I just gave this a try last night. Essentially my 2:90 is dead right now, so I slaved out of the studio pre effect send into the return on my 2 channel recto head.
There is an interesting thing I noticed in functionality here, as the lead drive knob and Lead master seems to be interactive in producing different types of crunch. Quite odd. Also, the lead drive produces a HUGE increase in volume as you start to turn it up. I rarely use it above 2 on my pre anyway, so it isnt a huge issue.
There is a BIG difference in the audio when comparing back and forth between using the effect send or the main outs on the studio pre. Out of the effects send, the crunch and high gain tones do sound and feel bigger and more dynamic. The top end is more present, and in general I feel like it did generally liven the pre up a little.
Im starting to feel the itch. That 2:90 might be making its way back to Mesa for a repair REAL soon. If this sounds this good through the recto's power section, I REALLY want to hear it through my 2:90.