Well, that's a lot of interesting points of view for sure! Thanks a lot!
I have to say, I am still a rookie as I stick to copying schematics with some very slight modification at the moment.
I wanted to have something really faithful to the Ampex 601 in terms of sonic signature.
Regarding the mic pre, I like the idea of having a sh*tload of gain, as I am building it to use with a vintage RCA Ribbon Mic mainly. The other pres I have handy are a bit too weak for that task. I also want to keep the front panel as simple as possible, but I have to admit that a pad and a triode/pentode might be helpful.
If at some point I realize I need a 2nd channel, I'll see how I can add it... but the chassis is already pretty crowded
Regarding the stereo line amp, I'd use it mainly on stereo buses or mix bus, so on pretty high line levels.. I am going for a tube / iron flavor, might a bit edgy but certainly not a fuzz box
Maybe I should use a 12AU7 instead of the 12AY7?
Right now, I plan on using stereo rotary switches for a precise LR matching. One is for the "Line Input" attenuator/pot, the other one is for the "Rec Level".
Do you guys think I should feed only the last 12AU7, have the "Rec Cal" control as a trimpot somewhere, and then having an T Pad output attenuator after the output transformer? I am not sure a single 12AU7 will bring a lot of color / character...