Tough call, these are great pieces. I've had extensive experience with Passive Placette, Active Placette, and First Sound Deluxe (the $4k model).
When I wear my audiophile hat the Placette wins - for detail and linearity, without being harsh, it is unmatched in transparency IMO, but, the First Sound is absolutely supernatural in it's black background, dynamices, nuance, and overall sonic beauty. When I play the First Sound my jaw hits the floor on the first note and stays there. Every single note is like an individual gift to your ears. I have never heard anything like it.
Ultimately - and this is critical - it's a matter of system matching of course and your choice might simply need to depend on the rest of the gear...
I've heard there can be impedence problems matching certain amps to First Sound so see if you can try before buy.
Art
When I wear my audiophile hat the Placette wins - for detail and linearity, without being harsh, it is unmatched in transparency IMO, but, the First Sound is absolutely supernatural in it's black background, dynamices, nuance, and overall sonic beauty. When I play the First Sound my jaw hits the floor on the first note and stays there. Every single note is like an individual gift to your ears. I have never heard anything like it.
Ultimately - and this is critical - it's a matter of system matching of course and your choice might simply need to depend on the rest of the gear...
I've heard there can be impedence problems matching certain amps to First Sound so see if you can try before buy.
Art