What can you tell me about First Sound pre-amps?

Volume controls can be stacked and still be independent of each other. This way you only have to turn one knob.

Rwwear, if you want the absolute definitive answer as to why Emmanuel chooses to use separate volume pots, you should call him directly. He'll answer the phone or call you back promptly, and give you the straight dope.

Good point RWWEAR. I suspect Emmanuel may feel that he is achieving greater channel isolation using two completely separate controls. One obvious convenience is his design achieves user-control channel balance without extra circuitry. But TVAD is right: Call up Emmanuel and he will give you the real story.

Good point Guidocorona about the balance control feature. While this is not specifically mentioned in the FS user manual, I have used it this way with good results on a couple of occasions.

Swamp,

I've owned both, a First Sound Presence Deluxe mkII, and a Joule LA150, albeit at different times. To my ears, it was no contest. The First Sound had better, lively sonics all the way around. I have not heard any 6H30 preamp that I enjoyed, as they always sounded mid-fi and unexciting to me.