tube upgrade for first sound

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

Emmanuel has just released a "supplement" for operating recommendations. I have pasted these here, for your reference:
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Achieving Optimum Sonic Performance with a First Sound:
This guide has been compiled through various listening tests, experiences from the field and feedback from customers. We strongly urge you to read this guide thoroughly and apply the guidelines presented in a thorough manner. It is our intent for you to experience the maximum benefit a First Sound Linestage can offer to your system.

Tubes
• Use the original factory tubes for a period of two weeks. This is very important to follow and cannot be stressed strongly enough. After this period, you may change the triode tubes if you wish. This procedure allows you to experience your First Sound the way we have designed it. The triode tubes play a very important role in the overall performance of your unit. Changing the triode tubes to “NOS” may not always result in improved performance and can actually have an adverse effect. Using the stock
tubes for a period of two weeks provides a form of guarantee against “NOS” tubes that may actually degrade the performance of your unit.

• Periodically check the OA2 tubes to ensure they are working. The First Sound unit will function even if one or both OA2 tubes are not working, though with diminished performance.

• Tube Dampers. If you have tube dampers, we would recommend to use the First Sound without the tube dampers for a period of a week or so. After which put on your favorite tube dampers. This will allow you to determine if the tube dampers benefit your system or not.

Polarity of the speaker leads
• Reverse the polarity of speaker lead. Discussed on page 3 of the manual under the heading Set up. The issue of reversing the polarity of the speaker cables is very very important. So important that we would disown a First Sound unit if we heard it with the incorrect polarity. Having the polarity correct allows the music to flow with ease and harmony. There is a connection between you and the music, a bond. If the polarity is not right, there is a disconnect, a separation, a veil. The music seems to be lethargic. Like
a track and field runner who has lead weights at their ankles. No bounce, no spring, no life. Attending a symphony and feeling the atmosphere of the venue; the excitement of the audience as the music unfolds with its drama, tension and flow; vs watching on a very good plasma HDTV. Quite a difference. Manually changing the phase by reversing the polarity of the speaker cables is the ideal and most effective method to use. In listening tests, it is easier to see the difference if one would play a couple of songs in one polarity and then a couple of songs in another polarity and then switch back again. Using different cd’s from various labels is advised. If the phase is changed via the cd player or a D/A converter, we have a very hard time noting a difference. We do not have an explanation for this. This is the reason we advise to change the phase manually.

Inputs and Outputs
• Use the “CD“ input for your main source component. The “CD” input has a different wire than the rest of the other inputs. This results in an enhanced performance through this input.

• Use the “Output 1“ for your outputs to your main amplifier. This is the most direct output and provides the maximum performance.

Electricity
• Plug the unit directly to the a.c. wall outlet. Do not use any a.c. line conditioners or devices. If you have such a.c. devices in your system, try using the First Sound unit without the a.c. devices for a period of two weeks. Then proceed with the use of the a.c. device along with the First Sound unit. This procedure will allow you to determine if the addition of an a.c. device is beneficial to the overall sonic performance of the system.

• Use the stock power cords. If you have aftermarket power cord, use the stock power cords for a period of two weeks. Then proceed to use your aftermarket power cords. This procedure will allow you to determine if the substitution of an after market power cord is beneficial to the overall sonic performance of the system.

• Hi End a.c. receptacles. We have found that “hi-end” a.c. receptacles actually enhance or degrade the overall performance of the system. We advise you to take careful consideration about these products.

Set Up
• Shorting plugs. Do not use any shorting rca plugs or rca caps (used as shield for EMI and RFI) on the back of the unit. These degrade the sound when used with the First Sound.

• External Power Supply Placement. If you are placing the external power supply directly on the carpet, we have noticed an improvement if a wooden chopping/cutting board was placed underneath the external power supply.

• Attention to shelves. We have found out that certain materials used for shelves does not work well with First Sound. In particular, acrylic shelves.

• Isolation Devices. Do not use any of these devices under the main unit or the external power supply. If you do have these devices, listen to your First Sound without any of these devices for the first two weeks. Then proceed to use them first under the main unit, then under the power supply. This procedure will allow you to determine if the addition of an isolation device is beneficial to the overall sonic
performance of the system.

Break In
• Do not use any CD Break-in Disc or Break-in Device. Use natural music only. We have found that certain “break in” cd’s can actually have a detrimental effect on the performance of the unit.

• The break in period is about two weeks of 24 hour constant use with music going through the unit.

• Break in is aided by discharging the capacitors two or three times a day during this period. Discharging the capacitors is discussed on page two of the operating manual.
Note: Remember to unplug the a.c. power cord from the a.c. wall socket and from the external power supply before depressing the Discharge Button !

• After pressing the Discharge Button for 3-5 minutes, release the button and let the unit settle for about 5 minutes. Then reconnect the power cord and turn the unit on.

• During the break in period, while the unit is being played, set the attenuator at the different volume settings if possible.