First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No

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.

A VAC has always been an option. However, they seem to be about twice as expencive as the others.

The Supratek was on my short list. Both the reviews and customer comments were great. However, I was uncomfortable with sending money half way around the world, and waiting 5 or 6 months for the product. I also had some concerns about service from that far away, and I didn't want to find someone here who may or may not know what they are doing. I'm sure Mick makes a world class product, and this is not a concern for many people. If those things don't bother you, the Supratek may be the right preamp.

I haven't heard the Vac preamp, but I was extremely impressed with their integrated. I hear great things about Kevin Hayse and his products.

About 6 months ago, I bought a First sound. I love it! It draws me in to the music like nothing else ever has. It got jaw dropping better when I replaced the stock 6922s tubes with some siemens 7308s. Emmanuel Go is a real gentleman, and his customer service is as good as his preamps! Emmanuel is a real craftsman. You might read the Todd warnke review of the First sound, which you can find on the net. He does a good job of describing the preamp.

You probably can't go wrong with any of these choices. If cost is an issue, I would suggest the Belles 21A. Like Emmanuel, Dave Belles is a real craftsman and his preamp is a steal at $2500 retail. It uses 2 12AU7 tubes, and has a remote. I can't say it is as good as the First sound, but it's dangerously close at about 60% of the price.

good luck