First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No

I posted on "preamp deal of the century" my comments of the First Sound Deluxe vs. Supratek Syrah. A short recap: The Syrah is an outstanding value, but the First Sound remained in my system. Check out the thread for more information.
Glad that you asked about First Sound upgrades as I am curious about the type of improvement vs cost.

Thanks for your thoughts. I have read some of the Preamp Deal of the Century. I haven't made it to your post yet.

I spoke to Emmauel about what the other models improve. It seems to me the main difference is a lowering of the noise floor. Emmauel spoke of a customer relating how a Paramount revealed more information in a very familiar recording.

I really want to give Emmaunel more business because he is so helpful and kind. My dilemma is that the upgrade to the next model is the difference in retail price which makes it twice as expensive as buying a used unit. For example, there was an Ultimate Paramount (15K retail) lingering here for under 6K for a long time. I regret not buying it.

I've got both Audio Note and Supratek in my system at this moment. Soro SE Phono & Syrah. Right now, I'm using the AN just as an amp. The SYrah rpelaced the integrted functions. The AN pre is the same as the M2, and the Supratek beats it hands down.

Now while this may be a little farther down the AN line than you are looking, I think you would have to get to at least the M5 to beat the Supratek. Then you get into the cost v. benefit argument.

It takes a lot of preamp to beat the Syrah, especially for phono, my main concern. And it sure is nice looking!

Joe

Joe, that is good info. to know. Thanks a lot.

I'm not going to offer any comparisons, as I have not heard the others, and realize that they are all great products.

But - since you asked - I will offer you an opinion on the VAC Renaissance preamp. I just took delivery of a factory MK1 demo. I quickly found it to be a stupendous product and would highly recommend you audition one if you can. I have previously owned 4 very nice preamps (valued between $2500-4900), both tube and SS. NONE could remotely compare to the shear presence and power of the VAC Ren pre in my system.

Dynamics, detail, treble & bass extension, smoothness and 3-dimensionality are all beyond my expectations. It has dug far deeper into my music then I have ever heard before. It also made my Sim Audio Titan amp produce a bass punch, drive and depth that I didn't think possible. I have actually had to turn my REL subwoofer WAY down because of the increase in the bass depth coming from my Talon Raven speakers. There is also a new top-end sparkle and clarity without detectable harshness.

Build-quality is stunning and Kevin Hayes at VAC is just amazing to deal with. He patiently answered all of my presale questions and personally welcomed me to the VAC family when I bought mine. He has been just as accommodating AND available after the sale as he was before, which is rare for a designer and company president.

I initially came by the VAC because of specific features that I required in a tube pre: Remote control, fully-balanced in/outputs, a Cinema bypass, compatibility with my 27k-ohm impedance Sim amp, NO softening of the dynamics or lack of bass & treble extension. The Ren pre met all these criteria.