Would be good to hear some opinions and advice to help inform my next preamp purchase.
My set up starts with a Bergmann Sindre (XLR outputs) with ART-1000 cart & Tron phono; Technics & TEAC R2Rs; Pass XA30.8 power amp, Avantgarde Duo speakers. Current preamp is a 'The Truth' (Hornshoppe) but have tried out a few contenders recently including VTL 7.5, EMIA, Aurorasound and a couple more.
One thing I have established by trying different preamps is that the Pass definitely sounds better when connected with balanced cables. One of the preamps that came to mind was maybe a safe option like an ARC 5SE, and when I was doing a bit of reading on that amp that I came across Atma-Sphere as a potential alternative.
The balanced focused design clearly appeals, as does the possibility of being able to connect balanced from my Sindre into the preamp. Also as a R2R enthusiast, having tape inputs and recording etc is also attractive.
Now obviously I'd love to try an MP-1, and this may indeed be my final destination, but for current budget depletion and unit availability reasons I'm thinking of dipping my toe in the water with an MP-3. I suppose one of the issues is being able to hear one in my system, as I don't think there is a dealer in the UK, and unlikely to be too many units (I don't know anyone who has one).
So interested in the experience of others who may have or heard one. Comments on the various upgrades etc would also be helpful.
My set up starts with a Bergmann Sindre (XLR outputs) with ART-1000 cart & Tron phono; Technics & TEAC R2Rs; Pass XA30.8 power amp, Avantgarde Duo speakers. Current preamp is a 'The Truth' (Hornshoppe) but have tried out a few contenders recently including VTL 7.5, EMIA, Aurorasound and a couple more.
One thing I have established by trying different preamps is that the Pass definitely sounds better when connected with balanced cables. One of the preamps that came to mind was maybe a safe option like an ARC 5SE, and when I was doing a bit of reading on that amp that I came across Atma-Sphere as a potential alternative.
The balanced focused design clearly appeals, as does the possibility of being able to connect balanced from my Sindre into the preamp. Also as a R2R enthusiast, having tape inputs and recording etc is also attractive.
Now obviously I'd love to try an MP-1, and this may indeed be my final destination, but for current budget depletion and unit availability reasons I'm thinking of dipping my toe in the water with an MP-3. I suppose one of the issues is being able to hear one in my system, as I don't think there is a dealer in the UK, and unlikely to be too many units (I don't know anyone who has one).
So interested in the experience of others who may have or heard one. Comments on the various upgrades etc would also be helpful.