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Looking for a good balanced preamp: Atma MP-3?

I'm seeking a balanced preamp to be used with hybrid monoblocks and a variety of different 2-way speakers. My preference would be tube -though I would consider a good ss -and my budget is below $5000 retail.

The amps that I have sound more forward than I expected so I would be looking for a preamp that is certainly not aggressive. However, I definitely don't want a euphonic tube preamp that is used as a tone control. I believe that I can ease down the treble of the amps by changing the driver tubes.

I've considered the Atma-sphere MP-3 and I would be interested to know if anyone has experience with it? I've heard mixed reviews but have not heard one. Another that I've considered is the Simaudio Moon P-5.

Thanks for
sleepless

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

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atmasphere
12,099 posts
 
I've had a few emails regarding this thread so I guess I need to chime in: the MP-3 is fully balanced-differential from phono input to main output. The output is patented, is direct-coupled and the preamp is zero feedback throughout. It employs a true bi-polar power supply, not unlike solid-state designs in that regard. Even the volume control is balanced, made out of a custom-built switch and made up with fixed resistors.

It was first introduced in 1997 and evolved out of the MP-1 which was the first fully-differential preamp made, so far as we know (fist introduced in 1989).
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