the battery box you are referring to is a preamp (by definition) and it strengthens your the ability to record in higher SPL situations (e.g. rock concerts) You could get a different preamp if that's what you mean but considering the mics you are thinking about purchasing, a more exspensive preamp would just make your mics the weak link in your system. And I assume you are planning on stealthing this rig which means you need a portable preamp anyway. I started out with sound professional in ear omnis, a battery box with bass roll-off and a mini disc player and it served me very well for the price. I think what you have lined out is a good starter rig. Then down the road you can look at upgrading your mics and preamp. Finally if you're considering the rh1, you might also entertain the edirol R-09 solid state recorder. They are all the rage these days and are in the same price range (i like them both personally)