob set to almost 3:00; peak at -0.9db
Studio Projects LSD2, cards @ 120º > T+mod UA-5: gain almost maxed (4:30) > 661; peak at -3.5db
The resulting files' peak levels were close, but not exact. Trying to be considerate of my neighbors, I only ran one test per rig. If I were to bring all this gear to one concert, I could set up one rig and then be in the ball park when setting levels with the other gear.
It also seems that the Marantz has the most available gain range for unamplified music. Not sure if the -18db pad will be enough for a really loud show (though the LSD2 also has a -10db pad). It's also uncommon to be able to set the mic input so high on the FR-2le in normal concert settings. The 12:00 setting is more common, or even below 9:00 when using mics a little more sensitive than the LSD2. The UA-5 has the least amount of gain.
I haven't done any critical listening of the files yet, provided I can hear any noticeable difference in the recordings at all.