Preamp suggestions for Atma-Sphere Class D Monoblocks

I wish I knew how it compares to the MP-3. There is a lot to be said for system energy and surely @atmasphere Ralph would have designed the Class D so they work brilliantly as a pair.

Yeah, synergy was a biggie why I recommended it along with it just being a great preamp, plus it obviously also adheres to the AES balanced standard that can pay dividends in allowing for cheaper interconnects — not sure which if any of the others I recommended follow the standard.  I’m almost positive the MP-3 has a remote option and would be shocked if it didn’t. 

@OP I use a LTA MicroZOTL Preamplifier Level 2 with a PS Audio BHK250 power amp and love the sound.  The LTA doesn’t have balanced outputs so that may be an issue.  When I purchased the ZOTL pre amp, I went from a fully balanced system to all RCA cables.  I now have to turn the volume up a little higher to get the same level as with the balanced cables, but there’s no loss in SQ.

@soix, thanks, that was the first thread that came up when I searched based on your mentioning the Spatial. It does sound very impressive indeed and I was inspired to reach out to them via their website.

I wish I knew how it compares to the MP-3. There is a lot to be said for system energy and surely @atmasphere Ralph would have designed the Class D so they work brilliantly as a pair.

BTW, does the MP-3 have a remote control? I don’t see it mentioned on the product page and lack of a remote is a non -starter for me, especially while streaming.

#1 for sure an Atma-Sphere MP-3!

Here’s a thread where Don Sachs and Lynn Olson, who designed the Raven preamp, go into detail about some of the development and technical design aspects of the preamp.  Need to weed through it to find the various responses but interesting if you’re curious to know more.  I have to say that given all the cumulative wisdom/effort and that went into it, $5495 seems like quite a relative bargain to me.  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/spatial-audio-raven-preamp

First Sound. A little different in design from most, and very good.

Thank you all for your responses so far.

@0_holter, thanks for your suggestions - I have come across the Aesthetix in various reviews but have never heard them myself. At a superficial level, their stark modern lines don’t appeal to me - I can be shallow like that ;-)

@Soix, the Spatial Audio Raven was unknown to me and it looks very interesting - thanks for sharing that here. I have reached out to them with a couple of questions using their contact page.

@tms0425, thank you for sharing recommendations as well - I’m sure the MP-1 is spectacular, but likely outside my budget, even used!

I also came across the LTA Microzotl Preamplifier Level 2 in another thread. Any thoughts on that particular piece - in absolute terms and as possible match for the A-S class D?

I have a Modwright LS300 fully balanced preamp, with dual balanced outputs, which I'm using with AtmaSphere Class D's. They are a very nice combination, and work well together.

That said, my dealer (UniqueHomeAudio) has a used AtmaSphere MP1 for sale that is just back from Ralph after a full top to bottom checkup/refurb. I've owned the MP3 before and heard the MP1 many times. That MP1 would be my choice, as they're hard to find in the used market in that condition.

Given what you’re looking for my top choices (in no particular order) would be the MP-3, Spatial Audio Raven, Aric Audio Motherload XL, and Backert Rhumba Extreme and don’t think you could possibly go wrong with any of them and believe several offer trial periods, which is super helpful. Incidentally, I think both phono preamps and headphone amps (if you’re at all serious about headphones) are important enough that they should be separate and should not influence which preamp you buy — the preamp is just too critical so especially at this level sound quality/characteristics should be your ultimate and final arbiter. Best of luck.

@srama thanks!

«Gravitating towards subjectively great sounding gear « - same here. But realism also. Clear as mud ; - )

I hope the amps will be a great match with your Totem speakers. I have Atma-Sphere tube monoblocs, and am very happy with them. Have not heard their class D.

As for preamp, I would go for a good tube or hybrid solution, balanced. A-S Mp-1 is the top of the line, and said to be better than the Mp-3 but more costly also (not heard them). Another tube top choice is Aesthetix Callisto (or Calypso to a more moderate price). I use a hybrid Einstein The tube mk2 that works well in my system. If I were you I would first focus on my candidates, and then, look for used sales at audiogon, hifishark etc.

I would also advice – dont skimp on the phono stage. With such a good system, you will probably want to investigate vinyl playback. I paid a lot for an Aesthetix Io phono stage many years ago but have never looked back.