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Atmas-phere MP-3 MKIII --- opinions?

This is a follow up to my previous post:

I'm leaning toward the Atmosphere MP-3 MKIII to replace my current solid state preamp.

Preamp: Musical Fidelity M6PRE (to be replaced)
Amp: Musical Fidelity M6PRX
Speakers: Vandersteen 3a Signatures
Analog: VPI traveler turntable with Ortofon Bronze MM cartridge
Digital: Ayre CX-7 CD player

Lots of good reviews for the Atmas-phere MP3. But I'm also reading that the power and V-cap upgrades are essential, the phono section is noisy and the system is sensitive to power cord changes.

I guess I really want to get the Atmas-phere and am hoping folks here can share their experiences to help me decide. Or other comparable tube preamp suggestions?
evolving
evolving OP
16 posts
 
Well, ended up with a 3 month old Cary SLP-05 for just under what the upgraded Atma-sphere would cost. I think it's a good deal and I'm pretty excited to hear it.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback.
brf
1,715 posts
 
You do know that the Cary SLP-05 does not have a phono section, therefore, you will now need a phono preamp to use your turntable.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Good point by Brf. If you don't want to purchase a separate phono stage at this point, though, keep in mind that you can use the built-in phono stage of the M6Pre in conjunction with the SLP-05. You would do that by connecting the tape output of the M6Pre to an input of the SLP-05, and setting the input selection on the M6Pre to phono. The line stage of the M6Pre, including its volume control, would not be in the signal path in that configuration.

Regards,
-- Al
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
So trying to decide if the Atma-sphere is competitive against other options at $5,200 to $5,500 when all is said and done....
You got lots of options in this price range.
evolving OP
16 posts
 
I do realize that I'll need to get a phono preamp, which will bump it up over the Atmas-phere by a grand or two but I think I'm getting much more of a preamp with the Cary, at least IMHO.

Brf an anyone else: do you have recommendations given my setup for a phono preamp in the $1,000 to $3,000 range?
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