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Preamp suggestions for Atma-Sphere Class D Monoblocks

As I impatiently await the arrival of my Atma-Sphere class-d monos, I am writing to solicit opinions from experienced members on this site. Balanced inputs and outputs as well as the ability to connect a subwoofer are important. Headphone amp would be nice but not critical. Ditto for built-in phono. These are some of the tube and solid state units I am considering (not necessarily exhaustive):

  1. Atma-Sphere MP-3 mk3.3
  2. Cary SLP-05 (ultimate edition, if I can find a pristine used pair at a good price)
  3. Modwright LS-100
  4. PrimaLuna EVO 400
  5. Supratek - Champagne or 6SN7 Cabernet - I have no idea what the difference between these two are and the website is not helpful at all
  6. Anthem STR
  7. Benchmark LA-4/HPA-4
  8. Bryston BR-20 (or one of their purely analog variants - BP-19?) - I am hesitant to bundle streaming and dac into a preamp
  9. NAD M66
  10. ?

I will initially use the Bel Canto DAC2.8 as a dac and preamp with an Auralic Aries G1.1 as the streamer. My speakers are Totem Acoustic Forest Signatures, sub is a REL s/510 that I seldom use. I am unsure whether I can use the speaker level connections with the A-S monos (my current Bel Canto Ref510S class d amp has a chassis grounding screw to which I connect the REL’s ground wire).

Philosophically speaking, I have owned a wide range of equipment over the years - everything from "measurements above all" type gear (a full Benchmark stack), a few tube pieces (PrimaLuna, Tavish Design, Rogue), Class A amplification (Pass Labs XA-30.8) and a completely active Genelec 8351b based system. I seem to be slowly but surely gravitating towards subjectively great sounding gear, regardless of how they measure - the Totems are a case in point. However, I don’t want to find that I have moved too far in any one direction. At the end of the day, I value realism and emotional connection more than the ability to deconstruct the music but I don’t want to listen to a sloppy system that homogenizes everything. I’m sure this is all clear as mud! It is however, a reflection of where I am at the end of 28 years of being on this hamster wheel. All thoughts and suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.

Ag insider logo xs@2xsrama
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,810 posts
 

I just realized that the MP-3 comes with ONLY balanced inputs. My external phono stage only has single ended outputs - can I use a simple rca to xlr cable or do I have to select the version with optional single ended inputs?

Also, does the preamp support connection of a subwoofer through one of its outputs?

@srama The MP-3 like the MP-1 has two single-ended inputs, Monitor 1 and Monitor 2.

You can also order it as a line stage only or with its balanced phono section which works with LOMC cartridges. So the phono input is balanced and the EQ is handled in the differential domain so as tubes age the EQ stays rock solid on the curve.

There are dual balanced outputs. I use the second set to drive a set of Jensen subwoofer transformers that convert from balanced to single-ended for my subwoofer amp. The Jensen transformers are optimized for low frequency operation so unlike most transformers, do not rob the bottom end of any impact or extension.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
srama OP
65 posts
 

@atmasphere

Thank you, so it sounds like I can hook up my existing phono preamp to the Monitor 1 or 2 input on the "basic" line stage version.

Understood, connecting a sub will require a Jensen transformer - a quick search did not reveal any xlr in /rca out versions either at the Jensen website or at resellers, but I will look for it when the time comes. Of course, if you have a known source for this item, please do share!

I currently have a single REL S/10 with speaker level connections; however, I won’t be able to do that with the new Class D monos, since the single connector cable will not reach the two sides of the cabinet the amps will be placed in.

BTW, FedEx informs me that the amps were just delivered! Excited to hook them up as soon as I have a few minutes off from my endless day of meetings :)

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,810 posts
 

@srama Yes, for some reason Jensen does not list a 'XLR in, RCA out' subwoofer transformer, but they will provide them!

ddgtt's avatar
ddgtt
56 posts
 

The best pre-amp I've heard for use with the Atma-Sphere class D monoblocks or any class D amplifier is the Mola Mola Makua.  You can get it as just a line-stage type preamp or you can get with a built-in DAC (same as the famous Tambaqui) and/or a built-in phono stage (same as the Lupe).

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srama OP
65 posts
 

@ddgtt, thanks for your suggestion. Going by their reputation alone, I have no doubt about its brilliance - unfortunately, it is more than twice my budget :)

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and engaging discussion. I have decided to go with the Atma-Sphere MP3. I received my A-S class D mono blocks yesterday and I am so smitten by them that it is, in my mind, a no-brainer to pair it with a preamp from the same designer. You can see my gushing impression of the Class D’s here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/atma-sphere-class-d-amazing?page=15

 

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