Can't give you a specific recommendation, but based on my experience, you should limit your search to those with true balanced output. |
I used the mk.IIIs with a CJ ACT2 for several months. Its an excellent single-ended preamp that matched nicely with the M60s, which did nothing to hide its character. Later sold it to buy an Atma-Sphere MP-1. I'll concur with Swampwalker on using a balanced preamp.
An ARC Ref3 could work well, but I haven't heard it with the M60s. Are there sonic issues that lead you to look for something different than your MP3?
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I can't possibly imagine a better pre than an Atma-Sphere MP-1 or MP-3. I just went from a REF1 to an MP3 with my M60MkIII's. The switch was a revelation. You don't mention what options your Atma-Sphere gear has. If you don't have the Teflon coupling caps in both along with the regulator option in the MP-3, you might be better off with those upgrades for a sonic improvement. I should also mention that ultra low noise perfectly matched 12AU7's in the MP-3 along with low noise matched 6SN7's in V1 & V2 in the M60's will make an enormous improvement. |
For what it's worth, there's a review at 6 moons that liked the MA-1's with a Shindo pre. |
Mrderrick brings up a good point about the state of your amplifiers. I had my MA-1s upgraded with the Caddock resistors and output resistors, and it was a significant improvement. More natural sounding, less harsh. If you are looking to change to get a remote, Ralph has been talking about adding a remote capability to his top pre-amp (is that the MP3 or MP1?). It is a motorized device that will turn the knob. I saw a photo of it at a show someplace, maybe in the CES photos here. It looks like a Geneva wheel and motor mechanism, set up a bit like an old English grandfather clock between heavy plates. I don't have a lot of experinece with pre-amps and the Atmas. I haven't tried the Atma pres. The best I've heard in my system so far is the Pass X1, although I've been running a Wadia direct, which I preferred to any of the preamps I tried. |
I have an S-30MkIII which is partnered with a Bent Audio remote control TVC. The combination is stunning with clarity, dynamics and imaging the best I have experienced.
However, the Atma's need a lot of voltage (4v I think) to achieve their full rated output so need very careful matching. My speakers are Avantgarde Duo Omegas which are 108dB/w efficient. I therefore don't have any problem with gain as I only require 1 or 2 watts.
In fact this combination works better in my system than the Atma MP-3 pre which gave so much gain that I had to remove 2 of the tubes and insert blanking plugs to reduce the gain. Even then I could only use a small rotation of the volume dial! |
I have been employing an Aesthetix Calypso and Rhea with my MA-1 Silvers now for just short of four years and find them delightful. The detail, air, and greater level of volume control are all advantages of this choice. Atma-Sphere has more and better bass in my opinion with both the MP-3 and MP-1 than that of the Aesthetix but, that said, I have what I do based on priorities. The Aesthetix are fully balanced and offer single ended input as well for each input/output and a remote control, which is handy. They match exceptionally with Ralph's fine OTL's.
Happy Listening! |
using an audiovalve rkv mark III otl headphone amp with my s30 mark iii, it sounds heavenly. |
Having used other fine preamps with the M60s, I would use an MP-3 with the upgrades - which I now use, or upgrade to the MP1 which I assume must be better yet, but I have only heard it at shows, not in my system. What are you looking for that you feel you are not getting with the MP-3? |
I have a S30 (among many other amps) and pair it with a Shindo Vosne-Romanee. Pairing sounds wonderful to me. |
I use passive preamps with my S-30 for single ended mode. I run an Otari MX-5050 BII direct into the S-30 for balanced mode. |
Joule-Electra LA-300ME or LA-150SE would be the excellent match ! |
Lately I've been using a YS Audio A2-SE with my S-30. It is virtually dead quiet in balanced operation. A strange, intriguing unit as it's still breaking in; will need to evaluate some more. |
The LA-150SE was excellent, but I would not replace my MP-3 with it, I went back and forth for a few weeks with the two as linestages, no experience with phono, and thought the Atma/Atma combo was meant to be; but could easily have lived with the Joule, a wonderful preamp indeed, but a brief moment of sanity convinced me not to keep both. |
Before upgrading to a fully loaded MP-1, I used a Plinius M8 and a Parasound JC-2. The Parasound was an especially good match with my MA-1's and I would have happily kept it if I didn't get a chance to hear a MP-1 in my system.
I have never heard the MP-3, so I can't say how it would compare to the JC-2.
George |
