Preamps for Atma-Sphere OTL Amplifiers

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.