Atma-Sphere MP-3 Mk. 3.3 vs. VAC CPA-1 MK II or Avatar Super - Recommendations

My budget is around $3000 & I’m only considering getting a used one. I haven’t seen any Backert or Don Sachs in the used market. And for that much money, I think the used models from VAC or Atma would perform better than the new ones from the other two.


Besides, there’s a limited userbase that can attest to Beckert or Sachs over the ones I shortlisted.

Isn’t the sound directly proportional to the weight of the transformer & tube used?

No- that simply has nothing to do with it. Things to look for: a simple signal path, available tubes (some preamps use tubes that are no longer made), whether or not the unit has regulated power supplies, construction quality.
If you have a simple signal path its likely that the circuit will be more transparent with wider bandwidth. The power transformers simply have to provide the needed voltage and current such that they can do the job. Any excess capacity that the transformer might have doesn't affect the sound- it simply means that the product is heavier without other benefit.

Now damping **can** affect the sound as it reduces microphonics and a good damping system does add weight.

It’s not clear to me why you are asking for comparisons between an integrated amp and two preamps. Would I be correct in assuming that if you were to go with the Avatar Super it would replace the Halo A51, as well as adding preamp functionality? And if so wouldn’t the most significant comparison involving the Avatar Super be between its sonics and those of the Halo?

Regards,
-- Al

@atmasphere: Since I have never listened to any tube preamps & I don’t have any design/ engineering experience, I don’t have a base to compare. That’s why I‘m relying on people who has listened & compared these equipments.

@almarg : I also chose VAC integrated because  it can accept connections from multiple sources (tape deck, bluray, etc.). I was informed that I’ll be able to use it in both HT & Stereo only mode. 

So are you saying that if you were to go with the Avatar Super you would use it to power the two Tyler Linbrook speakers, and the Halo would be used to power whatever other speakers you have in the HT system?

If so, as I alluded to previously I think the most major consideration regarding the possibility of choosing the Avatar Super would be how its sonics compare with those of the Halo. As well as how tube-friendly the Linbrook speaker is in terms of its impedance and sensitivity characteristics, about which I have no knowledge.

Regards,
-- Al