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Herron VTSP 2 or First Sound PreAmps

I am considering going towards a tube pre-amp and the two pre-amps that i am considering to match my McCormack DNA 225 Mono blocks (upgraded by Steve) are the Herron's and First Sound.

I am looking towards getting more separation among players and instruments as well good overall tonal balance with more body.

my current set-up gives me quite a bit of all this at the moment but it is on the lean side.

I am traditionally a SS person but after hearing a friend's set up with tubes...i am now thinking of a tube pre.

I have heard the Herron at CES but not the First Sound...has anyone paired either of the units to McCormack gear...are both these brands at the same level of sound quality...

Also in terms of maintenance of these tube units...which is a better bet.

the rest of my system may be seen when you click on system.

Thanks for sharing...
teck5
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
FYI, Herron has a new 3 that he showed at CES.

Also, although I can't say I have much experience w/First Sound, I am very impressed with my Herron 1/166. In my rig, it has bettered many other preamps, some costing a fair amount more. It has very little sonic signature of its own and can produce subtle dynamic swings, a huge soundstage and most importantly natural timbre, if these things are on your recording.

Maintainence-wise, there's nothing to it. Probably same w/the FS. Cheers,
Spencer
teck5 OP
47 posts
 
Thanks Sbank for your information. How about the heat factor of the Herron. Does it run hot?

I was at CES and did stop by the Herron room, i thought it was one the better set up rooms.

Any other comments??
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
No, not hot at all.

One tweak I'm liking, is placing it on Rollerblock2's. Cheers,

Spencer
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