"Alto" brand gear - any good

[raindog]

In my never ending quest to find cheap (but good), obscure audio gear, I have come across this company
http://www.altoproaudio.com

Have read a review in a magazine on a cheap alto compressor which sounded positive. I'm especially interested in their small ALPHA MICtube microphone preamplifier.Theres a review of the preamp by a New Zealand guy on their website. But ya can't trust those (company reviews or kiwis for that matter http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif)

Interestingly enough they have ART listed as their US distributor (wonder if its being re-packaged??).

If anyone can shed any light or has any comments about alto gear then much appreciated.

[dubs]

Let me guess you read the compressor review in Audio Technology Magazine (australia)?
I believe that the alto company is started by a couple of engineers who left Behringer to start their own company which is no surprise since the alto line of products seem to have a similar flavour of providing mass produced audio products cheap a chips. As to their performance, well they are too new on the scene...

[raindog]

yeah correct-latest issue of Audio Technology they gave a review on an Alto CLE2.0 - 2I/O compressor limitor from memory (I lie I have the mag sitting beside my computer here at work).Only aus$289.00 but the reviewer reckons its pretty good.
Sounds like a company to keep an eye out for. Have done a ring around in my home town (Brisvegas) and tracked down a retailer so will go have a listen to some stuff soon.

Dubs-where are you based?