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MP 3se
Instruction Manual
Pure Valve Single Ended 5 watt
Hi Fi and Headphone Amplifier
A Simple No Compromise High End Pure Valve Amplifier
The MP 3 Story:
For a long time we have wanted to create a simple
low cost, high quality all valve amplifier that
would serve as either an introduction to the joys
of a pure valve amplifier or as a secondary
amplifier for those needing lower lever sound in
another room. The bedroom or study for example.
Using our experience gained in the production of
the ST20SE and HP8SE we decided to use the
chassis and overall layout of the HP8
The conventional way to provide a headphone
output on an amplifier is to drop the power
through a resistor. This has a big problem that it
provides very high source impedance (rather like
a weak battery) the effect of this is to give very
“Low FI” results. Ideally headphones should be
driven from small high quality amplifiers. Many
headphone amplifiers use small “microchip”
amps which although are a better solution still do
not provide ideal matching to the wide range of
headphones available.
The first stage gain uses the excellent ECC83 for
voltage gain. The 2
nd
half is used as a cathode
follower, an excellent way of buffering the ECC83 to
the EL84 output valve. This wonderful valve has
exceptional detail and fluidity. Its smoothness
complements the superb EL84 (small version of the
EL34 probably the most popular of output HI FI
valves). This combination will give you a simply
stunning insight into inner detail of your favourite
recordings whether Analogue or digital.
We have also provided speaker terminals on the rear
to further increase the versatility. Although 5+5w
(RMS) does sound much it can give surprisingly good
results in an office or bedroom environment where
high sound levels are not required. Indeed, used with
medium to high efficiency speakers.
Like our other amplifiers, close attention has been
paid to the finish of the MP 3
. It uses the same “Bullet
Proof”* build (*Hi Fi News/Hi Fi Choice) as our other
amplifiers with a combination of anodised alloy plate,
stainless and painted steel. We do not use “tin and
plastic”!
For space saving we have used the same
“lengthways” chassis as our phono pre-amp so it will
fit nicely alongside your existing equipment, with the
connections on the rear, and headphone socket at the
front.
The MP 3 is very versatile. It may used in several
ways:
1, As a small hi fi amplifier from any normal line input
e.g.
CD/DAC/Tuner
etc
using
speakers
of
headphones.
2, Connect direct from your phones earphone socket
in the deadicated 3.5mm input.
3, As a headphone amplifier connect to the output of
your hi fi system.
