Atma-Sphere MP-3 Mk. 3.3 vs. VAC CPA-1 MK II or Avatar Super - Recommendations

@noromance : Don’t know what is passive/ active switching but compared to VAC & Atma, Shiit look like babies. No offense, but I don’t think they’re in the same calibre.
@gdnrbob: MP-1 looks impressive but I don’t think I can ever be able to afford it, even used. :)
Pound to pound, tube to tube, MP-3 seems too light, too small, & too Solid Statey compared to both the VAC models. Isn’t the sound directly proportional to the weight of the transformer & tube used?

There’s another thread comparing both Avatar models. 

My budget is around $3000 & I’m only considering getting a used one. I haven’t seen any Backert or Don Sachs in the used market. And for that much money, I think the used models from VAC or Atma would perform better than the new ones from the other two.


Besides, there’s a limited userbase that can attest to Beckert or Sachs over the ones I shortlisted.

@atmasphere: Since I have never listened to any tube preamps & I don’t have any design/ engineering experience, I don’t have a base to compare. That’s why I‘m relying on people who has listened & compared these equipments.

@almarg : I also chose VAC integrated because  it can accept connections from multiple sources (tape deck, bluray, etc.). I was informed that I’ll be able to use it in both HT & Stereo only mode.