First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No

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

84Audio: I hold Emmanuel in the same high regard. I have some old cyoed Telefunkens in mine and just like you found the made an enormous improvement.

Manley Steelhead and the Vac bested the supratek in my system. Went with the Manley. The Vac was a lot more than I wanted to spend

I agree that the VAC is a bunch-o-money. I caught a rare factory demo at substantial savings, which was the only way I could afford or even justify the purchase.

But, now that I have made this 'expensive gamble', I can sincerely say that my system has benefitted dramatically from adding this pre, so it was worth the expense and I have absolutely no regrets or desire to 'upgrade' further. This one is a keeper.

I guess I can't give a better reason then that to recommend AT LEAST an audition....

Another fan here of both First Sound and VAC. Kevin and Emmanuel are great guys. The preamp is a tuning device for the system as much as many of the pieces you buy are.
84 is a friend of mine, who was going direct with the Berning, amp. He inserted the First Sound into the system for a trial...that was 6 months ago.
The VAC is excellent also. At the Vegas show this past year, I put together a consortium of manufacturers, to display with Von Schweikert. We used all VAC electronics, and to say it was remarkable is a vast understatement.
We did Live versus Playback every day at 6:00; with Kevin Hays' electronics it was magical. You are really asking about various versions of wonderful. Plus Hi Fi is lucky to have two great people like Kevin and Emmanuel.
Another friend of mine just got the VAC 110, and he is using a First Sound preamp. Boy is he in for a treat. Now all he needs, is a Peter Cincotti album, a glass of Silver Oaks Cabernet 1993....

Good listening,
Larry