Rayhall- As some of the reviews of the First Sound preamp have pointed out, bass extension and dynamics (overall) are the strong points of this line. I will confirm that. I've have heard nothing that my First Sound does not noticeably beat in these two aspect of sound reproduction. Needless to say, I haven't heard that many, but I have heard some very highly regarded preamps, both tubed and solid state. As far as neutrality, soundstage, clarity, transparency, air and treble extension, lets just say that my First Sound is as good as any I've heard and certainly isn't a limiting factor. I know that doesn't help much, but in systems I have heard, especially my own, I think there are too many other variables present to enable me to pass judgment on various preamps in such specific respects. Reviews of the better Lamm preamp have said that the Lamm might have a more finesse and a more sophisticated sound, but so help me, I can't figure out how what that might mean. The First Sound really does what it's supposed to do - drives the signal cleanly, forcefully and without artifact (that I can detect). The Coincident TRS speaker cable, like most other speaker cables, might be great in some systems and only good in others. I've never heard it sound bad, and I've heard it literally bring dead sounding systems to life - all by itself (speaker cables being the only variable). It's ironic that I'm using the CST interconnects and not the TRS speaker cables, since I am much more convinced of the superior quality of the speaker cables than I am of the interconnects - but such is life with this crazy hobby. Ron

oahuan November 22, 2001 22:43

Rayhall: I am currently using a First Sound Presence Paramount Deluxe (w/ dual power supplies), and it is truly outstanding. Have you auditioned the First Sound preamp vs the Atmasphere? - or is it your expectation that the Atmasphere will be better because it can output in true balanced mode? I am also using the Coincident interconnect between my preamp and tubed amplifier (Art Audio) and find it to be excellent (especially value-wise), but not necessarily better than a number of cables out there, notably (from my experience) Nordost quattro-fil or Cardas' better cables. I'm sticking with the Coincident for now because I have a very long run and can't really change it willy nilly, but for your "semi-dream" system, I wouldn't rule out other interconnects. I also have a pair of the Coincident Reference speaker cables, and they are indeed truly outstanding, if more than a little bit big, heavy and unwieldy. Not cheap, but an outstanding value nontheless. I'm not using mine right now because of the ergonomic problems of my particular set up, but I applaud the choice. Is the choice the result of an audition - or only research? I've corresponded with you before, especially about the CAT preamp (which ultimately I gave up on because of availability and other problems and uncertainties with trying to work out an audition). I did not realize that your system was all digital without an analogue source. That being the case, I'm curious as to whether you have examined a straight in approach with no preamp, as eliminating that item would free up a lot of money for "beefing" up other parts of your target system. Cheers. Ron

oahuan November 20, 2001 11:26