Herron VTSP 2 or First Sound PreAmps

Thanks Sbank for your information. How about the heat factor of the Herron. Does it run hot?

I was at CES and did stop by the Herron room, i thought it was one the better set up rooms.

Any other comments??

Hi Spencer / Tvad,

THank you for your responses.

Where i am, there is a Herron but no First Sound dealer and chances are i have to buy new....since voltage here is 240v. I would like to test any of these in my system first before making a decision...

If i could simplify the description of the sound of these two pre-amps, and compare it to the thread Reference DAC's (Teajay's thread) where there is a Flavor 1 or 2. How would the FS and Herron sound like?

For example, I find that the Herron VTSP 3 that i heard at CES, sounded more like a Flavor 2 with a good dose of Flavor 1. Recently too, a buddy of mine who is testing for a new pre-amp tried the Lamm LL2 Reference and Wavac....

Wow what a difference in presentation for both of them...I felt the Wavac was really a Flavor 1 (not tubish at all) and the Lamm was more Flavor 2 (lush and full mids)...

Sorry if i am rambling here, but i am a newbie to tubes and apart from the great sound i am looking forward to, i would also like to know the "difficulties" of using tube gear in terms of heat, replacement, etc....

Thanks

thanks to all....i will go test what is available...

thanks guys....

i did hear the LL2 with Goldmund Telos 400 monoblocks...it worked well and you could hear and almost feel the texture of the music.

LL2 is good but i agree it has that you have to hear it in system....the power supply did run hot though...

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the feedback....I am putting this on hold for the moment as i have put my system in storage..

I amp moving apartments and my new place will be ready in June....I will be building a dedicated room 20' x 17' x 9' (estimated)....

Once this room is ready, then i will continue with the chase for a tube pre....also, where i am at, there is a Herron dealer but no First Sound dealer...

I do come to the US often, especially to Seattle so i may pay First Sound a visit to get a possible voicing...I dont think they will offer an overseas trial...sigh...

I heard the Herron VSTP 3 at CES 08 and thought that the Herron room was really good...so i am hopeful for the Herron...but as you all know...there is that itch and what if...with the First Sound..

hi Rackon,

I bought the FM Acoustics 155 pre-amp.

The headroom, transient speed, space between players amongst others is just great.

When funds permit, will be moving up the ladder.