[Dsaldivar]

Hello everyone!
I hope all of you are safe and doing well.
Anyone here owns a MP amplifier?
I have a  MP 401 MK2, it has just one KT120 per channel (25 w/c) and let me tell you right now is driving a a pair of JBL 580 speakers in a 12 by 13 feet room and the system sounds just right. Not bad for $360 (I bought it used)
I’m curios about the MP 501MKV, anyone has this amp?
Thanks,
Dan

[Rocket_Ronny]

I do. Can not say much as it’s new to me and speakers are under going development. I can say it’s very dimensional, musical, and seems to be a good buy depending on your speakers.

Rocket Ronny

[FireGuy]

Own their MP301-MK2.  Runs with Omega Super 5's.  Love the pairing.  Cost to performance with MP is exceptional.

[Dsaldivar]

Rocket-Ronny,
Have you tried connecting a preamp to the MP501MKV? That would be interesting to compare if there is an improvement in power output and better sonic details. Did you tube rolling to KT150's and 6SJ7's?
I'm in the process of putting together a pair of Lii15 open baffle speakers with a sensitivity of 97db, I guess 55 watts will be ok.

FireGuy,
I had the same system as yours but some how did not work for me and moved way from Omega speakers.

Thanks,
Dan

[Rocket_Ronny]

No, I have not tried a preamp on the 501 or tube rolled. I have only about 4 hours on it in my room. It was a used unit.

Here are a couple sound samples of the 501 in my rig.

https://youtu.be/zUxOBPcw5uY    To fast track go to 1:22

https://youtu.be/KdBHXtTEFq0

I should mention that the 501 is only playing from 400 hz up. Here is a system explanation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqzB6JkDBA8


Rocket Ronny

[Dsaldivar]

Rocket,
those red tubes are RCA 5693, these are the best tubes for this amplifier.
Nice system!
Dan

[FireGuy]

FireGuy,
I had the same system as yours but some how did not work for me and moved way from Omega speakers.

Thanks,
Dan

I won't move away from Omega even if all I have are SS amps.  Sorry to hear your situation did not work out.   Strange how these things can work out in audio.

[FullRangeMan]

KT120 per channel (25 w/c)
This is a lot of power for one KT120, do it is UL?
Have never see 25W with one KT120.

[Dsaldivar]

FullRangeMan ,
You’re right is not 25 W/C, it is 24 W/C.
https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=66&product_id=69
Dan

[FullRangeMan]

24...
They say:
Highlights
1. Single ended class A (triode mode)
I really very interested to know how many hours the output tube will last.

[Rocket_Ronny]

those red tubes are RCA 5693, these are the best tubes for this amplifier.

You have a good eye, yes, those are the input tubes. I understand it's a great tube. How do you know it's the best tube for the 501? The system is the best I have owned thus far. Even being a too small room. Been through a few by now.

"Fullranger" the 501 has two kt120s per channel, parallel, single ended for the claimed 55 w/c.

Rocket Ronny

[Dsaldivar]

Rocket,
according to Garry from MP, 6SJ7 sound better than the regular 6J8P.  The 5693 tube is a better tube than the 6SJ7 and apparently they last for about 10,00 hours.
Dan

[Rocket_Ronny]

Thanks for that. 

Oh, KT 120s should last 2000 hours in the 501.

Rocket Ronny

[NoDisco]

I have the MP501. I was reluctant to buy it. Boy was I wrong. I use it or Manley snappers. I use omega sams or Vienna acoustic Bach. The MP501 is slightly warmer and less powerful than the manleys. I love it. It’s a tank of an amp. I had no idea how big it was until I got it home. It works well with both sets of speakers and the different speaker output taps do make a difference based on your speakers impedance. I don’t really need the extra power, and on some music, I enjoy it more than the manleys. Yes it’s that good. If I had bought this first many years ago, i would have never ever gotten upgradeitis.

I do have SS too, the omegas work well with them. I usually use them in the summer. Not this year. Well maybe later.

I have used a woo WA22 as a pre amp for manleys and this amp. It helps the manleys. The MP501...not so much. I was surprised. I run a bel canto dac straight into it.

It also comes packed extremely well.

It does have some weakness. Its damn cheap to own. That will put some people off. The other is, it’s not the most cosmetic amp in the world but I like it. The remote is also kinda cheap.

Many year ago I had an almarro 318 b. I missed it after I sold it. This is way better. Better bass, better midrange.

This amp has reduced my gearlust significantly. I can now save for my Tannoy ardens peacefully sans a few odds and ends from time to time.


YMMV and thanks for reading.

[bhschap]

I used to have the MP301 mk3.  It was a great value for an all-in-one purpose.  I wish it was a bit quieter, but it outperformed many others 2x its price.

[NoDisco]

The tubes he sends out aren’t the greatest. I have a few kt120s that glow a bit. I’ve had to swap them around too. They got kinda noisy when they were close to each other. I’ve also had some luck dialing the sound with...gasp...power cords. I actually use a higher gauge than I usually use with my power amps. It’s added some better bass control with the thinner cable. I don’t like subterranean bass anyways, so what I lose is no big loss.