2. amps-preamps
  3. 151766-98013

What is the best premp for Atma-Sphere MA-1 3.3 amp?

I am thinking about Atma-Sphere MA-1 amp to drive Sound Lab speakers. I can go with A-S preamps (MP-1 or 3) but I was wondering if there are better sounding or better value preamps that match well with MA-1 amp. I am new to tubes and am concerned about the tube hassle, but it seems that the improvement in 3D and clarity of tubes may be worth it. Any recommendations? I wan to stay slightly below the proverbial "point of diminishing returns."
128x128chungjh
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bellemusique's avatar
bellemusique
66 posts
 
Another vote for MP-1. I have MK 3.1 version and absolutely love it! Previously I was using MK 1.2 which already was fantastic. This almost latest version is even better. The match with M-60 is perfect. 
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
 @select-hifi    

A number of people indicated that A-S MA-1 goes well with 545s. Compared to Nords or other SS amps, you don't find MA-1s lacks the dynamic/punch sound of SS?


sksos
154 posts
 
Just to quickly chime in and please note I am a dealer for A-S. Yes the MP-1 is clearly better than the MP-3 but it's also substantially more $$$ not that $$$ has anything to do with SQ but in this case it does. The 3.3 vs 3.1 or 3.2 is also better in the MP-3. Personally I did prefer the MP-1 3.2 line section vs the MP-1 3.3 line section but the phono section in the MP-1 3.3 is again clearly better/quieter. These are my own subjective views. 
I can also say I bought SL 545's and as much as I really wanted to like them (I LOVE their bigger speakers) I just could not get them to sing. Roger West did take them back after almost 4 months but still it was a $$$ learning experience. 

(Dealer disclaimer)
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
sksos

Is it possible that your room was too big for SL 545?  What is your room size?

What did you use do drive SL 545? A-S MA-1?
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