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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
gdnrbob
4,450 posts
 
@OP, 
From a quick scan -I didn't see which model of  Sound Lab speakers you own. It would help determine you power needs.
Bob
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
m545
sksos
162 posts
 
@chungjh to answer your question I don't think room size was a factor. As I mentioned I knew the A-S M60's did not have enough power but I tried many other amps as mentioned earlier as well as Gold Note 1175 and a customer even lugged over his Hegel H30 and still could not get 545's to sing. Again I've loved their bigger offerings which is why I custom ordered the 545's in a Birds Eye Maple frame, the speakers looked fantastic! 
Since I love electrostatic/panel speakers I then went to Sanders 10e speakers which worked GREAT in the same space. 

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

Are you using the Sanders amp with your 10e?  How does it compare with the other amps that you tried?
sksos
162 posts
 
@chungjh  Yes I tried the Sanders Magtech amps then tried the Bricasti M25 amps. Bricasti brought out more 'soul" to the music so used 2 x M25's to drive the 10e speakers. (My opinion is using 2 of the same amps on the speakers is the smart thing to do....Roger Sanders may/will disagree). Yes the magtech has more power but the Bricasti never had a problem with my listening levels at 85-92 dB and peaks in the high 90's.    
(Dealer disclaimer)
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