J99 vs. T15?

[d7aug9]

I'm pretty new to the whole sound engineering experience, so I'm sure my ignorance is showing, but I'm wondering what it is about the J99 that makes it worth more than 4 times the cost of the T15? Is there someone that wouldn't mind bringing a greeny up to speed?

Really, I'd be interested to know what it is that distinguishes the other pre-amps as well and how would I choose which ones I need. I searched the website and found very little information that would help the decision-making process and searching the forums only revealed a few brief opinions.

I realize that ultimately my ear has to be the judge, but. For things like solo vocal (and children's voices), flute, violin, trombone and piano, through cheap dynamics (Nady's) and somewhat less cheap condensers (Rodes), are there any clear guidelines?

[tpryan]

The short answer is that the J99 has transformers, the T15 does not. High quality transformers are expensive and have characteristics that can not be duplicated by any other electronic component. They also create subtle distortion that many people find highly desirable.

[tazman]

I would also be interested in hearing opinions about the difference between these pres.

Rob