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Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp

Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp

$300.00 to $499.00 Price Tier: Budget

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

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4.0 (14)

$499.00

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5.0 (8)

Used

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3.0 (3)

$300.00 1 available Used

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5.0 (1)

$499.00

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$499.00

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4.8 (63)

$468.00 $466.00 $2.00 · All time low

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$499.00

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Average Price: $466

Budget/Beginner

$599

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Preamps category, Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp channels the essence of vintage British audio equipment into a compact, modern unit. Designed for those who crave the classic warmth and character of legendary 1073 preamps, this single-channel powerhouse offers an impressive 80dB of gain, making it ideal for capturing the subtleties of passive ribbon mics and low-output instruments. With its robust half-rack design, the PRE-73 Premier is built for versatility, featuring mic/line/instrument inputs and a broad gain-range DI.

Elevate your studio sessions with the PRE-73 Premier’s suite of professional features: switchable impedance, a polarity reverse option, and a high-pass filter adjustable between 80Hz and 200Hz. The standout Carnhill transformers ensure silky-smooth signal transfer, while the Air EQ circuit provides a selectable boost for extra sparkle at 30kHz. Whether you're laying down vocals, guitar, or any other instrument, the PRE-73 Premier's vintage-style coloration will add a touch of analog magic to your tracks.

This preamp's construction is as solid as its sound, with a military-grade build that includes tantalum capacitors and gold-plated toggle switches. The external power adapter reduces electromagnetic interference, ensuring the purest signal path possible. With its classic styling and modern enhancements, the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier is a must-have for any recording enthusiast looking to infuse their sound with timeless character.

Key Features:

1-channel mic/line/instrument preamplifier
UK-made Carnhill mic input and line output transformers
Max gain: 80dB
Switchable impedance: 1200 or 300 Ω
High-pass filter at 80Hz/200Hz, polarity reverse
Air EQ boost at 3dB or 6dB at 30kHz
Phantom power and phase reverse switch
Vintage British styling with Marconi Gain and fluted Output knobs
External power adapter included for reduced interference

Product specs

Preamp Type	Solid State
Number of Channels	Single channel
Phantom Power	Yes
Pads	-14dB (output pad)
Polarity Switch	Yes
EQ	Air EQ, Highpass Filter 80Hz/200Hz
Analog Inputs	1 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs	1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4"
Channel Inserts	1 x 1/4"
Power Source	24V AC power supply

FAQs

What type of microphone is the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp best suited for?: The Golden Age Premier PRE-73 is versatile and works well with both dynamic and condenser microphones, thanks to its solid-state design and phantom power capability.
Does the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Preamp have EQ controls?: Yes, it features an Air EQ and a highpass filter switchable between 80Hz and 200Hz, allowing for tonal shaping and control over low-frequency content.
Can the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Preamp handle line-level signals?: Yes, it includes a combo XLR-1/4" input that accommodates both mic and line-level signals, making it suitable for various studio applications.
Is the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier suitable for home studio use?: Absolutely, its single-channel design and solid-state circuitry make it an excellent choice for home studios looking to enhance microphone and instrument recordings.
Does the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Preamp provide phantom power?: Yes, the preamp includes phantom power, which is essential for powering condenser microphones.

Videos

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Golden Age Audio

Golden Age Premier preamps

Golden Age Audio

Golden Age Premier PRE-73 (DI demo)

Sonic Circuitry

Golden Age Pre-73 Premier Unboxing Review

Speak His Truth Ministry-7GTV

Reviews

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PROS

Delivers a vintage Neve-inspired sound with a warm, smooth character
Excellent value for money, offering high-end sound at a budget-friendly price
Low noise levels compared to other models, even at higher gain settings
Effective tone shaping options provide versatility for various instruments and vocals
Enhances mic sensitivity, capturing intricate details in recordings
Great for pairing with other Golden Age units for a cohesive sound
Provides a rich, heavy, and lively sound with noticeable body and warmth
Simple installation and user-friendly operation
Ideal for those seeking vintage sound without the high price tag
Complements other preamps in a setup by offering a distinct sound variety

CONS

Lacks some clarity in the top end, especially at higher volumes
Potential minor issues with phantom power causing unwanted noise
Not completely noise-free at maximum gain settings
Occasional issues with switch indicators, leading to confusion about settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Golden Age Premier PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp.

User experience

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Owners appreciate the PRE-73 for its durability and gutsy sound, describing it as a reliable option for studios needing multiple preamps.
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After extended use, the PreQ73 is noted for its reliable build quality, with some users receiving free fixes for minor knob issues even after 5+ years.
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Users report that when driven too hard, the PreQ73 can produce a harsh, unflattering clip described as sharp and harsh 'farts'.
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Early versions had power supply issues, but these have been addressed in newer models, improving reliability.
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Value and pricing

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Despite its tone, some users suggest that investing in a Warm unit might prevent the need for future upgrades compared to the GAP PreQ73.
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Despite some opinions on pricing, the PRE-73 is still considered a hard-to-beat option for its sound quality in the budget-friendly category.
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The PRE-73 Jr is praised for exceptional transformer saturation, unexpectedly excelling despite cheaper components, providing unique value in its price range.
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Features and functionality

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The PreQ73's small form factor and cost-effectiveness are highlighted, with its ability to drive beyond typical limits being a major advantage.
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The second gain stage on the PRE-73 Premier allows for a gain range from 55dB to 80dB, offering more headroom and smoother saturation.
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Comparisons

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The Warm WA73EQ is preferred for its headroom and solid sound, which some users find more stable compared to the GAP PreQ73.
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The PreQ73 can be driven harder than many other 73 clones, offering more color, but its clipping is less flattering than the Warm WA73EQ's smoother overdrive.
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Vintech 573 preamps, though similar in sound quality, are noted for their closer approximation to the "real 1073" in the high mids compared to GAP.
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Compared to BAE and vintage Neve, GAP preamps deliver smoother saturation at moderate gain, offering a modern take on the 1073 sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users suggest cutting a trace to eliminate hum, a potential modification depending on the model, although this may not apply to the 500 rack version.
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Build quality

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Premier series features high-quality knobs that feel different to the touch, indicating a more premium build compared to other GAP models.
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Use cases and applications

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Paired with an SM7B, the PRE-73 is praised for delivering a robust vocal sound, making it a favored combination for vocal recordings.
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GAP preamps are recommended for those seeking 1073-esque transformer saturation, especially valuable for users who prefer a colored sound over transparency.
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Critic Reviews

Golden Age Premier Pre-73 & PreQ-73

soundonsound.com

Golden Age Premier's PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp revamps the beloved Neve 1073 sound with a premium twist. The aesthetic nod to its iconic predecessor is paired with enhanced build quality, including Carnhill transformers and improved internal wiring, ensuring a richer sound and greater reliability. The versatile EQ, ample gain, and headroom make it a solid choice for various recording needs. While phantom power quirks and limited insert signal levels may deter some, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise stellar offering. Exceptional value for those seeking that classic warmth without breaking the bank.

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