Music First Audio Passive Magnetic Preamplifiers?

Unfortunately, John no longer makes the Tap X autoformer preamps, but you can get his modified Slagleformer for DIY.

Teajay, my understanding is that since he is OEM for Bent modidfied Slagleformers, he doesn't want to "compete" with manufacturers he provides parts for. His Tap X is a relative bargain compared to those building preamps using his parts. I think he has his hands full doing OEM work. But I guess you really need to ask John. He may have changed his mind.

Music First is definately the MOST overpriced passive preamp out there. And it doesn't have functionality of the Bent Tap X.

They're both way over priced. Can't justify buying something that's been marked up like that.

Nigi25, I bought the Hyperion 938s when theyfirst came out in '94. Hope your enjoying the 968s with tubes. Hyps are some of the best speakers under $10k.

Pubul57, could you compare the TAP-X to your Lightspeed preamp? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the two? Thanks.

I got a hold of a Bent TAP-X and planning to get an LDR preamp of my own later.

I was at the Lone Star Audio Fest and heard a LDR preamp. I was surprised how smooth, transparent, and natural it sounded compared to a tubed preamp. There is a Serbian company that makes a fully functional remote controlled LDR preamp called Myth. It costs around $1700, and I almost bought it. However, factor in $300 for shipping and cost of shipping both ways if something goes wrong is just too much hassle.

Sorry George, didn't realize it was a multi-input remote controlled copy of your preamp. I think many would consider buying a multi-input remote controlled version of your Lightspeed preamp. I understand your preamp was "advertized" to the DIY crowd who tend to spend less on audio gear than the typical audiophile. John at Bent Audio had a pretty successful run of his remote controlled multi-input/output TVC/AVC preamp, and he was charging $1600 to $3000.

What about the Lighter Note preamp? Do you consider it to be a blatant rip off also? Seems like it has a different power supply than the Light Speed.

George, do you have a website where I can see and read about your preamp?

I have the Bent Tap X, and it is one of the most transparent passive I have heard with flexibility no other passive can match. It was about $2000 USD for the 6 input version. It still doesn't beat going directly from my DAC to amp, but gets it pretty close. Too bad it is now out of production.

Anyone have any experience with the Atma-Sphere MP1 preamp? Just wondering how this compares with other preamps mentioned on this thread. It's output transformerless and has no output coupling capacitor. Triode class A design with outboard power supply, balanced differential design. It's volume control is made of hand assembled resistors. Never heard a bad thing about this preamp so far.

No disrespect to Agear, but anytime one uses words like "massacre" and "everything else 'sounded like HiFi'" is suspect. What may sound great in one system may not sound so good in another. At least, that's been my experience.