Hovland-Pre,anyone heard it ?

BTW, all my references to CAT in the previous post refer to the CAT Ultimate.

Yesterday I heard the "First Sound" preamp, the $4k model, and was blown away by the sound (once warmed up). Liquid, present, deep powerful bass, etc. Anyone compared this to Hovland, SF3, CJ, etc?

It's clearly a very fine preamp. I heard it at the Home Entertainment show in NY. You can't go wrong with it, esp. for phono.

I believe Michael Fremer has reviewed this pre-amp in a recent issue of Stereophile, although I cannot remember specifically which month. I remember that he really liked it, but check it out before you buy.

I wrote Hovland directly to find out who my closest dealer is and have not heard back from them at all. Any suggestions?

I'd like to hear it and find a dealer who is selling at less than MSRP

thanks

Tom