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Looking for a good balanced preamp: Atma MP-3?

I'm seeking a balanced preamp to be used with hybrid monoblocks and a variety of different 2-way speakers. My preference would be tube -though I would consider a good ss -and my budget is below $5000 retail.

The amps that I have sound more forward than I expected so I would be looking for a preamp that is certainly not aggressive. However, I definitely don't want a euphonic tube preamp that is used as a tone control. I believe that I can ease down the treble of the amps by changing the driver tubes.

I've considered the Atma-sphere MP-3 and I would be interested to know if anyone has experience with it? I've heard mixed reviews but have not heard one. Another that I've considered is the Simaudio Moon P-5.

Thanks for
sleepless
Post removed 
rushbattle
23 posts
 
Forgot to say that I use my BAT with hybrid monoblocks too. Which monos are you looking at?
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
Your impression of Atma-Sphere preamps is accurate: neutral, transparent, open & extended at the extremes, and great value if you need an integrated phono section. The tonality can be shifted with NOS 6SN7s. If you go for it, stretch for the V-Cap option.
tweak1
3,668 posts
 
You want a differentially balanced preamp to match the monoblocks. PS Audio GCP 200 and GCPS are giant killers with ultimate flexibility and full-function remote
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Another option would be the Ayre K-1XE. This preamp is very well reviewed by the Audio magazines (both on-line as well as print). Used they go for under $5K, (and closer to $4K if you only want the line stage, although, the optional phono boards are well worth the price of admission). If you must buy new, (your post said the preamp should "retail" under $5K), the K-5xe is also very good, and would meet your budget constraints.

I use the K-1XE with my hybrid amps, the Lamm M2.1s. They work very well together, IMHO. (I believe I am done looking for amplification equipment for a very long time.)

Good Luck in your search!
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