Daking output transformer difference?

I like my non output transformer mic pre IIs as well. I think you would be very happy with either choice.

Both the Jensens and the THAT buffers have a sound. Get the Jensens

Thanks for the feedback. After writing it out, the solution seems simple- I'm going to buy a Mic Pre II since as much as I like the Daking EQ, an additional pair of preamps is more useful in my current setup. If for some reason I find the lack of magical transformer mojo unbearable I can simply buy a pair of 1:1 transformers, mount them in a box, and run the output of the Mic Pre II through them. Hell, I could even use steel core transformers for maximum vintage mojo.

The reality of course is that they'll probably sound great and I won't bother.

It's funny- I don't generally have trouble coming up with solutions to large, complex problems but stuff like this sends me into analysis paralysis.

That listing looked sketchy to me - “bouston” and the only other listing he has is a bit underpriced also.

Absolutely, but by that logic I could just use a Mackie 1604 and some old ADATs since it worked for Glenn Ballard.

I totally realize I'm splitting some very fine technical hairs but I tend to notice this kind of stuff, and I figured it was worth asking around. I swear I'm not always like this... 

I have a Daking Mic pre IV with the transformers. I don't think they add much color. It's a pretty clean and punchy preamp. I use mine on piano a lot. I also liked it on overheads. I'm a fan of transformers but I'm not sure they make a lot of difference in either the Daking or the Hardy M1. Maybe when pushed hard they might be a bit better but normally, I'm not sure many people would hear the difference. Those specific transformers were chosen because the were clean and didn't impart a huge signature on the sound. Still, I'd buy the transformer models again.

Coda to the story:

I had ordered a B-stock unit at a significant discount, but was just notified it is out of stock.

(sad trombone)

So, I'll need to wait a little longer to add more Daking to the lineup.

I’m confused. A B-stock unit is out of stock? Is that a thing?

OK here is what often happens, online store inventory lags behind actual inventory. In some cases a listing isn’t removed from available for sale till it is invoiced / ships.

There of course are the other obvious situations, inventory is off, or a b-stock is tested before shipping and isn’t fit to sell.

I’ll say it once again if you see a limited supply of an item or a b-stock always call the dealer! Of course I have like every single one of us failed to follow my own advice on this one. In my own defense sleep is something that I often can’t seam to get so at 3AM I might find something special, I know I should wait and call as soon as the seller opens, but I also know in my case that is probably when my body will give in to sleep and I’ll probably miss out. Now where this can get problematic is many vendors lag in refunding those funds they are quick to grab and it can mean missing out on the next deal.

Got it. I was under the impression you were waiting for another B-Stock, after finding out the one you ordered was out of stock. I thought it was weird, but what do I know?

IMO the major difference between transformer vs IC output? For most pieces of gear? Its what comes after it... are we loading an input transformer in another piece of gear? 

For some people its not going to matter much. Especially going mic amp out > converter ? Probably not much difference. In some cases though the difference can be drastic. I have a couple pres with the option, XLR out is loaded 1/4 TRS is the IC bypass? Easy to compare.
 
One of these days I should pop the lids on my Daking 52270s and see what transformers are in there. The stuff they build now is certainly cool but geez... it doesn't sound like the OG versions. Lots of reasons there, power supplies & differences in build layout... parts... but they're certainly "cleaner" & less hairy then back in the day.