Best preamp for atma sphere m60 under $3000 used?

With respect to Paul, I'd suggest checking with Ralph Karsten about the interaction of his amplifiers with passive preamps before investing in a Placette.

I don't know if they work together or not, but I'd check with Ralph.

Jeff Rowland Capri might work here. However, I have heard the M60s with the MP3 and the combination was excellent. Might be worth sticking with Atma for synergy.

The Atma's are not sensitive enough IMHO for passives with typical sources, maybe with very sensitive speakers. I found it did not work so great for me with the Merlins). I think the MP-3 (w/Vac and Power Upgrade) with the M-60s sound better than the Dodd Battey Pre and Joule LA-150MKI which I did try with the M-60s. You will never stop thinking there is something better out there, there is, but this combination should really get you off the merry-go-round if you are ready to. You would continue to use an ecternal phono pre, right?

Thanks all for helping out.
regarding phono stages I already own three and would welcome atma' phono for comparison and options.

Of course the cost of an MP-1 is off-set somewhat by consolidation of separates into an integrated phono preamp. You can count on one hand the number of integrated phono preamps approaching the performance of MP-1, and on two fingers the number that are differentially balanced from input to output.