Pres: is variety really a good thing?

[emrr]

I'm about willing to put $ on a bet that I have more types of pre's than anyone. I detect and use the differences between them to advantage on a regular basis, but I will say it is a matter of splitting hairs in many cases. There are pre's that are so entirely different sounding that any deaf moron could pick them out; those same pre's might frighten a gear reviewer because of their polarizing nature. All a matter of which sandbox you wish to play in, or how many crayons you feel you should use.

[Jitters]

Well put.
that would keep me from staying up night fretting about what preamp to use on the hurdy gurdy.

On the other hand I'm learning that what really makes me happy is catching texture. I'm not saying I'm good at it, but I would like to be. I can see a variety of pres coming in use there.