tube upgrade for first sound

Grant - you are indeed astute!

Artg

My system is pretty simple. you know - simple is as simple does - :-) I currently have a McCormack UDP1 - very outstanding on redbook /SACD/ DVDA. DVD-V is fun too. Although I'm not THAT much of a videophile. The UDP1 runs into a Lexicon MC8 - great for HT. Not really too bad for 2 chanel either. My amp is the Krell FPB 400cx - what can i say - outstanding, to me anyway.
Speakers are Tyler Accoustic Linbrook Signature system. (single piece speaker) - These, I love more and more all the time! :-)
BUT I've always wanted to try tubes. Since I do mostly 2 channel listening I thought a dedicated 2 channel tubed pre would be a good idea.
So, I started checking into the in's and out's of tube pre's. I ran into the whole DC leakage thing as it relates to Krell amps - not good. Then started to hear of preamps which did not leak DC, by design. So I tried 2 different tube preamps along the way, but they didn't do all i wanted. Then i began to learn about the 'real deal' preamps - I read the soundstage review of the First Sound presence Deluxe II - (advice from Tvad) and here i am.

I hope that the FS does what i want. From the reviews i've read. i'm pretty sure it will. As I type this little synopsis of my 'rig' :-) I realize that there are ALOT of good folks who offer sound advice, and encouraging words here on Agon. I say Thank YOU to to each and every one. (you know who you are) :-)

thanks for everything
BTW just got some Amperex 6922 USN white lable's for after breakin - what do you think?

Paul

Hi Paul - I agree that's a very nice, highly resolving system you've put together, and i also agree that some tube magic would do you good. The FS is a perfect match, IMHO, mostly becuase it's very neutral and honest - does all those audiophile things (soundstage, imaging, dynamics, etc) very well - but more important, it gives an emotional connection to music that's I've never heard with any SS preamp. There are plenty of "musical" tubed preamps, and plenty that exceed in transparency, soundstage etc - but the FS exceeds in BOTH.

I received the US made 1959 Amperex 'Pinched Waist' 6922's today, and Im still letting them settle in, but right off the bat, they're truly amazing! Exceptionally quiet and neutral. Notes are very fleshed out. its pretty amazing. More on that later, as they settle in. Suffice it to say they are my new (final) reference, though im keeping the cryo'd 1959 6DJ8 Miniwatts (aka Bugle Boys). I sold the white letter d-getter 6922's no another FS owner, btw.

Anyway, Paul, we're all glad to chip in our persectives (no matter how biased) - so let us know how your journey develops!

Artg
Thanks for the kind words. I'm really getting excited about putting the FS in my system. I haven't been this excited about a single piece of gear in a long time. :-)

Where did you get your pinched waists?

thanks again
p