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Old 06-17-2020, 01:14 AM
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Default New First Sound preamp in-bound...

Just an update for the gang...

Just got word from Emmanuel Go that my First Sound preamp will ship out next week.

The model is the First Sound Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI, a 2 chassis unit w/ the Paramount Special Edition upgrade using Audio Cap copper capacitors.

The First Sound preamps are essentially "bespoke" preamps, each one crafted and tuned specifically for the owner's system and system components. The design is a true dual-mono design, essentially two preamps in one main control chassis "box" with the PS transformer and PS capacitors housed in an external chassis to maximize performance while minimizing the impact of noise and vibration on the main circuit. Additionally, there are two chassis in in the main control unit, with an inner chassis comprised of copper-plated steel to function as a Faraday cage to further reduce the impact of external noise.

Special care is also provided to provide vibration-damping and even the fasteners were selected based on comprehensive, long-term, listening tests.

Notable are hand-assembled volume controls, utilizing individual exceptionally high-quality metal film resistors at each gain position and a massive power supply, exceeding the power supply capacitance and "stiffness" of many high-end power amplifiers.

Emmanuel is presently "crafting" it to match perfectly with the other components in my specific system.

I'll post photos of it when it arrives.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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Old 06-17-2020, 07:06 AM
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Just read up on this. Seems like it will be a great addition to the system.
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Old 06-17-2020, 05:10 PM
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The only website I see seems rather confusing and shows 2017 Product info. Any links Stephen?
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Old 06-17-2020, 05:49 PM
SCAudiophile SCAudiophile is offline
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Congratulations Stephen in advance of its arrival! First Sound preamps are hard to find i user systems as they are nowhere near as widely known as they deserve to be. Truly one of the best preamps in the world! True SOTA...
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Old 06-17-2020, 07:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Still-One View Post
The only website I see seems rather confusing and shows 2017 Product info. Any links Stephen?
Hey Jim,
No, that's the only website; its a bit out-dated, for sure.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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Old 06-17-2020, 07:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCAudiophile View Post
Congratulations Stephen in advance of its arrival! First Sound preamps are hard to find i user systems as they are nowhere near as widely known as they deserve to be. Truly one of the best preamps in the world! True SOTA...
Thanks, Mark, cheers.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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Old 06-17-2020, 07:10 PM
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So, here's some more info on the First Sound preamp I'm getting:

Basic Model: Presence Deluxe Mk III

Dual Mono Construction using Copper Plated Steel Chassis
• Step Attenuators, Ladder Type using individual resistors (see below), designated as LTH 92
• SPS 2.0 External Power Supply w/ detachable umbilical cord

The First Sound that is on loan from a friend...standard silver face plate and knobs.


Interior of chassis (photo from a review)


MkIII-S upgrade
• MPDA (multi-phase differential array) developed by Shunyata Research. A sophisticated and innovative proprietary power line noise reduction filter array. Uses advanced 30 element surface mount components that significantly reduce power line noise.
• PSDS (power supply delivery system) An advanced system utilized for the power supplies..
• Upgraded main circuit boards
• Upgraded power supply circuits boards
• Additional 500 extra steps in the craftsmanship of this upgrade
MKIII-SI Upgrade
• As above with the addition of proprietary component filters that isolate electrical noise.
Paramount Special Edition upgrade
As the Presence Deluxe MKIII-SI with the addition of:
• LTV 92 Step Attenuators, Ladder Type attenuators using naked Vishay Resistors
• Upgraded (Stage 3) Capacitors using AudioCap copper capacitors
• Expanded power supply capacitors
• Special Edition grounding topology

Volume attenuator


Interior copper chassis


My unit will be a black chassis with gold knobs, for an MBL-vibe.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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Old 06-17-2020, 08:41 PM
SCAudiophile SCAudiophile is offline
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Drool....
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Old 06-17-2020, 08:54 PM
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Congratulations Stephen, that looks like an exceptional preamp.
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D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2
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Old 06-17-2020, 09:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antonmb View Post
Congratulations Stephen, that looks like an exceptional preamp.
Thanks, Tony.

The one I have here on a very kind loan is quite amazing...
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
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