You couldn't have heard this head amp of Paul's, mate, as it's a design he hasn't built before

Totally agree with you about active MC stages, although the Aurorasound Vida, which Guy Sergeant has loaned me, is unquestionably the finest of such beasts I've heard so far:

http://www.puresound.info/id15.html

I'd better not bring that down with me in case it results in your Amex becoming rather nervous!

Marco.