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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
dshuler
2 posts
 
I have a First Sound preamp - I love tubes, and it's the last component that I own that's leaving my system. It delivers the body of tubes (an oboe sounds like an oboe, as opposed to a generic instrument) but at the same time provides the detail of SS. It's hard to split that difference, but Emmanuel has done it.
violin
120 posts
 
I have had a Herron VTSP-2 for the past two years. I sent it back to Herron 3 weeks ago and had it upgraded to the 3 and got it back several days ago. It is one of the best pre-amps that I have ever heard or used, either tube or solid state. The ambience retreval, tonal balance, and bass and mid-bass dynamics are all improved over the 2 and the 2 was no slouch in that area.I have had no problems with the 2 during the course the of two years.
It does not put out any heat and just gets warm to the touch but not hot.I have it paired with a set of Parasound Halo JC-1 mono amps and the sound is fantastic.
Also, there is no one in this business any better to deal with than Keith Herron. He is a true gentleman and is totally devoted to the accurate reproduction of music in musical terms.I do not think that you could ever go wrong in choosing a Herron pre-amp.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Teck5, do you feel any closer to choosing between the two? I get the feeling that you are not going to get a definitive answer; there proabably isn't one, as they both seem to be very well thought of.
teck5 OP
47 posts
 
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the feedback....I am putting this on hold for the moment as i have put my system in storage..

I amp moving apartments and my new place will be ready in June....I will be building a dedicated room 20' x 17' x 9' (estimated)....

Once this room is ready, then i will continue with the chase for a tube pre....also, where i am at, there is a Herron dealer but no First Sound dealer...

I do come to the US often, especially to Seattle so i may pay First Sound a visit to get a possible voicing...I dont think they will offer an overseas trial...sigh...

I heard the Herron VSTP 3 at CES 08 and thought that the Herron room was really good...so i am hopeful for the Herron...but as you all know...there is that itch and what if...with the First Sound..
rackon
301 posts
 
Teck5, what did you end up buying?

I owned both the First Sound Presence Deluxe MkII and the Herron, and frankly, the FS, as excellent as it is, was just not my cuppa tea.

I absolutely LOVED my Herron VTSP 1a-166 and the 3 is even better! If I could afford it I'd have a 3 and Herron mono amps and never look around again.
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