First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No

GOOD!!!

Ramses, what is your system like? Components. I am aware that many passives have issue driving certain components. How do you find the volume it controls or produces?

I'm searching for a preamp upgrade. I have an AN M2, modified with blackgates, wire, etc. I've tried the new Lector ZOE out of Italy, and I'm currently trying out the Audio Valve preamp. The Audio Valve seems like the best so far, but I'm curious about how it compares to the First Sound and Supratek preamps.

I have AN Quest Silver SET monoblocs, Zingali Overture 4 speakers, AN 2.1x CD player, Music Hall's MMF 7 turntable, Audion phono stage, AN silver interconnects, Apature speaker cables, and Analysis plus power cables. The front end is all plugged into Richard Gray 400.

I'd really appreciate any feedback, advise, thoughts about what preamp I should go with for my system. The AN 6 is way beyond fantasy for me.

Thanks, Bill

Bill,

Just saw this post. Look at the Supratek thread, I left you a reply.

Joe

Now that the passive route is open in the thread, I would like to add of my experience with a First Sound Reference II Passive preamp - and agree with Ramses all the way. The passive preamp option really opened a new window in terms of transparency, detail and tonality (not to mention low noise-floor).

I sold the Reference II and still miss it, now going thru a PLC - Sonic Euphoria andhaving great results.

Fernando