I was using an ARC Ref1 with my M60MkIII's. After a discussion with Ralph I decided to try out an MP3. WOW! More transparency, detail, air, better sound stage and better defined bass that left me wondering why I needed a sub? You'll hear things in your music that you never knew were there before! I run 30' MIT 350 REF XLR between the MP3 and M60's. I sold my Ref1 along with some spare tubes and came out a $1000 on the plus side. An MP1 is in the long range future. The Atma-Sphere pre's will accept single ended inputs directly through the monitor inputs. My MSB Plat Plus DAC has a very high output and the MP3 handles it very well. If you decide on an MP3, try to find one that has the Regulator upgrade and V-Caps.
Preamp Experiences with Atma-sphere Amps
I have finally swapped my CATJL2s for Atma-sphere M-60s and with my Merlin VSM-MXEs they are a revelation. Both are world class amplifiers, but I now beleive that IF you speakers are OTL friendly, it is hard to beat OTLs for speed, clarity, transparency, etc. In other words, I love them with the Merlins.
I would like to hear from those that have experimented with preamps that match well with the Atma amps, including the Atma pres versus others, and passive pre experiences if you have tried it. Right now I'm using a Joule LA-150 MKII that is single-ended and sounds fantastic and quiet so I'm not sure that simply running quieter with balanced outs is a goal, but I'm open. I'm single sourced with Accustic Arts transport and DAC with at least 2V output (might be higher)but it does seem the Atmas need some gain to drive them with their highes input sensitivity. Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom and experiences.
I would like to hear from those that have experimented with preamps that match well with the Atma amps, including the Atma pres versus others, and passive pre experiences if you have tried it. Right now I'm using a Joule LA-150 MKII that is single-ended and sounds fantastic and quiet so I'm not sure that simply running quieter with balanced outs is a goal, but I'm open. I'm single sourced with Accustic Arts transport and DAC with at least 2V output (might be higher)but it does seem the Atmas need some gain to drive them with their highes input sensitivity. Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom and experiences.