Another word on First Sound. Emmanuel Go (its founder) is one of the real gems in all of audio. He's very very acessable, cares deeply about your experience with his products, and has gone as far as offering free upgrades in the past. That's really important, IMHO. Oh, and his product is truly wonderful as well!

artg July 25, 2005 16:50

Studio 1 - this is stereohp1973's virtual system page, so I'm waiting to hear from him about his priorities. Well, actually your comments and observations are on-topic (preamps), so I guess no harm going on about them here..... OK, I would not doubt the M10 would be one of THE BEST out there, but you're talking about a $50K retail price - a bit out of my range....

Anyway, i would recommend a used First Sound Presence Deluxe II over the Lamm. I was interested in the Lamm at one point, but found the First Sound much more involving, with better dynamics and bass control - overall very very lifelike... Many posts about this preamp on AG. I would also include the CAT SL-1 in the sort list of open (also over the Lamm). Dont get me wrong, the Lamm is good indeed, maybe it's just a preference thing. That's ehy the key is to listen before buying!

artg July 23, 2005 22:08

nice system! Many good preamps out there. I myself havebeen on a quest for a preamp, and have owned or auditioned units from BAT, Aestetix, First Sound, Audio Note, Nagra, Ayre and a Audio Research and a few others.

What kind of music do you listen to, and what about your system are you looking to improve on, or moreover - what are your priorities in sound reproduction? Also, what's the budget? Art

artg July 23, 2005 16:06