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First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No

Hello. I have a FS Prescence Deluxe II and am very happy with it. I have read that people often prefer transformer coupled preamps to non-transformer coupled ones.

Does anyone have experience with the First Sound products and one or more from Supratek, VAC, or Audio Note? If so, how were they different?

I addition, I am curious if any First Sound owners have moved up their line? Where did you hear improvement? Overall, do you think is it worth the extra expense? Looking back, would you made a different choice? Thanks for your input. Brooks
brooksl

Showing 2 responses by jose21

jose21
93 posts
 
Kevin Hayes from VAC is a pleasure to deal with. He's never pushy and is always very pleasant. I've had numerous conversations with him and even for a "newbie" like myself, he's never lost patience. I'm currently looking into the Renaissance MKII pre. A lot of $$$ yes, but these days you can pay a lot more and get less.
Has anybody done any listening with the Standard PRE LE and the Renaissance? I'd like to know how much better things can actually get?
jose21
93 posts
 
I've upgraded to the VAC Renaissance from the VAC Standard LE about 2 weeks ago. Conversation with a few 'Goners a month ago really got me interested in the Ren.
As "adequate" as the LE was IMO, the Ren is in a different level, as it should be. Build quality is excellent. The pics don't do justice to this preamp. It is dead quiet and not only is the soundstage broader and deeper, it's also taller. Notes that were barely audible on the far left and right of the soundstage from the LE is now more distinct. The bass is outstanding, going deeper, and much cleaner that I could've imagined. Grain and haze is non-existant. I wouldn't have called the LE veiled, but the transparancy of the Ren is amazing. Music has a whole new flavor for me.
Thanks to Kevin Hayes of VAC and to the fellas. It's an expensive decision but a whole lot easier to justify.
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