Price Paid:  $750.00 from Used

Summary:
Very neutral sounding pre-amp. Does what is expected very well. Like the balanced inputs and outputs. Very good image and palpability. Nothing to fault.

Strengths:
As above

Weaknesses:
Would have like the digital display as part of unit as there is a lot of real estate available inside the unit.

Similar Products Used:
Classe Cap 150, Linn Wakonda, Linn Pretek, Naim 32.5

Price Paid:  $800.00 from internet

Summary:
the preamp is a problematic link in the audio chain. this preamplifier is very satisfying, has a balanced sound (not too bright, not too polite). very neutral. a factory option exists to upgrade the power supply, which may better the noise floor. i use it to control an old marantz model 8 (35-watt tube amp) and a conrad-johnson mf 2200, and it does fine with both, which in my experience is unusual (i would normally not expect to like the sound of solid driving tube). it's almost like a passive in its neutrality, although it is dynamic and in this not like a passive at all. the remote works well but i wish it had a volume indicator of some kind (i believe a digital read was an option). overall, it is an excellent preamp in my opinion.

my main system: pioneer dvd player as transport; msb 192hz o.s. converter, w/ power supply; xlo digital cable; muse model 3 preamp; linn axis t.t.; hovland interconnects; c-j mf 2200 power amp; straightwire rhapsody speaker cable; velodyne sub; dynaudio contour 1.3 speakers, sand-filled sanus foundations stands, standesign penta rack.

Strengths:
transparency, neutrality, revealing

Weaknesses:
nothing significant

Similar Products Used:
audible illusions mod 3, b&k

Summary:
I would definitely recommend buying this preamp if you can find it used. I think it's a great preamp even for its full retail price $1,995 but it's a steal at $775.

Strengths:
Very smooth, open, sound. Great tight bass, smooth highs, great soundstage, very solid built, lots of cool features! One of the few hi-fi amps that can work in a home-theater setup. And it has a remote! :-)

Weaknesses:
Not enough inputs and outputs. Only comes with one set of balanced and RCA outs. Impossible to bi-amp unless you have somebody like Kimber custom make you a y-adapter.

Similar Products Used:
B&K MC101

Summary:
The Muse 3 is one great and supurbebly built pre-amp, period
Read my Muse 160 amp review for electronics etc. Find a dealer and let your ears judge, both pieces are very hard to find used. Enjoy the music, afrer 30 years I am

Strengths:
Makes beautiful music

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
VTL, AR, Krell, Classe

Summary:
This preamp is what the highend is all about a huge soundstage, excellent resolution, transparent and emotionally involving musical presentation. Every change that you make whether a cable swap or tweak is laid bare thru this preamp.I found myself pulling out old cd's to hear what I was missing in my old set up. The soundstage not only has width, but also heighth and depth to the point you feel you are part of the original performance. I am in the process of upgrading my patch cords and speaker cables, I heard this with budget cables so I am looking forward to getting my hands on my new interconnects and speaker cables(Silver Audio 4.5's and Audioquest Argent biwire!) If you are in the market for an active preamp check this baby out it even comes with an excellent remote.

My equipment:
Muse Model Three
McCormack DNA 0.5
Audio Alchemy 2.0 DTI and DDE 3.0
Marantz CD63
B&W CDM-1 passively bi-amped with sub
M&K MX-100
MIT T3 digital cable
AudioQuest Quartz x3
Harmonic Technology Truthlink- (excellent for the money)
Audioquest type 4
Black Diamond Racing Cones #3&4 under everything except speakers, tweak for the new mellenium! cheers

Strengths:
tremendous soundstaging,transparent,balanced I/O's and input sensitivity adjustment for all inputs.

Weaknesses:
still looking

Similar Products Used:
Adcom, Conrad Johnson