i was looking at a sound devices mixpre on ebay, isn't this the same as the mp-2? as far as i could tell from the specs it seems to be the same pre.
Yeah, it's basically the same pre, just a slightly different feature set (no M/S, can't turn the meter LEDs off though they have different intensity settings, etc.). There are those who will tell you it doesn't suit our purposes for one reason or another, but IMO that's bunk. I used one for a while and liked it a lot (well, mine was a Shure FP24, but it's just a re-branded MixPre).
FWIW, I liked the MBHO > FP24/MixPre/MP2, though I sometimes leaned more towards liking MBHO > PS-2 > Hosa MIT-176 line transformers better. The SD preamp sound just doesn't always suit me for some reason. Though I haven't gone back and listened to enough of those recordings since upgrading my playback gear...maybe my mind's changed?
i've never run the mixpre, but i have the mp2. I checked out the mixpre and from the photo of it i can see the switch that allows you to turn off LED's. So, i think you're wrong there.
But, yeah, no MS, not many tapers will need m/s anyway.
i run the 603a/200n's with an mp2 and ad2k+ and i love the sound.
I agree though, MICS first, pre 2nd.
chase i would say your best bet would be to sell the DMIC 20, and get another pre. that is of course, if you can afford it.
good luck!
ian