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In Reply to: MP-1 vs MP-3...? posted by John Harper on September 10, 2004 at 12:27:32:
Hello John,My story (related to your post), I DO own a lot of gear . . . how they ALL perform (incredibly well) together, is the basis of my lengthy response . . .
I do not really know how\where to start . . . as I feel a lot of emotion related to this type of choice.
I built (over 3.5 years) an awesome $$$ Levinson\Revel system - my wife (at the time) sort of freaked out (another story). I (do own and) have always loved tubes, during this time, SS system really better served my (our) needs. I started getting (re)interested in (exotic) tube gear, initially intended for use in system #2 and kept hearing about Atma-Sphere (past 20 years), had to 'try this product'. In spite of considerable investment (previously) mentioned, I bought a pair of M-60s without ever hearing them. I know risky and potentially very stupid - not with Ralphs' gear! Atma-Sphere name and industry wide reputation are beyond compare. You could almost say they changed my life, or at least the direction of my audiophile interests and the amount of household budget that I am willing (and now able) to consider devoting to this passion.
The Atma-Sphere products (pre-amps in this case) are simply beyond comparison. I own the MP1 and upon the decision of which to purchase, I struggled a bit. I suppose the question (to satisfy) of the most appropriate choice, would be in order (as was the case for me), what is the rest of your gear or system(s?) like?
In my case, the MP1 was more appropriate, given the profile (expense) or level of the rest of partnering electronics, that I own.
It made the most sense. I am routinely shuffling (pieces) between systems. They all work really well together.Dream System #1 Gilmore Model 2 driven by MA1s and MP1 - Sota Star/SME-V\Talisman, MSB Reference Player . . . Silver Audio cabling . . . sweet
This next system has virtually been replaced by the dream Atma-Sphere/Gilmore System gear over past 2 years, now relegated to smaller space.
System #2 Revel Studios driven by Mark Levinson 336 amp, 380s pre and 360s dac and Meridian transport and tuner (Linn LP12\Itokk\Grado in closet). AudioQuest (Amazon\Kilimanjaro) cabling. PS Audio P300. Now my 'bedroom' system . . .System #3 Alan Yuns'(fabulous-comparatively inexpensive) Silverline SR17s and assorted combinations of above (very seldom) configured since building the (newer) system with the groundbreaking Gilmores . . . Ironic, the Revels' took the SR17s' place . . . they are that good.
I do hope that this 'context may help' . . . back to the MP choices . . . .
*** Of all the gear that I have mentioned ***** ah the point of this ****** The MP1 may be the best single piece of gear that I own ***I feel that it (MP1 alone) represented a greater overall improvement in sound, regardless of which gear I paired it with. Honestly having owned SOTA(s) and LINN(s) for past 20 years - I had never truly even heard (EXPERIENCED!) them. Stunning (simply unequalled?) phono stages.
Honestly, I just could not have believed, a pre amp, could represent this magnitude of improvement . . . I am sorry, I have 'never been a preamp kinda' guy' or spent budget elsewhere . . .
The neutral, extended and unbelievably dynamic nature of MP1 (this beast) shows through any gear that I paired to it. Its **character?** is much like the unflappable and authoritative aspects of the mighty Atma-Spere MA1 and Mark Levinson 336 amps and extraordinarily quiet. They (when paired together) sound almost scary (dynamics) driving these systems. I am planning to eventually 'replace' the ML 380s with an MP3 by the end of the year in set-up #2.
You owe yourself an audition - of which unit is ideal for your needs - buy both ;) - I am!
If you live in the midwest COME BY to experience for yourselves.
Mike Mount
http://www.glacieraudio.com/new%20Glacier%20Audio%20Site/Showrooms/chicagoshowroom.htm
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Follow Ups
- Re: MP-1 vs MP-3...? - Mike Mount 14:12:21 09/12/04 (0)
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