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Joule 150A MKII versus Atma-sphere Preamps

Currently have a Joule 150A MKII that works fantastically well with my CAT JL2 and Music Reference RM9 Special Edition; bot are single-ended RCA only. I will be getting a Atma-sphere OTL amp in a little while which I'm told is generally best with balanced connection. My question is both general to the Joule versus the Atma MP1/3s and also regarding the need for running balanced with the Atma-amp versus using very high quality RCA ICs.
pubul57

Showing 3 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I question how much difference you would hear running the Atma amp balanced versus unbalanced, although there would definitely be less noise, hum and hiss if you ran balanced. The tonality would not change appreciably, IMO.

I run an Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp balanced with Pass Labs amps and the combo is very, very quiet.
tvad
9,467 posts
 

04-26-08: Pryso
So balanced may measure lower noise, even in a home system, but is it audible?
When I have experimented with gear that offered both balanced and single ended operation, I can say without hesitation that the balanced option was always audibly quieter.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The MP-3 will be different. I'll put money on it. It'll be more neutral and less romantic than the Joule.

Now, you may consider this as not being better than the Joule, and others would argue that the neutrality makes the MP-3 better. Who's to say what's better? It's a matter of preference.

Let me know if I'm right after you hear it.
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