[Review] Malaysian Promitheus Vs First Music Preamp update

Malaysian Promitheus Vs First Music Preamp update

Hi all - I promised an update on this so thought new thread may be in order. Have burned in the Malayan promitheus and it sounds terrific - extremely impressive. I swapped back to the First Music and afraid the First Music has it! Without trotting out the usual desciptive cliches the thing that struck me straight off was the fluidity of the sound with the First Music - but and this is a big BUT it wasn't a huge difference in comparison with the Promitheus and we are talking £1500 versus £160 ish. So I would unreservedly reccomend this little preamp it is an absolute bargain and defintitely delivers. I was tempted to sell my First Music and put a grand in my pocket - but no - this is a superb preamp and having as near as damn it got there with a great sound I'm keeping it. But for those that want to try a passive preamp and a tvc transformer to boot - the promitheus is a must buy with a lovely smooth and detailed sound and great sound stage. Also - the service from this company is excellent.

 

do you have any links to websites?

cheers,
chris

 

http://www.promitheusaudio.com/frontpage.html

 

hi can you elaborate what connections you have used, balanced or single ended, as MF is known as sounding significantly better via XLR route.

also what is the rest of the system used, source, cables and speakers

cheers gordan

 

Hi Gordan - in haste

balanced XLR conectrs - much prefer balanced - the promitheus I have is the balanced version- - Goertz speaker cable
Audio Sythesis: Transcend ASL modidied, Discrete DAC ASL modified via twin glass optical ST, Desire Decade amp, Martin Logan Ascents and Townsend super tweeters

 

Larkrise,

you should have updated your observations on Promitheus.

How its sound developed with the unit being now more run-in?

 

Promitheus preamp - I may have changed my mind. . .

Update as promised. I went back to the First Music (or Music First can never remember the way round) - as I eventually thought this had the edge. Switched back after a while and now believe I may be wrong - the Promitheus may actually be better and it really isn't run in yet. So - er I'll let you know further!

 

Theres also a 'Reference' version on the way, I might be tempted with that.

 

according to nicholas there is no apparent difference to a balanced version at the moment. he still hasn't worked on better XLR input connectors but considering the advantages of balanced cables i seriously doubt if difference would be worth paying more, except for usual audiofools placebo benefits (peace of mind etc...)

any updates on promitheus sound? how's about a slight harshness some users reported?

 

you are cheating, mate!

7 days and no update!

anyone tested promitheus against a top active pre?

 

Can't a man have flu in peace for God's sake!

Dropped in out of courtesy and will post later- it is sounding great form my occasional listens when sucking soup through a straw before returning to bed and at the moment might be set to replace the First Music - not that it is a lot better simply a question of £1500

 

sorry! enjoy your soup

 

larkrise, we are worried if you've survived your flu?

 

Update promitheus and our power shower

Thanks for all the flowers and chocolates and the cards.

Actually, whilst installing a new power shower i slashed the top of my finger open, put my back out with the shock and had to demolish half the bathroom wall as the pipes wouldn't match up properly. Other than than not bad and the shower works beautifully.

I still have this cigar box ahead of the game, but in honesty I haven't been doing a huge amount of listening. Going to give it a good listen over next couple of weeks and switch back to Music First and see what I think then. So promise to return with yet another update.

 

Can I just ask how long it took for these units too arrive?

I ordered one weeks ago and apart from one very brief email, not heard a dicky bird since. Ive emailed and emailed asking for updates but no response. I paid through paypal and everything cleared straight away. Im starting to get a tad worried!

 

Don't worry - this guy is a 1000% honest, however I think he has suddenly become very succesful with this product and has a back log - a friend is also waiting for a unit. I had to wait a while for mine but I went for a special balanced version - a couple of months. I really shouldn't worry his quality of service puts others to shame and he's going to make this succeed so he wont want any bad press!

 

Well I hope your right coz he aint even returning my emails, its coming up for a couple of months and apart from the confirmation of my order Ive heard diddly squat!

 

That is odd - my friend reported that he (Nicholas Chua) has had serious e mail problems - may be that is the answer - anyhow I can only report my own experience which was problem free and very courteous - try him again or if you want to e mail me your details in a pm i will happily forward as I hav had no probs.

 

production time has expanded compared to situation from a month or two ago. the guy is flooded with orders so no way you can get it under 2-3 months right now. that's too bad.

 

He should outsource production to a low-wage country.