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“Just as in real life, and maybe even a touch better, the MP-3 presented a richly nuanced musical space that gave each player a full, rounded tonal shape whilst sharing a larger, common performing room. Better still, each player in this virtual reality zone was distinct, without smearing, blurring or combining but also without the hyper edge-definition of many solid-state pre-amps. The
Atma-Sphere MP-3 pre-amp is a beaut. It's ability to render fully believable,
3D images, replete with harmonic richness is, in my experience, unparalleled.”
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The MP-3 is based on the performance concepts pioneered by the original MP-1 preamplifier, but offered in a more economical single-chassis package. During the development of the unit some discoveries were made resulting in a new patent application. The MP-3 is a fully differential all-tube preamplifier, with a direct-coupled high current output capable of driving low-impedance balanced-lines. Like the MP-1, the MP-3 will easily drive interconnects over 200 feet long. The MP-3 can extract ambient information with greater image specificity, bass definition and dynamic range than any single-ended preamplifier. The MP-3 perfectly complements the design of the balanced-line Atma-sphere power amplifiers and yet works flawlessly with any manufacturer's tube or solid-state power amplifiers. Sonically, the MP-3 stands comparison with some of the best known pre-amps in the world unit, making it an absolute bargain at its relatively low price. A few words on balanced lines: Balanced line technology has been in use in the recording and broadcast industry for decades. Balanced line interconnect cables are used as a method of eliminating sonic problems otherwise caused by interconnect cables. Thus high fidelity recordings were made 30 years ago when exotic interconnects did not exist. Balanced lines work better than single-ended cables because they are dramatically more resistant to RF, magnetic and static fields. They are terminated with a low impedance, usually 600 ohms. This practice virtually eliminates cable capacitance, inductance and construction problems, making long cable lengths possible without audible degradation. This virtually eliminates the need for an exotic cable to achieve excellent performance. The MP-3 is one of the few preamplifiers in the world that has all the drive needed for proper (600 ohm) balanced-line operation. It works well with low-output moving coil cartridges and uses a minimum of connections in the front panel wiring and controls. A low number of gain stages (only three from phono input to line level output) assures minimal distortion, wide bandwidth and superb dynamic range. The result is a truly musical package with exceptional neutrality. Further reading... |
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