Thanks Ron, Your excellent descriptions whet my appetite to bring in the First Sound before I can afford it and before I even need it! Thanks very much.

rayhall November 23, 2001 01:27

Rayhall- As some of the reviews of the First Sound preamp have pointed out, bass extension and dynamics (overall) are the strong points of this line. I will confirm that. I've have heard nothing that my First Sound does not noticeably beat in these two aspect of sound reproduction. Needless to say, I haven't heard that many, but I have heard some very highly regarded preamps, both tubed and solid state. As far as neutrality, soundstage, clarity, transparency, air and treble extension, lets just say that my First Sound is as good as any I've heard and certainly isn't a limiting factor. I know that doesn't help much, but in systems I have heard, especially my own, I think there are too many other variables present to enable me to pass judgment on various preamps in such specific respects. Reviews of the better Lamm preamp have said that the Lamm might have a more finesse and a more sophisticated sound, but so help me, I can't figure out how what that might mean. The First Sound really does what it's supposed to do - drives the signal cleanly, forcefully and without artifact (that I can detect). The Coincident TRS speaker cable, like most other speaker cables, might be great in some systems and only good in others. I've never heard it sound bad, and I've heard it literally bring dead sounding systems to life - all by itself (speaker cables being the only variable). It's ironic that I'm using the CST interconnects and not the TRS speaker cables, since I am much more convinced of the superior quality of the speaker cables than I am of the interconnects - but such is life with this crazy hobby. Ron

oahuan November 22, 2001 23:43

You're welcome, Daniel. Oahuan: I haven't auditioned either. There aren't many dealers in this part of the country that I am familiar with for either product. The Atma-sphere is just a product which I would like to hear because there is a lot of controversy about it and it, as well as the Pass X series, is optimized for balanced operation. I'll probably try the First Sound Deluxe SPS w/ Single power supply in the next year. Then I'll bring in the Atma-sphere and sell off the one of the two I like the least. I do have mid-fi analogue system, not worth discussing, but even my line level source setup is complex, thus requiring the preamp. I am so satisfied with the CAT that, although I am sure it does alter the sound when compared with nothing at all, I doubt I would ever get rid of it. I would like to hear alternatives, such as the First Sound which supposedly compete in that ultimate category. Also, I need a preamp (or linestage) with more line inputs such as the First Sound. CAT only has two. Have tried the straight-in approach with my Philips CD-80, which is not even close to a great CD player now, and my Aleph 4. The CD-80 has variable outputs, but sound-wise these are much poorer than their fixed outputs. Nevertheless, using the variable outputs (and even the fixed, I believe), the sound was quite strange (overly dynamic and jumpy). With that combination, I much preferred the preamp. If I get a better CD player such as the Prestige, with variable out, I'll certainly try again. As far as the Coincident cables, I am mainly going by what others have said about them, although I have had a brief audition and I did like what I heard. I currently have a CST balanced interconnect but no balanced preamp. By the way, any sonic details which you can give me on the First Sound linestage with regard to bass extension, bass quality, dynamics, soundstage, neutrality, clarity, transparency, air and treble extension would be much appreciated. Thanks. Ray

rayhall November 20, 2001 13:18

Rayhall: I am currently using a First Sound Presence Paramount Deluxe (w/ dual power supplies), and it is truly outstanding. Have you auditioned the First Sound preamp vs the Atmasphere? - or is it your expectation that the Atmasphere will be better because it can output in true balanced mode? I am also using the Coincident interconnect between my preamp and tubed amplifier (Art Audio) and find it to be excellent (especially value-wise), but not necessarily better than a number of cables out there, notably (from my experience) Nordost quattro-fil or Cardas' better cables. I'm sticking with the Coincident for now because I have a very long run and can't really change it willy nilly, but for your "semi-dream" system, I wouldn't rule out other interconnects. I also have a pair of the Coincident Reference speaker cables, and they are indeed truly outstanding, if more than a little bit big, heavy and unwieldy. Not cheap, but an outstanding value nontheless. I'm not using mine right now because of the ergonomic problems of my particular set up, but I applaud the choice. Is the choice the result of an audition - or only research? I've corresponded with you before, especially about the CAT preamp (which ultimately I gave up on because of availability and other problems and uncertainties with trying to work out an audition). I did not realize that your system was all digital without an analogue source. That being the case, I'm curious as to whether you have examined a straight in approach with no preamp, as eliminating that item would free up a lot of money for "beefing" up other parts of your target system. Cheers. Ron

oahuan November 20, 2001 12:26

Rayhall, Thanks for the info on the Modulus 3, I don't know anyone personally who has one.. You're right about the Sound Labs, my friend had A4s & now has A3s. He was using a Parasound HCA3500 on them, but recently got the Innersound Stereo amp, which is a better match. Yesterday he told me the X350 should work very well with the big Sound Labs. We're fortunate enough here in the Phoenix area to have a speaker manufacturer who also carries Pass Labs, YBA & Audio Refinement, B&K, and Marsh. They have an X350 on demo & are very conducive to auditioning the equipment... Daniel

danielk141 November 19, 2001 23:42

Daniel, I have a friend running the Modulus 3, not 3A, with an Aleph 4 and Vandersteen 3's. He uses Mullard E88CC's in the AI. He has a great system with terrific dynamics, incredible deep bass etc. If you haven't looked at my other Virtual System Post, I too am currently running the Aleph 4, which of course is quite similar to your Aleph 2's. I'll never get rid of it. It'll just move into a super bedroom system. Also, I love my CAT preamp and I say that his system is a smidgeon less lush, sweet and airy than mine, but when I sit down and listen to his system carefully, I can't find anything lacking in the AI preamp. It would be a very good choice. Rumor has it that the 3A is not better than the 3, so beware. Supposedly, the 3A gives up bass extension to the 3. The X-350's may be overkill in an apt., but someday the front speakers may be big Sound Lab's, so I just want to be prepared. Besides, I like spoiling myself. Life is short.

rayhall November 18, 2001 16:07

Rayhall, You have a very interesting mix of components here. I am also a Pass fanatic now. I have an Aleph 3 that is the first amp I've ever heard in my 2 channel system that equalled & in some respects bettered my long term reference Jeff Rowland model 2 (with battery power supply). I wanted to get Rowland model 6s for my future 2 channel system - which includes Magnepan 3.6rs (my next big purchase). But the Aleph 3 changed my mind... After owning the Aleph 3, I just bought a pair of used (mint!) Aleph 2 monoblocks on Audiogon. I temporarily hooked up the Aleph 2s to the Montana SPIIs in my video system and WOW these amps are now the best I've heard! I'm wondering if you'll really need an X350 to drive your Vandersteens? I was sold on the "truly balanced" concept until I heard the Aleph series amps. I know people who haven't heard the Aleph amps might consider them a step backwards in audio evolution, I don't.. I'm considering a seriuos audition of the current Audible Illusions Modulus pre-amp, after I get my Magnepans. It's gotten a lot of good press & there are always several on Audiogon used. Have you heard one? Daniel

danielk141 November 18, 2001 14:54