Evolution by Design
A First Sound preamplifier is not created for a singular moment in time. It is built as a lasting foundation designed to evolve with its owner, their system, and the continual pursuit of the superior sound performance.
WHO WE AREOur standard
First Sound is dedicated to the art of handcrafted audio, creating preamplifiers designed for extraordinary performance, lasting beauty and a lifetime of listening.
OUR APPROACHOne foundation, multiple possibilities
At the heart of every model is the Presence Deluxe MKIII-SI-x2. From this perfected foundation, each model is elevated through a considered progression of power supply, attenuator, capacitor, grounding and circuit upgrades.
Distinctive upgrade paths allow a First Sound preamplifier to advance to a higher model over time, making it not simply a component, but a lifetime investment in the First Sound Audio experience.
OUR COMMITMENTCrafted by hand, built for a lifetime
Every First Sound preamplifier is individually handcrafted with an uncompromising level of precision, care and attention to detail. From carefully selected components to proprietary wiring and meticulously executed circuit construction, every element is considered for its contribution to the final presentation.
This enduring approach to craftsmanship creates an instrument made not only to deliver exceptional performance today, but to be preserved, refined, and enjoyed for generations.
Evolution by Design
A First Sound preamplifier is not created for a singular moment in time. It is built as a lasting foundation designed to evolve with its owner, their system, and the continual pursuit of the superior sound performance.
WHO WE AREOur standard
First Sound is dedicated to the art of handcrafted audio, creating preamplifiers designed for extraordinary performance, lasting beauty and a lifetime of listening.
OUR APPROACHOne foundation, multiple possibilities
At the heart of every model is the Presence Deluxe MKIII-SI-x2. From this perfected foundation, each model is elevated through a considered progression of power supply, attenuator, capacitor, grounding and circuit upgrades.
Distinctive upgrade paths allow a First Sound preamplifier to advance to a higher model over time, making it not simply a component, but a lifetime investment in the First Sound Audio experience.
OUR COMMITMENTCrafted by hand, built for a lifetime
Every First Sound preamplifier is individually handcrafted with an uncompromising level of precision, care and attention to detail. From carefully selected components to proprietary wiring and meticulously executed circuit construction, every element is considered for its contribution to the final presentation.
This enduring approach to craftsmanship creates an instrument made not only to deliver exceptional performance today, but to be preserved, refined, and enjoyed for generations.
PREAMPLIFIERS
Paramount Series
The Paramount MkIII-SI SSE is the flagship model in the Paramount Series, representing the culmination of First Sound’s technological excellence. Created as the highest expression of the First Sound design philosophy, it brings together advanced circuit and component refinement, and an uncompromising approach to sound presentation.
FEATURE
Custom Black Duelund VSF DC Capacitors
At the center of the Paramount MkIII-SI SSE are industry-renowned Black Duelund VSF DC capacitors, custom-made to First Sound’s precise specifications. These copper capacitors are used to elevate the model to exceptional levels of performance, contributing to its resolution, musical realism, and refined presentation.
FEATURE
Proprietary Audio Wiring Configuration
A proprietary audio wiring configuration is specifically tuned and designed to complement the attributes of the Black Duelund VSF DC capacitors. Every element is considered for its contribution to the final presentation, allowing the Paramount MkIII-SI SSE to fully express the character, clarity and essence of its design.
FEATURE
LTV 92 Ladder-Type Attenuators with Naked Vishay Resistors
These dual-mono attenuators represent another key element in the exceptional performance of the Paramount Series. Ladder-type attenuators are among the most exacting forms of volume control available. Combined with naked Vishay metal foil resistors, they support exceptional transparency, resolution, and channel precision.
Exceptionally costly and labor-intensive to produce, these attenuators are rarely used in preamplifier design. For First Sound, however, they reflect an uncompromising approach to achieving the highest level of sonic performance.
PREAMPLIFIERS
Presence Deluxe Series
The Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2 Series represents First Sound’s latest evolution in circuit refinement, power delivery, and electrical noise isolation. Created from 30 years of extensive research and development, it builds upon the achievement of the MkII series with a more sophisticated and advanced approach to power management, component progression and chassis resonance control.
FEATURE
Power Supply Delivery System
The current Power Supply Delivery System (PSDS) was first implemented in the MkIII-S version. It marks a pivotal advancement in the continued development and evolution of the First Sound linestage. The PSDS allows for the unimpeded flow of power to the audio circuit while significantly decreasing noise. This advanced PSDS supports the purity, stability and refinement of the final sound presentation.
FEATURE
Advanced Circuit Refinement
The MkIII-SI-x2 series includes upgraded main circuit boards, elevated power supply proprietary components, and more than 500 additional steps in craftsmanship. Each refinement is part of a highly considered system designed to elevate performance beyond the previous Mk versions.
FEATURE
MkIII-SI-x2 Noise Isolation
The MkIII-SI-x2 upgrade advances the previous Mk versions with further with proprietary and enhanced component filters that isolate electrical noise. This additional layer of refinement supports a quieter circuit environment and contributes to the clarity, naturalness and immersive sound presentation of the First Sound listening experience.
Preamplifier Models
The Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2 serves as the foundation of the First Sound preamplifier range. Each subsequent model is distinguished by additional power supply, attenuator, capacitor, grounding and circuit upgrades.
Presence Deluxe Series
Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2
Position: Base model
Includes: Dual Mono Construction using Copper Plated Steel Chassis; Step Attenuators, Ladder Type using Holco/PRP Resistors, designated as LTH 92; SPS 2.0 External Power Supply with detachable umbilical cord
Configuration: 2 chassis unit
Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Builds on: Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: DPS 4.0 External Power Supply using 2 SPS 2.0 External Power Supplies
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2 with Paramount Upgrade
Builds on: Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount Upgrade
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2 with Paramount Plus Upgrade
Builds on: Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount Plus Upgrade
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount Series
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Builds on: Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount upgrade with Stage 2 capacitors; LTV 92 Step Attenuators, Ladder Type attenuators using naked Vishay Resistors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount Plus MkIII-SI-x2
Builds on: Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount Plus Upgrade with Stage 3 copper capacitors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 Special Edition (SE)
Builds on: Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Special Edition Upgrade using Stage 4 copper capacitors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 Super Special Edition (SSE)
Builds on: Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Super Special Edition Upgrade using Stage 5 copper capacitors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 SSE Statement
Position: Statement configuration
Includes: Two Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 Special Edition units used separately for left and right channels
Configuration: 6 chassis unit
Preamplifier Models
The Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2 serves as the foundation of the First Sound preamplifier range. Each subsequent model is distinguished by additional power supply, attenuator, capacitor, grounding and circuit upgrades.
Presence Deluxe Series
Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2
Position: Base model
Includes: Dual Mono Construction using Copper Plated Steel Chassis; Step Attenuators, Ladder Type using Holco/PRP Resistors, designated as LTH 92; SPS 2.0 External Power Supply with detachable umbilical cord
Configuration: 2 chassis unit
Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Builds on: Presence Deluxe MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: DPS 4.0 External Power Supply using 2 SPS 2.0 External Power Supplies
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2 with Paramount Upgrade
Builds on: Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount Upgrade
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2 with Paramount Plus Upgrade
Builds on: Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount Plus Upgrade
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount Series
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Builds on: Presence Deluxe 4.0 MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount upgrade with Stage 2 capacitors; LTV 92 Step Attenuators, Ladder Type attenuators using naked Vishay Resistors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount Plus MkIII-SI-x2
Builds on: Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Paramount Plus Upgrade with Stage 3 copper capacitors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 Special Edition (SE)
Builds on: Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Special Edition Upgrade using Stage 4 copper capacitors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 Super Special Edition (SSE)
Builds on: Paramount MkIII-SI-x2
Adds: Super Special Edition Upgrade using Stage 5 copper capacitors
Configuration: 3 chassis unit
Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 SSE Statement
Position: Statement configuration
Includes: Two Paramount MkIII-SI-x2 Special Edition units used separately for left and right channels
Configuration: 6 chassis unit
Upgrades + Components
One of the defining features of a First Sound preamplifier is its unique upgrade options. Each model can be elevated through a combination of bespoke upgrades, creating a path toward higher preamplifier performance and system refinement over time.
Each First Sound component is engineered to enhance a specific aspect of sound presentation. Together, these carefully developed advancements define the progression of First Sound's preamplifier range.
All contents are subject to change without notice. Certain models, upgrades and components are subject to limited availability.
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The Paramount Upgrade includes upgraded Stage 2 capacitors and Paramount grounding topology.
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The Paramount Plus Upgrade includes upgraded Stage 3 copper capacitors and Paramount grounding topology.
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The Special Edition Upgrade includes upgraded Stage 4 copper capacitors, custom Duelund VSF DC copper capacitors, expanded power supply capacitors, and SE grounding topology.
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The SSE Upgrade includes upgraded Stage 5 copper capacitors, the custom Duelund Black VSF DC copper capacitors, expanded power supply capacitors, and SE grounding topology.
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The MkIII-S upgrade introduces the PSDS, or Power Supply Delivery System, an advanced power delivery system that significantly lowers the noise floor. The PSDS is a key element in all First Sound MkIII-SI-x2 models and provides a gateway to significantly higher levels of performance. All First Sound versions, particularly the MkI, MkII, and MkIII, benefit greatly from the PSDS.
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The MkIII-SI-x2 Upgrade is the latest and most definitive upgrade available, comprising four elements that each deliver a dramatic improvement in performance and, when combined, produce an extraordinary advancement in sound quality.
These include upgraded main circuit boards, resonance control for both the main chassis and external power supply, improvements to key elements of the power supply noise-filtering system, and specialized processing applied to main components. Together, these advancements elevate the MkIII-SI-x2 beyond all previous versions.
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The LTV 92 Ladder Type Attenuator uses a pair of ladder attenuators utilizing a total of 92 naked Vishay resistors.
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The DPS 4.0 External Power Supply uses two SPS 2.0 External Power Supplies and provides a completely separate grounding system for the left and right channels.
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The input wire contributes significantly to the overall presentation. Special wires are used for various inputs, allowing the sound presentation to be matched to the owner’s system and listening preferences. Additional special wire is available as an option.
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Custom finishes are available beyond the standard clear anodized finish in silver.
PRODUCT HERITAGE
A Legacy of Refinement
Introduced in 1992, the MkI series was received with enthusiasm and excitement. Building from the highly revered First Sound passive, the MkI began a journey to bring together the purity of passives with the beauty of tubes.
In 2000, continued refinement led to the arrival of the MkII, a monumental achievement in presenting the best of tubes and passives. With its natural and pure sound, the MkII series ushered in a new era for First Sound.
The MkIII series debuted in 2010. Exceeding the performance of the MkII was hard to conceive, yet a complete redesign of the main circuit boards, filtering, and grounding system accomplished what seemed impossible. The MkIII moved leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor.
With the emergence of the MkIII-S version, First Sound continues its hallmark tradition of superior sound presentation. Through extensive research and development, the MkIII-S surpasses earlier generations by a vast degree. It marks a pivotal advancement in the evolution of the First Sound linestage with the Power Supply Delivery System, which is central to its continued refinement.