Here is my current dream. I have some of these products now. Some are on my audition list. The Prestige is not yet even available. Would also like to hear this system with a premium balanced preamp such as the Atma-sphere MP1 MK II instead of the First Sound in order to hear the Pass Super Symmetry circuit to its best effect. After I get to the top of the mountain, I'll think about home theater. Sound Labs in front, Vandersteens in back??? Hmmm.
Thanks Ron, Your excellent descriptions whet my appetite to bring in the First Sound before I can afford it and before I even need it! Thanks very much.
You're welcome, Daniel. Oahuan: I haven't auditioned either. There aren't many dealers in this part of the country that I am familiar with for either product. The Atma-sphere is just a product which I would like to hear because there is a lot of controversy about it and it, as well as the Pass X series, is optimized for balanced operation. I'll probably try the First Sound Deluxe SPS w/ Single power supply in the next year. Then I'll bring in the Atma-sphere and sell off the one of the two I like the least. I do have mid-fi analogue system, not worth discussing, but even my line level source setup is complex, thus requiring the preamp. I am so satisfied with the CAT that, although I am sure it does alter the sound when compared with nothing at all, I doubt I would ever get rid of it. I would like to hear alternatives, such as the First Sound which supposedly compete in that ultimate category. Also, I need a preamp (or linestage) with more line inputs such as the First Sound. CAT only has two. Have tried the straight-in approach with my Philips CD-80, which is not even close to a great CD player now, and my Aleph 4. The CD-80 has variable outputs, but sound-wise these are much poorer than their fixed outputs. Nevertheless, using the variable outputs (and even the fixed, I believe), the sound was quite strange (overly dynamic and jumpy). With that combination, I much preferred the preamp. If I get a better CD player such as the Prestige, with variable out, I'll certainly try again. As far as the Coincident cables, I am mainly going by what others have said about them, although I have had a brief audition and I did like what I heard. I currently have a CST balanced interconnect but no balanced preamp. By the way, any sonic details which you can give me on the First Sound linestage with regard to bass extension, bass quality, dynamics, soundstage, neutrality, clarity, transparency, air and treble extension would be much appreciated. Thanks. Ray
Daniel, I have a friend running the Modulus 3, not 3A, with an Aleph 4 and Vandersteen 3's. He uses Mullard E88CC's in the AI. He has a great system with terrific dynamics, incredible deep bass etc. If you haven't looked at my other Virtual System Post, I too am currently running the Aleph 4, which of course is quite similar to your Aleph 2's. I'll never get rid of it. It'll just move into a super bedroom system. Also, I love my CAT preamp and I say that his system is a smidgeon less lush, sweet and airy than mine, but when I sit down and listen to his system carefully, I can't find anything lacking in the AI preamp. It would be a very good choice. Rumor has it that the 3A is not better than the 3, so beware. Supposedly, the 3A gives up bass extension to the 3. The X-350's may be overkill in an apt., but someday the front speakers may be big Sound Lab's, so I just want to be prepared. Besides, I like spoiling myself. Life is short.
