Yes, I listened to it at my local dealer. I can't afford it (I use a P-5 at home), but it is the best preamplifier I have ever heard. When Sim claimed quiet, that must have been an understatement. This pre is so quiet you think it's turned off, and the music seems to come from a black hole. I've never heard anything like it. It beat the Pass stuff they have, and slew the big Musical Fidelity. Watch out though - it's a big two chassis preamp, and weighs something like 80 pounds or so. Make sure you have room for it. I think it's a giant killer.
I don't know how it compares to the other pre's you're asking about, but I'm sure it is less colored than both, giving a less forgiving, but more accurate rendition of what's on the recording. I hear that professional studios really like the P-8 for mastering use.
I don't know how it compares to the other pre's you're asking about, but I'm sure it is less colored than both, giving a less forgiving, but more accurate rendition of what's on the recording. I hear that professional studios really like the P-8 for mastering use.