Atma-Sphere MP1 with single-ended inputs and outputs? Adapters OK?


I had the opportunity to hear an end-game system (for me) that was fronted by an Atma-Sphere MP1 preamp and their Novacrons.  I was blown away by the overall sound, and am highly considering starting purchases toward that system for myself, but had the following questions I'm hoping someone could answer.

In short, the purchase path for me is likely going to last 18-36 months, given the costs of the various components and speakers, so I'm going to have to be living with "hybrid" systems for that time period while I spread the purchases out.

My current weakest link is my pre-amp (although it's not weak, but...).  If I start with the MP1, both my source material (VPI Classic turntable) and amps (Thoress 845 SET monos) are single-ended.  I'm sure I could get an appropriate balanced output for the VPI (I think?) and my DAC already has balanced out (which is my only other source), but what loss in sound quality will I experience adapting for singled ended RCA connections out from the MP-1 to my SET monos?  My current set-up has short (1.5M) runs, so the length of cable won't be an issue for me in single-ended.  But will using something like adapters or the tape outs on the MP1 negate any sonic benefits of the MP1 I might otherwise be getting for the time period I'll be using single-ended amps?  BTW, I LOVE the Thoress 845 amps, so they will likely be the last part of the chain I will consider replacing, and I may choose to keep them in the end-game system depending on the synergy.

Thoughts or experience with the MP1 and single-ended output?
parsons

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

@parsons 

I'm sure you are thrilled with your Thoress 845 SET,  an excellent sounding amplifier by all accounts.

Charles

@parsons 

I'm also a happy SET amplifier owner. I wonder if your issue is specific to your particular SET. I heard my Coincident Frankenstein 300b SET paired with the Atma-sphere MP-1 and it was splendid! This MP-1 had RCA outputs.  No noise, just very open, transparent, full bodied beautiful sound filling the room.

If I did not already own the superb sounding Coincident Statement Line Stage I could very happily live with the MP-1.

Charles 

Parsons, 
The more I think about it I believe that he didn't use a cable adapter,  so his unit probably has SE outputs. 
Charles 
Hi Parsons,  
It was my friend's system so he did the cable connections himself behind his rack.I just assumed that his MP-1 had rca inputs.  As I wrote above the sound quality was excellent with either type of cable. 

The MP-1 mated flawlessly with my SET amplifier. It was a very memorable listening session for all involved. 
Charles 
Parsons, 
A friend of mine has the Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamplifier and the MA-1 amplifiers with balanced cables.  When we placed my 300b SET amplifier into his system we used a  rca cable.  The sound was room filling gorgeous with both amplifier and cable configurations.  You'll be very fine with the MP-1 with either cable type based on what I heard. 
Charles