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Herron VTSP 2 or First Sound PreAmps

I am considering going towards a tube pre-amp and the two pre-amps that i am considering to match my McCormack DNA 225 Mono blocks (upgraded by Steve) are the Herron's and First Sound.

I am looking towards getting more separation among players and instruments as well good overall tonal balance with more body.

my current set-up gives me quite a bit of all this at the moment but it is on the lean side.

I am traditionally a SS person but after hearing a friend's set up with tubes...i am now thinking of a tube pre.

I have heard the Herron at CES but not the First Sound...has anyone paired either of the units to McCormack gear...are both these brands at the same level of sound quality...

Also in terms of maintenance of these tube units...which is a better bet.

the rest of my system may be seen when you click on system.

Thanks for sharing...
teck5

Showing 4 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
FYI, Herron has a new 3 that he showed at CES.

Also, although I can't say I have much experience w/First Sound, I am very impressed with my Herron 1/166. In my rig, it has bettered many other preamps, some costing a fair amount more. It has very little sonic signature of its own and can produce subtle dynamic swings, a huge soundstage and most importantly natural timbre, if these things are on your recording.

Maintainence-wise, there's nothing to it. Probably same w/the FS. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
No, not hot at all.

One tweak I'm liking, is placing it on Rollerblock2's. Cheers,

Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
The Herron has little character of its own. Its flavor is "none of the above". It will allow you to hear the flavor of your other gear.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
If you consider the LL2, I seriously recommend trying one in your rig before buying it. Of course, that's always good general advice, but here's what happened w/a friend of mine.
I'd like the LL2 when I heard it numerous times in show systems w/Lamm amps and other gear that the manufacturer thought was a good match.
My friend tried it with his Classe Omega amp/Wadia861/Eggleston Andra rig, and it faired poorly vs. 4-5 other preamps all equal or lower priced. A number of listeners all agreed that the Lamm was horrid in that system. I was very surprised. Can't say I have any idea how it might mate w/your McCormacks, but lesson learned: synergy is everything...Cheers,
Spencer
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