What's the Best Vocal Preamp You Have Ever Heard

Couldn't agree more Jim. I have a mic custom made by Oliver Archut that's a dead ringer for an M49. I had two U47 FET's at my house a couple of months ago. For kicks, we tried them on a vocal. It took my wife less than ten seconds to say "give me my mic", meaning the Archut UM17 Blueline. It just fits her perfectly.

For me, it's a little thin, so I tend to move in too close too often. The best I've ever heard my voice through was an original C12. I haven't had the pleasure of using a U47 yet. If I had that C12, I don't think a Neve 1073 or a John Hardy or an API or even my Warm Audio Tone Beast would make anywhere near as much difference than having a different mic would. I do like the sound of a 1073 though.