I asked Ralph Karsten (of Atma-Sphere) the same question at CES, in reference to a Shelter 901. He said it is not necessary, as the MP-1 has enough gain. I listened to the 901 into the MP-1 all year, and it sounded fine, NO noise at all.
That said, two friends recently acquired Bent Silver Step-Ups, so I will borrow one to use between the 901 and the MP-1, and compare the results.
That said, two friends recently acquired Bent Silver Step-Ups, so I will borrow one to use between the 901 and the MP-1, and compare the results.