Aesthetix Eclipse Linestage vs. Atma-sphere MP-1

[microstrip]

There are decent very inexpensive remote sensor/repeater systems
that let you control all your remotes
from your smartphone/tablet.
I control everything including lights
and curtains from my iPhone, even
if I am not home.

Can tell us the system you use? I looks like wonderland!

 

[Lagonda]

Can tell us the system you use? I looks like wonderland!

Yes Fransisco it is almost magic
I originally had hardwired Phast controllers 20 years ago, but the remote was big
and needed charging often, and installing wires in the walls was a bitch.
The one i am using now hooks up to your Wifi, and can be controlled from anywhere. It will learn almost any remote IR or RF i even stop and start my furnace remotely, and if you don’t have it, the thermostats from Danish Danfoss
will let you control heating in individual rooms in your whole house from your smartphone. Here is a link to a vendor on eBay selling the remote system i use
please research some more, there might be a new model out, as i purchased
mine 4 years ago. If you have any questions just pm me, as this is out of
the scope of this thread. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Broadlink-...hash=item34192b2f98:m:m4zpqRIOzqXTOLTmdk52tJA

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

View attachment 59810

I have been listening and comparing both great preamps for more than a month with great enthusiasm. My front end is a vintage Forsell Air Reference CDT, LDM server, Lampizator Pacific Balance, Atma-sphere MA-1 and Audiokinesis Azel Tower.

The Aesthetix Eclipse comes with dual power supplies (optional) and remote control (optional). Atma-sphere MP-1 comes with all the optional packages like, volume control, V-Cap for Linestage and throughout, caddock resistor package, phono, low output MC, damping package. The only option excluded was the caddock for the volume control.

Advantage of Aesthetix: this is suitable for tube rolling freak. It needs a total of 24 tubes to function. Each PS has 2 x EL34 and 6 x 12ax7. The Linestage itself has 2 x 6sn7, 2 x 12ax7, 4 x 6922.
Sudden loss of power / blackout won't post any harm to the whole systems. I lost count on the tube rolling with this preamp.
Not so sensitive against microphonic tubes, at least from my personal observation.
Looks more appealing in my taste, though this is truly my subjective views.

Disadvantage of Aesthetix: takes up more shelves space, more power cords. There are a total of 4 boxes, 2 power supply (the standard version is single PS), the linestage itself and the smaller box for motor controller of the volume control.
Very heavy and need two guys to carefully place them on the shelves, to be safer.
Tube replacement would be costly judging from the number of tubes used.
Need to purchase another phono stage in case that I will delve into analog.
Never ever unplug the umbilical cord on the Linestage immediately after power off. It will take about 20 minutes of more before you can unplug the umbilical cords otherwise, the whole unit needs to be shipped back to factory for repair.

Advantage of Atma-sphere: simpler designs. You need 6 x 6sn7 and 10 x 12at7 (for the phono section).
Though it's physically wider but in overall, it's smaller and lighter. So one man can easily move it into position.
Only one PC is needed to power up the PS and unit already come with its single dedicated umbilical power cord.
Optional feature includes the phono stage which is still affordable.

Disadvantage of Atma-sphere: this is more sensitive towards the tube quality. Once you have a microphonic tube, when turning the volume up and down, the noise will come out from the speaker.
Tried rolling 6 x 6sn7 NOS tubes and finally, I returned to its standard Chinese tubes for better result.
During start up, the instruction is clear, never ever turn on the amp before the DC offset LED disappeared. Though never happen, I'm quite worried about unexpected blackout where my amp will automatically up when power is on but the preamp is still neutralizing its DC offset. Knock on wood what would happen if such possible scenario takes place.

Characteristic of Aesthetix: more relax, deeper sound stage, with multiple layers behind the front wall. Better bass slam and almost SS like type of sound.
Characteristic of Atma-sphere: crazy dynamic and very explosive attack, bass is solid yet not as deep as the rival. Master of pin point. Lush vocal without veils or whatever you call it. Sounds more direct and slightly forward on certain tracks.

Similarity of both : both are holographic and musical. Both presents the detailed yet liquid sound. Throw in any kind of music genre, they will do their job well.

Verdict: both are pleasant to listen to even for a very long listening session. I could listen to my systems for more than 6 hours straight. Aesthetix is almost SS like in terms of slam and bottom end while Atma-sphere is more tube like sound with sufficient LF. I can't decide which is better because I love them both.

Yes, excellent write up.

I would echo much the same from spending several years with both (together), but nearly two decades ago. I can only imagine that the two in their modern incarnations are truly spectacular beyond what we experienced then. For reference, we were listening to a three box Callisto and MP1 with the first (as I know it) three box Io on Classic Audio TAD T3’s powered by Ralph’s M60’s or later my MA1 Silver Editions and many different tt’s and carts. These were fully loaded with valves hand selected by Andy at VTS. It was an amazing experience and ruined my ears from expecting anything less.

I feel I understand your conundrum. Enjoy!

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

So ferrox, we (I) would love to hear a follow up, what happened? What have you concluded?

 

[ferrox]

So ferrox, we (I) would love to hear a follow up, what happened? What have you concluded?

I have acquired a new phono stage, the LKV Veros One with the latest module from Bill. It is dead silent and a wonderful phono. Right now, I am playing vinyl with this phono and let the MP-1's phono at rest first. MP-1 is very picky when comes to tube selection especially for the phono function.

 

[Atmasphere]

MP-1 is very picky when comes to tube selection especially for the phono function.

It is. Getting low noise from an all-tube phono section with a LOMC cartridge requires quiet tubes! With any high performance tube equipment you do have to hand pick the tubes.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

So ferrox, we (I) would love to hear a follow up, what happened? What have you concluded?

MP-1 is a lot pickier than the MP-3 on Tube noise.

MP-3 is a lot more forgiving, MP-1 Demands very quiet tubes.