Comparison Golden Age mic preamps: Premier PREQ-73/Premier PRE-73/Project PRE-73 MKIII/Project PRE-73 Junior for e-piano and bass. Conclusion: the price differences translate to sound (and noise) differences which made me decide in favor of the premier series.
I ordered a Golden Age Project PRE-73 MKIII. I was not satisfied because of the noise that already appeared with gain and output volume both just over half way (I practice in an extremely noise free studio). For comparison I ordered a Golden Age Premier PREQ-73. The noise level was lower, worked for me, though certainly not noise-free at higher volumes/gain.
I tried it on bass, the sound was a bit smoother than the MKIII. It was a rich, heavy and lively sound, only the highs lacked a bit sustain.
On e-piano the sound of the Premier was much better than the MKIII, I can only describe it as: there was restfulness in it. Also less deformation than with the MKIII. Now with bass it is just a matter of taste, but with piano the undistorted sound is important. So you don't get a messy sound when using a lot of polyphonies. Both preamps gave the piano-sound much more power, body, warmth, harmonics and (Premier only) detail and liveliness.
... The EQ part however had - I think - some grounding problems. It added hum, hiss and when touching the switches a lot of hum; the switching itself gave loud clacks. However, aside from these problems, it worked really well and easy in sound shaping the two elements of my Safran bass (piezo and magnetic). Because of my use of the switches whilst playing, this disqualified the GAP EQ for me (thus the 3 for quality).
I also tested the GAP Jr. (for piano). This is not just a simpler version of the MKIII (no filters, no clip lights). Sound wise it was a little inferior to the MKIII as well (more noise, less gain and an unnatural sound).
I bought the GAP Premier (without EQ) for the piano. I returned the GAP PREQ, really to my regret, because I liked the sound and could adjust it in a simple way to stand out with the piano. For the bass I now bought a Marleaux Tonwerk instead. A little less lively sound, but no problems with statics and it sounds sweet in combination with the piano. Thomann was very helpful with advice and service.
