Are Atma-Sphere MP-1 and VSE RTP-3D similar?

Modwright and MP-1 were the most similar of the three. Both are transparent. However, the Modwright sounded too much like solid state for me. Rather one dimensional, IMO. I believe Modwright preamps have come a long way since then.

The Supratek just didn't match well with my amplifier, so I can't really give it a fair appraisal.

Dracule1; why don't you give Ralph(Atmasphere)a call and talk with him on your concerns; he will answer you honestly and will not jam his gear down you throat to get a sale; this has been my direct experience.

I second Rleff's suggestion. Among other reasons, Ralph and his crew are one good reason to own Atma-sphere equipment.

Ralph & Allen are both superb. One difference is that Allen's phono section is hybrid, as compared to all tubes in MP-1. VSE quotes high 70db gain w/o a step-up transformer. Not sure what the gain structure is in the current MP-1 phono. Also, the MP-1 has a circlotron-based LS.

Thanks for all your responses. I try not to inquire directly to the manufacturers as they inevitably have a "colored" view of their own products. But Ralph or Allen are prefectly welcome to reply to my thread.

Do any of you know how quiet the line section of the MP-1 is? I have heard the VSE preamp is dead quiet.