Preamp w/ big sound AND extended frequencies ?

First Sound Presence Deluxe MkII! Extension and slam are the reasons I bought it. Plus the amazing speed, clarity, immaging, and dynamics. :-)

ditto the First Sound!

Thanks very much for your replies so far. Looks like head and head between Supratek and First Sound. It's probably not difficult for one to audition the First Sound in one's home, but what about the Australian made Suprateks ?

I have had both the First Sound and the Supratek, and ended up keeping the Supratek. The First Sound IS a very dynamic, "big" sounding preamp with the blackest background I have ever heard with any tube equipment. It is a great choice. I went with the Supratek because I thought it was also dynamic, and had a musicality that I have yet to hear matched by any preamp I've tried or heard. The best way I know to say it is that with my Supratek, I stopped listening for sonic attributes of the unit and couldn't help listening to the music. It has become the crown jewel in my system, and many others.

Oddly enough, I see that the very same unit that got all this started (the original unit that was so highly reviewed) is up for sale now for a cool $2100. If I were in the market for a preamp anywhere near this price range, I would jump all over that. A rare opportunity to get a discounted Syrah and not have to wait half a year or more.

I have no affiliation with the company or the seller of that used unit--just a very satisfied owner.

Just a thought here. If you have a need for a phono stage the Supratek Waltersalas mentioned would probably be a no-brainer purchase. IMO, that's the real strength of the Syrah. Keep in mind though that if I had a very high efficiency system I might not be totally satisfied with my Syrah. It's incredibly high gain so tube/circuit noise would be a problem (IMO) under those conditions. To be fair to my Syrah I have yet to install dedicated circuits but will do so this weekend and maybe eliminate this complaint in the process. Still, in my system, the Syrah is staying put. I love it.

The second part of my 2¢ worth of advice is that I've followed Artg's postings and his system for a long time. Even though I've not been to his home I can tell that he is reaching for the stars in this passion and has selected components that are top drawer and ones I'd love to own as a final purchase. Even though I'm totally unfamiliar with First Sound I'd take very seriously his recommendation. Man, do I ever lust for his Stereovox speaker cables. These are the absolute best I've ever heard by a large margin.