RightDeaf

Nice write-up Canuck. This echoes much of my experience as well. I've had the MP-301 for over a year now, and continue to enjoy it's lively sound. Right now, it is utilized in a bedroom system connected to an Arcam MCD cd player, Morrow cables, and Klipsch Forte I speakers. Wonderful way to fall asleep. I couldn't resist trying the Shuguang KT-88 tubes found for a good deal on eBay. Full soundstage, very good bass, and clarity. Tube rolling is part of the fun in owning this little amp.

Dudeisms, we haven't heard from you lately. How are those Cornwalls doing?

Impressive! Did you stay with the stock 6L6 power tubes?

Early impressions of Musical Paradise MP301 Mk3: Right off, the MP301 was well packed, double boxed, tubes packed in a foam surround. The power tubes were 6L6 Chinese generic, and the preamp tubes were Chinese Shuguang branded. What immediately surprised me was that my Cornwalls got loud with just a slight twist of the volume control, and that's in a rather large room with 12' ceilings. Vinyl sounded especially smooth and pleasant through my Black Cube phono preamp. Some of my CD's had a hint of harshness. First thing I did was replace the Chinese preamp tubes with some vintage NOS RCA black 6SJ7's. I decided to try the reissue Mullard EL34 power tubes to replace the Chinese 6L6's. This improved the treble on CD's; however, I needed more smoothness and warmth. After spending gobs of time reading reviews and forums, I decided to go with the Russian Tung-Sol 7581A power tubes which took this amp to where I wanted to be sound wise. Smooth midrange and bass with clean, clear highs. This is a fun little amp which I expect will only get better with time.

My MP-301 is on the way. Will write my impressions once I listen for a while. Regards.

Muchas Gracious! John, you've helped me make a decision to go for the MP-301 MK3. At one time Emotiva was discussing a budget tube amp; however, they have apparently dropped that idea and decided to stay with SS. I have owned two of their CDP's, and they were excellent. Thanks for suggestions on tube choices. Bill (RightDeaf)

Stainz, your technical background, education, and experience are very much appreciated. Like you, I'm in the boomer age bracket, but with a non-technical background. I still have decent hearing, have to deal with high frequency loss, but hanging in there. Audio has been an off and on hobby since the mid 70's. As of this moment, I have a restored Marantz 2270 receiver hooked up to Forte 1 speakers and an Arcam FMJ A-19 amp hooked up to some Cornwall II's. Do vinyl with a Thorens 125 turntable and Shure V-15 III. Do CD's with an Arcam CD player. In the last couple of years, the tube bug has bitten me a time or two. The H.H. Scott LK72 tube amp was nice, and the Jolida 1701BRC hybrid amp was pretty good too. Sold both of them, but still dreaming about having one of those little SET tube amps that so many Klipsch owners are talking about. Your last post of the Musical Paradise MP-301 Mk 3 deluxe was quite positive. Are you still impressed with this amp over the SS amps you had previously? I'm on the balance beam about purchasing the Musical Paradise and would really value what you are hearing that makes it better or different than your previous amps. Many thanks. Bill (RightDeaf)