The Golden Age Project PRE-73 DLX is a vintage-style, solid-state preamplifier that offers circuitry similar to that in the classic 1073 module. The single-channel PRE-73 DLX uses only discrete components, including Tantalum capacitors. You get a choice of mic, line, and DI (active or passive) inputs to go along with XLR and 1/4-inch outputs. Front panel input and output knobs give you plenty of level-setting flexibility. A 5-way attenuation switch (0, -7, -14, -21, -28 dB) makes it easy to overdrive the output stage to add additional coloration to the sound.

Other controls include a high-pass filter with four different frequency selections (off, 50, 80, 160, 300 Hz), a front-panel switch that governs the insert jack's in/out status, as well as DI In, 48V (phantom power), Low-Z (mic-input impedance), Phase, Ground Lift, and 600Ω (output) Termination switches.

The PRE-73 DLX also gives you a number of user-configurable options that can be set on the inside of the unit. These include changing the DI input from active to passive, changing the DI's input impedance from its normal high-impedance setting to 100Ω, setting the DI input to bypass the mic transformer, and shutting off the input to the Insert jack when it's not in use.