How much do those DBX run anyway?
On ebay 386s typically fetch about 300...250 on the low side...
I really like it - has a 24/96 AD w/clock I/O, runs two tubes at high voltage, and has good metering. If you have regular AC access, it's really not too much to tote around. I've even come to like the indexed knobs. Just need mics and something to convert to optical, if necessary...
It certainly imparts some color on your recording. But I still feel everything is sufficiently transparent. There might be certain amount of detail in the high treble that is missing. But - Most everything I do is at close range...not sure I'd want to use this is a really diffuse sound field. I've never been a huge fan of treble anyway...I like shit to sound like those old Glen Campbell albums...the ones with the Nelson Riddle orchestra.
I dont hear the tubes quite as much as you might using a tube pre in your
playback system. Anytime I've had tube pre in my playback system, I like it for about 2 weeks - but then get sick of it. "Fatigue" is what the high-end guys called it...
I got mine used. And I have yet to put new tubes in it - so I am actually expecting a uptick in performance...