What can you tell me about First Sound pre-amps?

Dan - I have not heard it, but hae heard the calisto (which i do not believe comes with a remote) is remarkable. The little brother Calypso (which does have a remote) does offer a remote, and is also pretty damn good.

Rwwear - I understand your points - but are you saying that Lamm, Audio Note (M6-10), and the Aethetix Calisto now offer remotes? That's news to me.

Anyway, tell us again what preamp you have, I/we really am curious. Obviously it must be one with a remte, or at least a single volume control - awaiting your reply.

At this time I am using a cheapy to get me by until I find a better one. It is a B&K PT-3. It sounds decent, very laid back but not very detailed. I had the Sonic Frontiers Line 3 and sold it. And I said most of the companies you listed now offer remote control preamps.

Excellent idea TVAD. Please let us know Emmanuel's response. Optionally I can call him up on Monday.
Rackon, only the Presence Mk2 and Presence Deluxe Mk2 have an integrated/permanent ombelical for the power supply. Starting with the Presence Deluxe Mk2 4.0 FS features detachable ombelicals for the PS.

Yes, I know, however, I acquired the FS over two years ago. But it was so heavy and awkward for me to handle, especially with the umbilical to the power supply. (I am an audiogal, BTW), I just didn't like using it. The Herrons were so synergistic with each other and with my speakers, plus so much easier for me to deal with, I didn't pursue other options with FS once I'd settled on the Herron. The dual attenuators didn't really have anything to do with my decision. Plus, I kept the FS for quite awhile - I didn't just keep it in the system for a week or two and then sell it.

I wouldn't let the lack of a remote prevent purchase of anything I liked the sound of. Sound quality comes first, then reliability, then ease of use, then looks, then remote is somewhere near the bottom. I can get up outa my chair. The dual attenuators weren't really a big deal, you get used to them - they're detented. The Herron VTSP-1 I have now doesn't have remote either, although Keith's new model does.

If you ask him, I'm sure Emmanuel Go will tell you that a remote compromises the sound quality in his designs...and Mr. Go is a stickler for sound quality. That's pretty much what Keith Herron used to say til he figured his way around it with the new VTSP-2, which now has remote, and sounds just as good as my VTSP-1 (166)...it may even be a hair warmer than my preamp.

My system, when I auditioned the FS, was a Cary 303, Alon V Mk IIs, and different amps: Edge, Herron M150s, and Meitner MTR 101 MkIIs, Nordost Quattro Fil interconnects, Coincident speaker cables and TG Audio power cords.

I never considered the Lamm or the lovely Calisto (which I have heard BTW) because both were way out of my price range.

in case it aint obvious, this thread started out with someone asking if the first sound preamp was any good. Interestingly, the discussion has really expanded to discuss the virtues/vices of remotes - the issue of dual volume controls (in general terms), and has offered insighful comparisons of First sound vs Herron (and perhaps a few others).

This is an excellent invaluable forum of opinions. So far, we've even been civilized, which is refreshing.... To rwwear - best of luck finding a suitable preamp. Obviously, with no remote and dual volume control, there will be no First Sound in your future. best of luck finding your nirvana.