From dewmusic@ix.netcom.com Mon Sep 30 07:18:47 2002
Subject:Speakeasy Preamp

I would like to add by $.02 regarding Speakeasy preamps. I ordered
one over the phone, requesting a pretty customized setup - I wanted to
connect a rackmounted preamp to my VK-8 through the VK-8's 11-pin
connector and I wanted to be able to control the speed of my MS KBRM
from the VK-8's keyboard, all through the 11-pin connection. I also
wanted to be able to connect the preamp to a Leslie 147 (a real
beauty, which I also bought from Steve Hayes).

As I live on Long Island, I decided to drive over to PA to pickup the
preamp and Leslie, and I was certainly glad I did. I was fortunate to
be able to spend some time with Steve, Craig and Sean, all of whom
were very pleasant and helpful. Steve went beyond the call of duty
to make sure I was completey happy with my new setup. I spent a
couple of hours in their shop and made some new friends - these guys
are great!

As for the sound of the preamp - WOW! I'm hearing sounds from the
VK-8 that were not there before - the sound is clearer, cleaner,
brighter, deeper, richer, you name it - just a whole lot better. I'm
actually a double bass player by trade and I can't wait to try the
Speakeasy preamp out with my bass. If it does as much for my bass as
it did for the VK-8, I'll be ordering another preamp from Steve and
the boys.

BTW, while I was there, they played some CDs through a DJ version of
their preamp - again, WOW! You could hear thing in the music that you
could not hear without the preamp. Previously unheard instruments
appeared in the mix, cymbals were brighter and crisper, bass tones
were tighter and more well-defined. I'd love to get one of these for
my home stereo system.

The usual disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Steve Hayes or
Speakeasy Sound other than I am a VERY satisfied customer.

Regards,

John DeWitt