Let me offer a slightly different take on what I think Tvad may be describing. I'm not sure that the MP-1 presents an inherently closer or further view of the soundstage. In other words, I don't think its a front row vs. mid hall preamp. Although I have heard preamps (some CJs, the Premier 17 for example) that do seem to put you further back, so its not entirely a recording issue
Imagine you're looking at an orchestra, standing on the same level as the musicians are sitting. Imagine you could ride a boom-lift straight up so now you're at say a 45 degree angle from where you were. Imagine what that would do to your perspective on the orchestra.
Using this scenario I think the MP-1 yields a more oblique perspective. You are not closer or further, but the orchestra *seems* more "spread out" (higher, wider) than it does with a preamp that gives a more 'head-on' view. Distance (depth) is the same, but the perspective yields a more dimensional view of the musicians.
I grappled with this issue recently listening to the MP-1 and another preamp. I'm not sure my account ultimately holds up, but I needed a way to explain to myself that the MP-1 gives a different view, but not necessarily a closer one.
Tim