First Sound Presence mk11 vs Audio Research L.S.25

I can't directly comment on the LS 25 versus the Presence Deluxe Mk II, however I have owned the ARC LS15 in the past and currently own the Presence Deluxe Mk II. I would not consider looking back at all, balanced or not. The First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II bested the ARC LS15 in all areas, IMHO... Keep us posted how it works out for you.

I'd go with the First Sound. It is a very good sounding pre-amp, designed by Paul at TRL. If the TRL wasn't available, the First Sound would be my next choice.

Best wishes,
Jack

The FS is dead quiet (not a hint of tube rush or hum with gain up to 1:30 using a low output MC cart, step-up and tube phono stage) in my system and remarkably clear, detailed w/o being etched or analytical. I have not heard an LS 25.

Based on what Emmanuel has explained to me, this is what I understand to be
true:

Emmanuel commissioned Paul Weitzel for a schematic of a tube preamp
circuit--a very basic class A triode with a tube regulator on the B+.
Emmanuel, in collaboration with several others (not including Paul) designed
the First Sound preamp in 1991. The first unit was sold in the fall of 1991.

Since then, there has been a tremendous amount of R & D to raise the
performance of the preamp to its current level. Credit for that, and for voicing
of the preamp, belongs solely to Emmanuel Go.

If this is the case, I think it is a bit misleading to give Paul Weitzel credit for
the "design" of the First Sound.